Puff Pastry Nutella Twists

Hi, I’m Lina, I’m 33 and living in the United States. My love for cooking started in the most natural way—by spending time in the kitchen with my grandmother. Tonight, I was watching a cozy YouTube video, the kind where the chef’s calm voice fills the quiet of the room. As butter melted and sizzled softly in the pan, that sound took me back to my grandmother’s kitchen—the gentle stirring, the faint scent of vanilla, the warmth that lingered even after the oven cooled. Cooking suddenly felt peaceful again, like home. Follow along and tell me how it goes — I promise, it’s simpler than it looks.

Why You’ll Love This Puff Pastry Nutella Twists

This recipe is pure simplicity with luxurious results. It’s easy, forgiving, and looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting brunch or craving a midnight snack, these Nutella-filled pastries satisfy every occasion.
They’re family-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and delightfully customizable—twist them into any shape, sprinkle powdered sugar, or even drizzle with extra Nutella. One bite, and you’ll see why they’ve become a staple in so many kitchens.

Ingredients Detailed

Puff pastry (10 oz): Buttery, flaky layers that bake up crisp and golden.
Nutella (1 cup): The star of the show—smooth, chocolatey, and perfectly sweet.
Whisked egg (optional): For that glossy, bakery-style finish on top.

Directions (Step-by-Step Cooking Guide)

1. Preheat your oven to 415°F so it’s ready when you are. Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface—just enough to smooth the creases. You’ll feel the soft, buttery layers beneath your rolling pin.
2. Warm the Nutella slightly in the microwave (about 15 seconds) until it spreads like silk. Cut the puff pastry in half and generously spread Nutella on one side, going all the way to the edges for full flavor.
3. Seal and slice. Lay the second pastry half over the Nutella layer and press gently. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 1½-inch wide strips—each one a future golden twist.
4. Twist with care. Pick up each strip and gently twist the ends in opposite directions. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space so they can puff beautifully.
5. Brush for shine. If you’d like that glossy golden top, brush each twist with a whisked egg. It’s optional, but it gives them that irresistible bakery look.
6. Bake to perfection. Slide your tray into the oven and bake until the twists are puffed and deep golden brown. The kitchen will fill with the dreamy scent of chocolate and pastry.
7. Cool and enjoy. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving—warm enough to melt in your mouth but not so hot that you burn your fingers sneaking a bite.

Cultural or Technique Note

These Puff Pastry Nutella Twists are a nod to European café culture—simple, elegant pastries that pair perfectly with a morning espresso or afternoon tea. The method is classic French in spirit, using puff pastry’s buttery layers to deliver a crisp, airy texture that’s timeless.

Serving Suggestions

With a dusting of powdered sugar
Alongside coffee or hot chocolate
Topped with a drizzle of melted Nutella
Paired with fresh berries or vanilla ice cream

Pro Tips for Success

Don’t skip warming the Nutella—it spreads smoother and prevents tearing the pastry.
Keep puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it; it bakes flakier that way.
Use a sharp knife for clean, even strips.
Let the twists cool slightly before serving to help them hold their shape.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a picture-perfect finish.
For a flavor twist, add orange zest or crushed nuts before baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling with Nutella: It’s tempting to add extra, but too much filling can ooze out during baking, leaving a sticky mess and uneven texture. A thin, even layer gives the perfect balance of flaky pastry and creamy filling.

Overbaking: Once your twists turn golden brown, they’re ready. Leaving them in too long can make the pastry dry or overly crisp. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes—each oven bakes differently.

Using warm pastry: Puff pastry should stay cold until baking. Warm dough becomes sticky and won’t puff properly, resulting in dense twists instead of those beautiful, airy layers.

Skipping the egg wash: While optional, the egg wash gives your twists that irresistible golden sheen and a slight crunch on top. It’s the final touch that makes them look bakery-perfect.

Crowding the pan: Puff pastry needs room to rise and crisp evenly. Space each twist apart on the baking sheet so air can circulate and every piece bakes up light, golden, and flaky.

Reheating incorrectly: Avoid microwaving leftover twists—it makes them soggy. Instead, reheat them in the oven at a low temperature to restore that fresh-baked crispness.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store your Nutella twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. If your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate them instead—just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezer: Freeze fully baked and cooled twists in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheat: To reheat, warm in the oven at low heat until crisp and fragrant again. Adding a small oven-safe dish of water helps prevent them from drying out. Avoid using the microwave—it will soften the pastry instead of reviving the flakiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use melted butter instead of an egg wash to brush the pastry?
Absolutely. Melted butter gives a lovely golden finish and adds a richer flavor. It won’t shine quite as much as egg wash, but it’s a perfect substitute if you prefer buttery depth.

Q2: Is phyllo dough the same as puff pastry?
Not at all. Phyllo dough is paper-thin and crisp when baked, while puff pastry is buttery, layered, and puffs dramatically in the oven. They behave differently in recipes, so it’s best not to swap them.

Q3: Is it safe to microwave Nutella?
: Yes! Just microwave it for 15–25 seconds to soften it. Stir afterward—it should be smooth and spreadable, not hot or runny. This makes it easier to apply evenly over your pastry without tearing the dough.

Q4: Should puff pastry pie filling be hot or cold?
: Always use cooled or room temperature fillings. Hot fillings can melt the butter layers inside the dough, preventing the pastry from puffing properly. Keeping everything cool ensures those flaky, golden layers stay intact.

Closing Paragraph

These Puff Pastry Nutella Twists are the ultimate quick dessert—simple to prepare, delightful to share, and dangerously delicious to keep around. Whether you make them for brunch, holidays, or just because, they’re guaranteed to bring a touch of sweetness to your day. Try customizing them with nuts, spices, or a dusting of sugar, and make them your own family favorite.

Final Thoughts

I still smile every time I pull a tray of these twists from the oven—the golden layers, that hazelnut aroma, the first flaky bite. They remind me that the simplest ingredients often bring the most joy. I hope they bring a little warmth to your kitchen, too.