Description

This Nutella Puff Pastry Snowflake is a visually stunning and delicious dessert made by layering Nutella and orange zest between two puff pastry rounds, then shaping it into a festive snowflake. Baked until golden and flaky, it’s perfect for holidays or special occasions, offering a delightful combination of rich chocolate-hazelnut spread and a hint of citrus zest.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

2 sheets puff pastry (thawed and cut into 9-inch rounds)

Filling

1/2 cup Nutella
Zest of 1 large orange

Finishing

1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Prepare Base Layer: Place the first puff pastry round on the lined baking sheet. Using an offset spatula, evenly spread Nutella over the surface, leaving a 1/4-inch rim around the edge uncovered. Sprinkle the orange zest evenly over the Nutella to add a fresh citrus flavor.
Top Layer & Seal: Gently place the second puff pastry round on top of the Nutella layer. Press down lightly to seal the edges together, making sure the filling stays inside.
Cut the Snowflake: Mark the center of the pastry stack. Using a pastry wheel or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 16 equal sections by first cutting into fourths, then each fourth into eighths, and finally each eighth into sixteenths. Leave about a half-inch circle uncut in the very center.
Shape Snowflake Arms: Take two adjacent sections and twist them away from each other three times, then pinch the ends together to form a pointed arm. Repeat this process for all sections to create 8 snowflake points.
Apply Egg Wash: Brush the entire surface of the shaped pastry lightly with the beaten egg. This will help the pastry achieve a golden brown and shiny finish when baked.
Bake: Place the snowflake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and fully puffed.
Cool & Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 20 minutes. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving to add a decorative snowy effect.

Notes

Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before working with it for easier handling.
If you don’t have an offset spatula, a butter knife or the back of a spoon can work for spreading Nutella.
For a sweeter finish, brush the edges with a little extra beaten egg to help with browning.
Be gentle when twisting the sections to avoid tearing the pastry.
Serve warm for gooey Nutella texture or at room temperature for easier slicing.
Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European

Keywords: Nutella snowflake, puff pastry dessert, holiday pastry, Nutella dessert recipe, orange zest dessert