Name: Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed 1/2 cup Nutella 1 egg, beaten Powdered sugar Mini candy canes Chocolate stars Small candies or sprinkles

Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is the kind of recipe that instantly fills your kitchen with warmth, joy, and that magical holiday feeling. The very first time I made this festive pastry, I remember how quickly it disappeared from the platter. Something about soft, flaky layers of golden puff pastry wrapped around creamy Nutella creates the perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, preparing a Christmas brunch, or simply craving something sweet with a cup of coffee on a chilly December morning, this recipe brings the spirit of the season right into your home.

This easy holiday dessert is not only delicious, but also incredibly fun to prepare. It looks charming and festive, yet requires only a handful of ingredients and very little time. That’s the beauty of holiday baking—sometimes the simplest ideas become the most unforgettable traditions. And this Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree has definitely become one of mine.

Festive Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree vertical

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are so many holiday desserts out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

• It’s unbelievably easy.
All you need is puff pastry and Nutella—no complicated steps, no special equipment.

• It looks stunning.
The Christmas tree shape makes it feel festive without requiring pro-level decorating skills.

• Perfect for parties.
Guests adore it because it’s interactive, shareable, and deliciously nostalgic.

• Kid-friendly.
Little hands love helping twist the branches and adding decorations.

• A quick last-minute dessert.
If unexpected guests arrive, you can whip this up in 20 minutes.

• Works for breakfast or dessert.
Warm pastry + chocolate? Always perfect.

This is truly the kind of recipe that makes holiday baking feel effortless yet magical.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

Here’s everything you need to make your Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree:

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
½ cup Nutella (or any chocolate hazelnut spread)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Mini candy canes, for decoration
Chocolate stars or sprinkles
Small candies or edible pearls (optional)

Just a few ingredients, yet full holiday charm.

How to Make Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Making this Christmas tree pastry is simple, fun, and very beginner-friendly. Here’s a friendly step-by-step guide with tips and cues:

1. Prepare the pastry layers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the first puff pastry sheet on the tray and gently spread the Nutella evenly across the surface. Warm the Nutella slightly if needed to make spreading easier and smoother.

2. Cover with the second sheet

Lay the second puff pastry sheet directly on top of the Nutella layer. Press gently so the layers stick together without sliding.

3. Cut out the Christmas tree shape

Using a sharp knife, trim the pastry into a large triangular tree shape with a trunk at the bottom. Save the excess pastry—you can bake it separately as mini twists!

4. Create the branches

Cut horizontal lines on both sides of the triangle, leaving the center intact. These strips will become the “branches” of your Christmas tree.

5. Twist the branches

Take each strip and twist it 2–3 times, creating beautiful spiral branches. Some may twist tighter than others—this only adds character!

6. Brush with egg wash

Lightly brush the pastry with beaten egg. This step gives the tree a perfect golden glow.

7. Bake until puffed and golden

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully puffed, flaky, and golden brown.

8. Decorate with holiday cheer

Dust with powdered sugar and decorate with small candies, chocolate stars, or mini candy canes. Your Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is ready to shine!

How to Serve Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

This festive dessert is incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Serve warm during Christmas brunch with hot cocoa or coffee.
Place it as the centerpiece on your holiday dessert table.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a magical flavor contrast.
Add fresh berries or sliced strawberries on the side.
Serve with a warm chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence.

Its pull-apart style makes it perfect for sharing.

How to Store Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

To keep your pastry fresh:

Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat:
Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes. This restores crispiness.

Freeze (before baking):
Assemble the tree, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag.
Bake from frozen—just add 5–7 extra minutes.

Tips to Make the Best Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Warm Nutella slightly for easier spreading.
Always thaw puff pastry properly—cold but pliable.
Don’t skip the egg wash for golden shine.
Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
Add crushed hazelnuts or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Bake on parchment to avoid sticking.

Helpful Notes for This Recipe

Store-bought puff pastry works perfectly.
You can substitute Nutella with chocolate spread, cookie butter, or jam.
For a savory version, use pesto or cheese.
Kids love helping twist the branches!
This recipe doubles easily for big gatherings.

Variations

Here are some fun ways to adapt your holiday tree:

• Raspberry Christmas Tree
Use raspberry jam instead of Nutella.

• Cinnamon Sugar Tree
Brush with butter + cinnamon sugar before twisting.

• Pesto & Cheese Tree
A savory version for holiday appetizers.

• White Chocolate Tree
Spread melted white chocolate for a snowy effect.

FAQs

1. Can I make this Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is very make-ahead friendly, which is perfect during the busy holiday season. You can fully assemble the tree — spread the Nutella, add the top layer of puff pastry, shape the Christmas tree, slice the branches, and twist them — then place the tray in the refrigerator. It will keep well for a few hours, or even overnight if wrapped tightly. When you’re ready to serve it, simply brush with egg wash and bake it fresh. Preparing it ahead saves time and reduces stress, especially if you’re hosting guests or cooking multiple dishes on the same day.

2. Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?

Yes, you certainly can! Homemade puff pastry gives a beautiful flavor and texture, but it does take more time and skill to prepare. Store-bought puff pastry, on the other hand, offers convenience without sacrificing flakiness or taste — and that’s why many home cooks (including me!) love using it, especially during the holidays. If you do choose homemade puff pastry, just make sure it stays cold before shaping the tree, as cold dough puffs and layers much better in the oven.

3. How do I prevent the pastry from sticking to the baking sheet?

The easiest way is to line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Puff pastry tends to release butter during baking, and parchment prevents the bottom from sticking or burning. It also makes it easy to transfer the baked Christmas tree to a serving platter. If you don’t have parchment, you can lightly grease the pan, but parchment is definitely the safest option. Also, avoid over-twisting the branches — too many twists can cause the dough to tear and leak, which may make it stick.

Conclusion

This Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition waiting to happen. With its flaky layers, rich Nutella filling, and festive charm, it brings warmth and joy to any holiday gathering. If you’re looking for an easy holiday dessert that impresses without stress, this Christmas tree pastry is the perfect treat to share with family and friends. I hope it brings as much delight to your home as it does to mine.

Try it this season, and don’t forget to let me know how your Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree turns out!