If you have a sweet tooth and love a quick, delightful treat with a luscious twist, this Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine golden, flaky pastry pockets bursting with creamy, rich hazelnut spread that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re serving these for a cozy weekend brunch, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a charming addition to your dessert spread, these bites are simpler to make than you might think and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient plays a starring role. From the buttery, tender dough that crisps to perfection, to the silky Nutella filling that adds that irresistible flavor, every component is essential. Here’s what you’ll gather before diving in:
- 1 cup salted butter, cold and cubed: Provides richness and helps create that flaky texture in the pastry dough.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure to your pastry bites.
- 6 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.
- 1 large egg yolk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Used both in the dough and as an egg wash for a golden finish.
- 1 cup Nutella (hazelnut cream): The star filling that delivers creamy, chocolaty goodness.
- 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar: For that delicate dusting that makes these bites even more irresistible.
- 1-2 tablespoons water or milk: Mixed with egg to create the perfect egg wash for a beautiful glaze.
How to Make Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe
Step 1: Create the Pastry Dough
Start by pulsing together the flour, sugar, salt, cold butter, egg yolk, and one egg in a food processor. You’ll want to mix just until the dough begins to come together; this keeps your pastry tender without overdeveloping the gluten. Once it looks like clumps of dough, turn it out onto a floured surface and gently knead it into a smooth ball. Easy does it—overworking will toughen the crust.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap your dough ball tightly in plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chill time firms it up, making rolling and cutting much easier while preserving that luscious flakiness once baked.
Step 3: Prepare the Nutella Filling
While the dough chills, scoop teaspoon-sized dollops of Nutella onto a parchment-lined tray. Freeze these for 20 to 30 minutes so the filling is firmer and easier to handle when assembling your pastry bites. This little trick prevents Nutella from oozing all over the place during baking.
Step 4: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once your dough is chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 3 1/2-inch round cutter, punch out circles from the dough—these will be the base and tops of your little pastry pockets.
Step 5: Assemble Your Nutella Pastry Bites
Place each frozen Nutella scoop in the center of a dough circle. Then, take another circle, create small slits with a knife (this vent prevents steam buildup during baking), and place it atop the Nutella-filled circle. Press the edges with a fork to seal those pockets tight, ensuring your ooey-gooey filling stays put.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Whisk together the remaining egg and water or milk to form an egg wash. Gently brush this over the tops of your pastry bites for a gorgeous golden sheen after baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re puffed, golden, and begging to be eaten.
Step 7: Finish with a Touch of Sweetness
Let the Nutella pastry bites cool slightly, then dust them with powdered sugar if you like. This final touch adds a pretty, delicate sweetness and makes them perfect for sharing or savoring solo.
How to Serve Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar elevates these bites beautifully, but you can also sprinkle crushed toasted hazelnuts or drizzle a little extra Nutella on top for a decadent finish. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint lend a lovely pop of color and freshness, making these treats look as delightful as they taste.
Side Dishes
Nutella Pastry Bites pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, especially if you’re serving them as dessert. For more balanced indulgence, serve alongside a fruit salad or a fresh cup of coffee or tea—the perfect way to round out a cozy snack or sweet breakfast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party platter, arrange your Nutella pastry bites on a tiered cake stand with fresh fruit or nuts sprinkled around. Alternatively, serve them warm in individual mini baskets lined with a colorful napkin for a charming homemade gift idea or brunch centerpiece that will steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (unlikely, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the pastry crisp yet tender. If your kitchen is warm, the refrigerator is a safer bet but be aware the texture might become a bit softer.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled Nutella pastry bites by placing them on a tray lined with parchment paper and then transferring to a resealable freezer bag once solid. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, pop them directly into a preheated oven—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pastry bites in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 10 minutes to bring back their fresh-from-the-oven crispness and warm gooey center. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it tends to make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought puff pastry or pie dough can be a convenient and delicious shortcut. Just make sure to thaw it properly before rolling and assembling your bites for the best texture.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No worries! You can make the dough by hand using a pastry cutter or even two knives to cut the cold butter into the flour mixture. Just ensure the butter stays cold to achieve the flakiness that makes these pastry bites so delightful.
Can I substitute Nutella for another filling?
Of course! You can swap Nutella for other spreads like almond butter, peanut butter, or fruit preserves. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary, but the result will still be a tasty treat.
How do I prevent the pastries from leaking Nutella while baking?
Freezing the Nutella dollops before assembly is the key here. It prevents the filling from melting too quickly, helping the pastry hold its shape and keeping your baking sheet cleaner.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help make?
Definitely! Older kids will have a blast assembling the bites, especially pressing the edges and brushing the egg wash. Just supervise when handling the oven and sharp cutters to keep things safe and fun.
Final Thoughts
This Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe is a charming little treat that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat. It brings together buttery, flaky pastry with the irresistible indulgence of Nutella in a way that’s perfect for any occasion. So why not gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family to join in, and whip up a batch? These bites are sure to make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds very happy.
Print
Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Description
These Nutella Pastry Bites are delightful, flaky treats filled with creamy hazelnut spread. Made with a buttery pastry dough and a rich Nutella filling, they are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. The pastries are baked until golden and dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Filling & Finishing:
- 1 cup Nutella (hazelnut cream)
- 1–2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the 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 whole egg. Continue pulsing until the mixture just comes together and forms a dough.
- Gently knead: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently to bring it into a smooth ball. Avoid overworking to keep the pastry tender.
- Refrigerate the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to roll out.
- Prepare the Nutella filling: While the dough chills, scoop the Nutella into small tablespoon-sized portions onto parchment paper and freeze for 20-30 minutes until firm for easier handling.
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut dough circles: Use a 3 1/2-inch round cutter or glass to cut circles from the dough.
- Assemble the bites: Place one frozen Nutella scoop in the center of each dough circle.
- Top with slitted dough: Take another dough circle, make small slits to vent steam, and place it on top of the Nutella. Press edges with a fork to seal.
- Apply egg wash: Whisk together the egg and water or milk, then brush the top of each pastry for a shiny golden finish.
- Bake: Bake the pastries for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and finish: Let the pastries cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Freezing the Nutella scoops prevents the filling from melting too quickly during baking.
- Be careful not to overwork the dough to ensure a flaky texture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- You can substitute milk with water in the egg wash if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; best enjoyed within 2 days.
