If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things chocolatey, the Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. This delightful treat combines buttery, flaky pastry with a luscious hazelnut cream center that oozes with every bite. It’s the perfect marriage of simple ingredients and elegant flavors, creating morsels that taste like they came from a cozy European bakery. Whether you’re serving these at a casual brunch or a special gathering, they bring warmth and joy in the most delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating irresistible Nutella Pastry Bites. These simple essentials give you that wonderful balance of tender, crispy pastry and smooth, rich filling that makes this recipe shine.
- Salted butter, cold and cubed: Makes the dough rich and flaky when properly chilled and incorporated.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect tender crumb for the pastry.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that enhances the hazelnut filling without overpowering it.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
- Egg yolk and whole egg: Help bind the dough and create a lovely golden color when baked.
- Nutella (hazelnut cream): The star ingredient, bringing creamy, chocolate-hazelnut goodness to every bite.
- Powdered sugar: For a light, elegant dusting to finish your pastries.
- Egg and water or milk for egg wash: Ensure a beautiful, glossy golden top that makes these pastry bites irresistible.
How to Make Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe
Step 1: Make the dough
Start by combining the cold, cubed butter with flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Pulse in the egg yolk and whole egg until the mixture just comes together to form a dough. This gentle process prevents overworking, which is key for a tender pastry.
Step 2: Knead the dough
Lightly flour your surface and knead the dough just until it forms a smooth ball. Handle it with care to keep the texture delicate, setting the stage for flaky bites.
Step 3: Chill the dough
Wrap your dough in plastic and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Cooling the dough relaxes the gluten and firms up the butter, making it easier to roll out and shape later.
Step 4: Prepare the Nutella filling
While the dough chills, spoon small teaspoons of Nutella onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze these scoops for 20 to 30 minutes. Freezing ensures the filling doesn’t spread out during baking, keeping your bites perfectly neat.
Step 5: Roll out the dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to a thin 1/8-inch thickness, which will bake up to a tender, golden crust that isn’t heavy or doughy.
Step 6: Cut and assemble the pastry bites
Cut rounds about 3 1/2 inches wide using a cutter or glass. Place a frozen dollop of Nutella on each dough circle. Then, take another dough circle, cut small slits for steam to escape, and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal, creating a pocket ready for baking.
Step 7: Egg wash and bake
Mix the egg with water or milk and brush this over the tops to achieve a shiny, golden finish. Bake the pastries for 20 to 25 minutes, until puffed and beautifully browned—your kitchen will start smelling heavenly at this point!
Step 8: Cool and finish
Once baked, allow the pastry bites to cool just enough to handle, then lightly dust with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a pretty presentation.
How to Serve Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar is a classic choice, but you can also sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts or drizzle with extra Nutella for a decadent twist. Fresh berries on the side add a bright contrast that elevates the flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a cup of rich espresso or steaming hot cocoa for a cozy treat. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the warm, chocolatey center perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Place the Nutella pastry bites on a beautiful platter lined with parchment and scatter edible flowers or mint leaves around for a charming display. Stack them in tiers on a cake stand for a party-ready look that invites guests to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pastry bites—which is rare!—store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the pastry tender without drying out the filling.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unbaked, assembled bites on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to one month. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This revives the crispness of the pastry while warming the Nutella for that gooey, irresistible center.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought puff pastry instead of making the dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry can be a convenient shortcut and will nicely deliver that flaky texture. Just make sure to keep the dough cold and handle it gently when assembling with the Nutella filling.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No worries! You can make the dough by hand using a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the flour and sugar, then add the eggs and work it quickly into a dough. It just takes a bit more elbow grease.
Can I substitute Nutella with another filling?
Definitely. This recipe is versatile—try almond butter, peanut butter, or even fruit preserves for a unique twist, but Nutella’s signature flavor is hard to beat for that classic taste everyone loves.
Why do I need to freeze the Nutella scoops?
Freezing the Nutella scoops helps them hold their shape during baking, preventing the filling from leaking out and ensuring each pastry bite looks beautiful and is mess-free.
How do I make sure the pastry is fully cooked?
The pastry will be golden and puffed up when fully cooked. Keep an eye during the last few minutes of baking and avoid opening the oven too often, as this can reduce the oven temperature and affect rising.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe enough if you’re craving a dessert that’s as charming to make as it is to eat. The blend of buttery crust with gooey, sweet Nutella feels like a warm hug, making every occasion just a little sweeter. Treat yourself to these bites of happiness—you’ll be so glad you did.
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Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 pastry bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Description
Delightful Nutella Pastry Bites featuring a buttery, flaky pastry dough filled with creamy Nutella. These bite-sized treats are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, baked to golden perfection and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
Ingredients
Pastry Dough
- 1 cup salted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 large egg
Filling & Finishing
- 1 cup Nutella (hazelnut cream)
- 1–2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1–2 tablespoons water or milk
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, and salt with the cold butter, egg yolk, and egg. Continue pulsing until the mixture just comes together and forms a dough.
- Knead the dough: Gently knead the dough on a lightly floured surface to bring it into a smooth ball, being careful not to overwork it to maintain a tender texture.
- Refrigerate the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and become easier to roll out.
- Prepare Nutella filling: While chilling the dough, scoop small teaspoons of Nutella onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 20-30 minutes until firm for easier handling.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough: Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut dough circles: Use a 3 1/2-inch round cutter or a glass to cut circles from the rolled dough.
- Assemble pastry bites: Place one frozen scoop of Nutella in the center of each dough circle.
- Top and seal: Take another dough circle, cut small slits for steam release, place it over the Nutella, and gently press edges with a fork to seal securely.
- Apply egg wash: Whisk together the egg and water or milk, then brush the tops of pastries for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Finish and serve: Allow to cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Freezing the Nutella scoops helps prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Slitting the top dough circle allows steam to escape, preventing sogginess.
- Use cold butter and avoid overworking the dough to achieve a flaky pastry.
- Pastry bites can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat briefly before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan chocolate spread.
