Introduction

This Nutella Puff Pastry Snowflake is a stunning and delicious treat that’s perfect for sharing. With crisp, flaky layers and a rich chocolate-hazelnut filling, it’s both impressive and easy to make. Ideal for a festive snack or a special dessert.

The image shows a golden-brown twisted pastry shaped like a flower with multiple layers. The pastry has a core star-shaped center with eight pairs of twisted petals radiating outwards. Each petal alternates between dark brown cinnamon filling and a shiny golden flaky dough, creating a striped effect. The pastry sits on crinkled white parchment paper that rests on a white marbled surface. Around the pastry, there are some dried orange slices and some red berries on a branch, with a soft red cloth nearby. Small warm fairy lights add a cozy feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 sheets puff pastry (640g total)
350 g Nutella
1 egg
Icing sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200ºC (392ºF, gas mark 6).
Step 2: Unroll the two sheets of puff pastry on a clean surface.
Step 3: Using a plate about the width of the puff pastry, cut a circle from one end of the first sheet. Save the offcut pieces.
Step 4: Repeat with the second puff pastry sheet to cut a second circle and keep the offcuts.
Step 5: Press the offcuts from both sheets together gently to create enough dough for a third circle and cut it out.
Step 6: Place a piece of baking parchment on a baking tray, then put the first puff pastry circle on it with the seam side down.
Step 7: Spread a gentle layer of Nutella over the first circle, being careful not to tear the pastry.
Step 8: Lay the second puff pastry circle on top and spread another layer of Nutella.
Step 9: Place the third puff pastry circle on top, forming three layers with Nutella in between.
Step 10: Use a small bowl to outline a circle in the center of the top layer; this will mark how far to cut without going too far in.
Step 11: Cut the large circle into four equal quarters, then cut each quarter in half to make eight pieces, and then each piece in half again for a total of 16 pieces.
Step 12: Take two pieces, one in each hand. Twist the left piece anticlockwise and the right piece clockwise about three times to create a layered spiral pattern on top.
Step 13: Repeat the twisting with all pairs until the entire snowflake shape is formed.
Step 14: Beat the egg and brush it over the entire snowflake to ensure a golden, shiny finish.
Step 15: Bake for 20 to 26 minutes until the pastry is golden brown. Oven times vary, so watch closely towards the end.

Tips & Variations

For an extra festive touch, dust the cooled snowflake with icing sugar before serving.
You can substitute Nutella with any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even a mix of jam and cream cheese for a different flavor.
To make cutting easier, chill the assembled pastry for 10 minutes before slicing.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best results, gently reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving to refresh the flaky texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a baked pastry shaped like a star with many layers twisted around the center; the outer layers have a golden-brown flaky crust with darker brown cinnamon swirls, giving a striped look on each twisted segment, and the center has a bright golden-yellow star-shaped piece with a shiny, glazed finish. The pastry shows at least three distinct twisted layers with the cinnamon filling visible between the layers. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works great if you have the time to prepare it. Just ensure it is rolled out evenly and chilled before assembling.

What if my puff pastry tears when spreading Nutella?

Spread the Nutella gently and avoid applying too much pressure. You can use a small offset spatula for better control. If tears happen, simply patch them with extra dough from offcuts.