Few desserts are as charming and irresistible as Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts. These adorable pastries are the perfect blend of flaky, buttery layers and creamy hazelnut-chocolate filling, wrapped into a lovable shape that’s guaranteed to make any occasion a little sweeter. Whether you whip them up for Valentine’s Day, a brunch, or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is one you’ll want to return to again and again for its sheer deliciousness and nearly effortless assembly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Nutella Filling:
- 1/2 cup Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Additional:
- powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F, ensuring it’s nice and hot to give your nutella puff pastry hearts maximum puff and golden color. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze—trust me, this simple step is a game changer!
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface, then gently roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet. This quick roll helps even out the dough and makes it a tad larger, so you can get as many hearts as possible. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to punch out matching pastry hearts—press straight down for clean edges, and gather any scraps to reroll if you need extra hearts.
Step 3: Add the Nutella Filling
Place half of the pastry hearts onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them an inch or so apart. Spoon about a teaspoon of Nutella onto the center of each base, keeping a small border clear around the edge—this ensures the chocolatey goodness stays neatly inside during baking. (Want a fruity kick? Slip a thin slice of strawberry on top of the Nutella before sealing!)
Step 4: Seal and Finish the Hearts
Top each prepared heart with a second piece of pastry, aligning the edges as neatly as you can. Use the tines of a fork to gently press and seal the edges all around, giving each heart a sweet, crimped effect that also locks in the filling. Next, create a simple egg wash by mixing your beaten egg with the tablespoon of water, then brush it lightly over the tops—the secret to that shiny, bakery-style finish!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your tray of Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts into the oven and let them bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch as they puff up and transform into golden, flaky perfection. Once they’re gorgeously browned and irresistible, remove them and let cool for a few minutes—you want them warm, not hot, so you don’t miss out on that decadent, molten center.
Step 6: Dust and Serve
Just before serving, shower your pastries with a veil of powdered sugar. This final touch is both beautiful and delicious, giving every bite just a bit more sweetness and style. Eat them while they’re still a little warm for the ultimate treat!
How to Serve Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is the classic finishing touch, but you can also sprinkle with a few chocolate shavings or drizzle gently with melted chocolate for dramatic flair. For a hint of color, add fresh berries or tiny mint leaves alongside your Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts—the contrast of bright fruit and flaky pastry looks just as good as it tastes!
Side Dishes
Pairing these pastries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream transforms them into a dreamy plated dessert. On the lighter side, a simple bowl of fresh sliced berries—especially strawberries or raspberries—balances the rich Nutella and gives you a gorgeous, café-worthy vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or brunch tables, arrange the pastries in a heart shape on a large platter, or thread cooled hearts onto skewers to make adorable pastry pops. If you’re feeling playful, tie each Nutella Puff Pastry Heart with a bit of red ribbon for an edible gift or party favor that’s bursting with charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), place cooled Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within a day to keep that signature crispness, but they’ll still be tasty for up to two days.
Freezing
These pastries freeze surprisingly well. Arrange cooled hearts in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. When a craving calls, just reach in and thaw what you need; they’ll keep their flavor and texture for about a month.
Reheating
To bring your Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts back to life, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and flaky again. Microwave reheating can make them soggy, so stick with the oven whenever possible for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will make these hearts even more special and buttery. Just make sure it’s chilled and rolled evenly for the prettiest, most even results.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?
No worries! You can use a round cookie cutter or even cut heart shapes freehand with a sharp knife. The love and deliciousness are still baked right in.
Is there a dairy-free version of Nutella I can use?
Yes! There are several great dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spreads available in stores, or you can quickly whip one up at home with roasted hazelnuts, cocoa, and a sweetener of your choice.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Be sure to leave a clear border when adding the Nutella, and properly seal the edges with a fork. Pressing firmly and using the egg wash can also help “glue” the edges together.
Can I make Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts in advance for a party?
Definitely! Prepare and assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate on the baking sheet (covered) for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, brush with egg wash and bake as directed, right before your guests arrive for that freshly-baked magic.
Final Thoughts
If you love sharing a little bit of sweetness and joy, then making Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts is the perfect way to do it. These pastries are simple enough for a weekday treat, yet special enough to share at any celebration. Give them a try and watch every heart at your table melt—just like that irresistible Nutella center!
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Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pastry hearts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts are a delightful treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or anytime you’re craving a sweet, chocolatey dessert. Flaky puff pastry filled with rich Nutella, these heart-shaped pastries are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Nutella Filling:
- 1/2 cup Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Additional:
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface and cut out heart shapes.
- Fill and assemble: Spread Nutella on half the hearts, top with remaining hearts, seal edges, and brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.
Notes
- Serve warm for best taste.
- Try adding a slice of strawberry for a fruity variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heart
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
