If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things chocolate-hazelnut, then you absolutely must try this Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe. These little pockets of flaky, buttery pastry filled with creamy Nutella are simply irresistible. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or an impressive yet easy dessert, they blend crisp texture with gooey, rich filling in every bite. I’m so excited to share this recipe that’s become an instant favorite in my kitchen and will surely become one in yours too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with these Nutella pastry bites is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward, combining pantry staples with that luscious Nutella goodness. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the tender pastry shell to the irresistibly smooth filling that melts in your mouth.
- 1 cup salted butter, cold and cubed: Key for a flaky, rich pastry that melts beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- 6 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the Nutella.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 large egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
- 1 large egg: Contributes moisture and texture to the dough.
- 1 cup Nutella (hazelnut cream): The star ingredient that packs the filling with creamy nutty-chocolate bliss.
- 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting): Optional for that pretty finishing touch and a bit of extra sweetness.
- 1 large egg (for egg wash): Creates a beautiful golden, glossy finish on your pastry bites.
- 1-2 tablespoons water or milk: Mixed with the egg for a perfect egg wash consistency.
How to Make Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe
Step 1: Whip up the dough
Start by pulsing the flour, sugar, salt, cold cubed butter, egg yolk, and whole egg in a food processor until it just comes together—this keeps the pastry tender and flaky, never tough. Then gently knead the dough on a lightly floured surface to form a smooth ball, careful not to overwork it.
Step 2: Chill the dough
Wrap your dough ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential to firm up the dough, which makes rolling it out much easier and helps maintain those flaky layers once baked.
Step 3: Prep the Nutella filling
While the dough chills, scoop teaspoon-sized dollops of Nutella onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze them for about 20-30 minutes. Freezing creates firm dollops that make assembling the bites a breeze, so the filling doesn’t ooze everywhere when baking.
Step 4: Roll out and cut the dough
Once chilled, roll your dough out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness for the perfect balance of tender and crisp. Using a 3 1/2-inch round cutter or a glass, cut circles from the dough – these will be your pastry pockets.
Step 5: Assemble the pastry bites
Place one frozen Nutella dollop in the center of half the dough circles. Take the remaining circles and cut small slits into them to allow steam to escape during baking. Carefully place these slotted circles on top of the Nutella-filled ones and seal the edges firmly using a fork to create a tight seal that won’t leak.
Step 6: Brush with egg wash
Whisk together the egg and water or milk to make your egg wash. Brush it generously over each pastry bite to ensure a gorgeous golden-brown finish that will catch everyone’s eye and add a delicious subtle sheen.
Step 7: Bake to perfection
Bake the pastry bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they puff up nicely and turn a stunning golden color that’s impossible to resist.
Step 8: Final touches
Let your Nutella pastry bites cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar if you like a little extra sweetness and that classic bakery look. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and prepare to be amazed by the delicious combination encapsulated in each bite.
How to Serve Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe
Garnishes
These pastry bites look delightful with a dusting of powdered sugar, giving them a snowy, elegant finish. For a little flair, sprinkle some crushed hazelnuts or drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the top. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and a refreshing balance to the richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Nutella pastry bites with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert experience. Enjoy them alongside fresh fruit to add brightness or serve with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a mug of velvety warm milk to complement the nutty chocolate flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the Nutella pastry bites on a tiered platter decorated with edible flowers and fresh mint leaves for an eye-catching display. You can also serve them in mini pastry boxes or cupcake liners to make individual servings easy and elegant. Another idea is to create a dessert board featuring various spreads and fruits so everyone can customize their pastry bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store leftover Nutella pastry bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep that crisp pastry texture. If you want them softer, refrigeration is also an option, but it may slightly change the texture.
Freezing
These bites freeze beautifully! To freeze, place baked and cooled pastry bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to one month. This way, you can enjoy the Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe anytime a craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover pastry bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain that flaky texture and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pastry dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! In fact, making your own pastry dough for this Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe elevates the flavor and texture, giving you that perfect buttery crispness that store-bought dough sometimes lacks.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No worries! You can make the dough by hand using a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, then add the eggs and bring it together gently by hand. It’s a bit more work but just as delicious.
Can I substitute Nutella with another spread?
Yes, you can get creative! Peanut butter, almond butter, or even a fruit jam can work as delicious fillings. Just be mindful that Nutella’s creaminess helps it spread nicely and freezes well for assembly.
How do I prevent the Nutella from leaking out during baking?
Freezing the Nutella dollops before assembling is key. Also, sealing the edges thoroughly with a fork and making slits on the top layer lets steam escape, preventing messy leaks.
Are these pastry bites suitable for kids?
Definitely! These Nutella pastry bites are a fantastic kid-friendly treat. Their sweet, familiar flavor and manageable size make them perfect for little hands and big smiles alike.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe enough if you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple yet downright delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and some straightforward steps, you’ll create irresistible pastries that bring comfort and joy with every bite. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch these little delights disappear fast!
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Nutella Pastry Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Nutella Pastry Bites are delightful, flaky treats filled with creamy hazelnut chocolate spread. Made with a buttery shortcrust dough and filled with frozen Nutella scoops, these bites bake to a golden perfection with a glossy egg wash finish and a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect as a sweet snack or dessert, they offer an indulgent combination of crispy pastry and smooth, rich filling.
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, salt, cold cubed butter, egg yolk, and whole egg. Continue pulsing until the mixture just comes together into a dough.
- Knead the dough: Gently knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it forms a smooth ball, being careful not to overwork it to maintain tenderness.
- Refrigerate the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm it up for easier rolling.
- Prepare the Nutella filling: While the dough chills, scoop about 1 teaspoon portions of Nutella onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 20-30 minutes to firm the filling.
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: Roll the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut dough circles: Use a 3 1/2-inch round cutter or glass to cut circles from the dough.
- Assemble the pastry bites: Place one frozen Nutella scoop in the center of each dough circle.
- Top with slitted dough circles: Take another dough circle, cut small slits to allow steam to escape, and place it over the filling. Press edges gently with a fork to seal.
- Brush with egg wash: Whisk the egg and water or milk to make an egg wash and brush the tops of each pastry for a golden glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Finish and serve: Let cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Freezing the Nutella filling helps prevent leaking while baking.
- Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep it tender and flaky.
- Use slits on the top dough circle to allow steam to escape and avoid soggy pastry.
- You can substitute water with milk in the egg wash for a richer color.
- These pastry bites store well in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
