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This simple Nutella puff pastry Christmas tree recipe transforms two sheets of puff pastry and a jar of hazelnut spread into a golden, flaky centerpiece. Roll the pastry, spread the chocolate, then twist the branches for that signature tree shape. A quick egg wash gives shine while a dusting of sugar adds a snowy finish. It’s simple to assemble, bakes up crisp and tender, and looks impressive without complicated steps. Serve it for brunch on Christmas morning or as your Christmas dessert.
Why You’ll Love It
Make a Nutella puff pastry Christmas tree with crisp layers, glossy branches and snowy sugar. Puff pastry, Nutella and a quick egg wash make a festive treat.
Easy assembly: You only need 4 ingredients to make this treat, and the prep time is short.
Showstopper look: Twisted branches bake into a defined tree you can decorate lightly.
Crisp, flaky texture: An egg wash and brief chilling help the layers puff.
Budget-friendly: Uses grocery store puff pastry and a single jar of spread.
More holiday party recipe ideas include Christmas tree cupcakes, reindeer Rolo pretzels, white Christmas punch, and a Polar Express dessert board.
Nutella Puff Pastry Tree Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Puff pastry sheets: Refrigerated sheets keep layers even and bake up flaky. I used the Jus-Rol brand for the puff pastry, but if you use frozen puff pastry sheets, allow them to thaw first.
Nutella: This chocolate hazelnut spread brings sweetness, sheen and rich flavor. You can stir your Nutella spread to soften it if it seems stiff. Don’t refrigerate it, otherwise it will be too stiff to spread.
Egg: Beaten for a glossy wash that boosts color and lift.
Powdered sugar: A light dusting for the snowy finish.
How to Make a Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Preheat the oven: Set up with a rack in the center and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Prepare the base: Roll the first sheet on parchment paper, so it’s smooth and even.
Spread the filling: Smooth a generous layer of Nutella over the sheet from trunk to tip.
Add the top layer: Roll the second sheet and place it neatly over the first.
Shape the tree: Cut a tall triangle with a small trunk at the base.
Cut branches: Slice even strips up each side, leaving the center intact.
Twist branches: Turn each strip once so ridges form along the edges.
Add stars: Cut stars from scraps, using a small star cookie cutter, and gently press them on the tree.
Add egg wash: Brush with egg, then chill briefly. Slide the puff pastry tree onto a prepared baking sheet.
Bake and finish: Bake until deep golden brown, then dust with powdered sugar.
Substitutions and Variations
Gluten-free swap: Use gluten-free puff pastry (here). Nutella is gluten-free but if using another chocolate spread brand, check the ingredients.
Homemade puff pastry: You can use homemade instead of store-bought puff pastry, as long as it’s well laminated and chilled so the layers puff properly.
Different fillings: Try chocolate bars such as Butterfinger bites, peanut butter or a thick cherry jam to make your Christmas tree pastry unique.
Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts, candied pecans or almonds before twisting. Or sprinkle coarse granulated sugar on top before baking.
Mini versions: Cut smaller trees for individual servings or create a wreath shape.
Serving Suggestions
With a festive drink: Pair your puff pastry chocolate Christmas tree with Grinch hot chocolate or a cranberry margarita.
With savory bites: Serve an Italian antipasto board or festive deviled eggs.
With other desserts: Cranberry pistachio wreath cookies and struffoli (sweet honeyed balls) are also ideal for the holidays.
How to Store
Store: Keep covered with plastic wrap or foil at room temperature up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing, as the Nutella might separate and the puff pastry quality will suffer.
Reheat: Warm it back up on a baking sheet at 325°F until the pastry crisps back up.
Top Tips
Keep it cold: Work quickly so the pastry stays firm and puffs well.
Score first: Lightly mark the outline before cutting for clean, even edges.
Use parchment: Build and bake on the same sheet to prevent stretching.
Trim smart: Save any excess puff pastry scraps for stars so nothing goes to waste.
Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree FAQs
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight, to bake the next day.
Use a sharp knife and steady pressure, and cut on parchment so the dough doesn’t snag.
They were cut too wide or handled warm. Chill the shaped tree briefly, then twist again.
Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Nutella Recipe
Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Equipment
- Rolling Pin Optional
- Silicon Baking Mat Optional
- Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter
Ingredients
- 2 Sheets puff pastry, refrigerated
- ⅔ Cup Nutella
- 1 egg, beaten
- powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Unroll the first sheet of puff pastry dough onto a piece of parchment or a silicon mat, using a rolling pin if needed to smooth creases or get it to an even thickness.
- Spread the Nutella evenly over the dough, using an offset spatula.
- Roll out your second sheet of puff pastry dough then carefully place it on top of the first Nutella-covered sheet.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the dough out into the shape of a Christmas tree (about 12 inches high).
- Take the knife and cut strips into the sides of the tree, going all the way up.
- Twist each strip once over.
- Use the scraps of your Nutella-filled dough to cut out stars using a cookie cutter.
- Place the stars on the tree.
- Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg.
- Chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or in the freezer for 5 (optional but recommended, to prevent spreading).
- Slide the parchment or baking mat onto a baking sheet.
- Bake on the center rack of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dough is fully cooked.
- Let it cool for 15 minutes then dust the top with powdered sugar and serve.
Notes
Score first: Lightly mark the outline before cutting for clean, even edges.
Use parchment: Build and bake on the same sheet to prevent stretching.
Trim smart: Save any excess puff pastry scraps for stars so nothing goes to waste.
Nutrition
A Nutella puff pastry Christmas tree gives you bakery style drama with minimal effort this holiday season. Twisted branches bake into crisp layers that flake cleanly and show off that rich chocolate sheen. The method is simple, the ingredients are easy to find and the results look crafted. Make the cuts neat, keep the dough cold and the finish turns out polished every time. Merry Christmas!
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
