Nutella Puff Pastry Twists

Quick Summary: Nutella puff pastry twists are flaky, chocolatey pastries made with just puff pastry and Nutella. Spread Nutella between two pastry sheets, cut into strips, twist, brush with egg, sprinkle with brown sugar, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden. Ready in under 30 minutes with only four ingredients.

These puff pastry twists are perfect for last-minute guests, weekend baking with kids, or when you want something sweet with minimal effort.

Also, consider my Nutella Swiss roll cake a more festive treat, or banana Nutella crepes for a perfect breakfast.

Why you'll love Nutella puff pastry twists

• Only four ingredients
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• No fancy tools needed
• Crispy, golden, Nutella-filled goodness

Ingredients

• 2 medium sheets of puff pastry, thawed
• Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread (non-Nutella brands), such as Justin's chocolate hazelnut butter, Nocciolata, or Trader Joe's cocoa almond spread.
• Medium-sized egg, whisked
• Brown sugar

Recipe variations

These twists are easy to make your own. Swap the Nutella for a fruit jam, such as strawberry or raspberry, or add a thin layer of peanut butter or cream cheese under the Nutella.

Stir a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the spread for a warmer flavor, or drizzle a simple powdered-sugar glaze over the twists once they cool.

For a different look, braid the strips or cut them into smaller pieces to make bite-sized mini twists.

How to make Nutella puff pastry twists

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Place one puff pastry sheet on a piece of baking paper. Spread Nutella evenly over the surface, reaching the edges.

Step 3: Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top. Gently press the two layers together. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 1-inch (2.5 cm) strips.
Hold each strip at both ends and twist it gently a few times.

Alternatively, make puff pastry knots by twisting the pastry strip. Once you've got a nice twist, place one end down on your work surface. Gently wrap the remaining twisted strip around that point to form a loose spiral. When you reach the end, tuck it underneath to secure the knot.

Step 4: Place the twists on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1.5 inches (3.5-4 cm) apart. Press the ends down slightly to keep them from unraveling.

Step 5: Brush each twist with the whisked egg, then sprinkle with brown sugar. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Cool slightly and enjoy warm, or let them cool completely and serve with coffee or milk.

Expert tips

• Don't overfill with Nutella. It spreads as it bakes, so a thin, even layer is enough.
• Thaw the puff pastry fully. Cold pastry cracks, and warm pastry becomes sticky. Aim for just-right.
• Try flavor twists with chopped hazelnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon with the brown sugar.

Storage

Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.

Recipe FAQ

How do you make Nutella puff pastry twists?
Spread Nutella between two sheets of puff pastry, cut into strips, twist each strip a few times, then brush with egg, sprinkle with brown sugar, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until puffed and golden.

Can you make Nutella twists ahead of time?
They are best made and served the same day, when the pastry is at its flakiest. You can shape them a few hours ahead, keep them chilled on the baking sheet, and bake just before serving.

Why did my puff pastry not puff up?
Usually, the pastry was too warm or overfilled. Keep the dough cold, do not overload it with Nutella, and make sure the oven is fully preheated so the layers rise quickly.

Can I make them without eggs?
Yes. Skip the egg wash and lightly brush or spray the twists with a little milk or oil instead. They will still turn golden, just with a slightly less shiny finish.

What can I use instead of Nutella?
Any chocolate hazelnut spread works, and you can use a nut-free chocolate spread if you have a nut allergy. Fruit jam, cookie butter, or peanut butter also make delicious fillings.

How do you store leftover Nutella twists?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. Re-crisp them for a few minutes in a warm oven before serving to bring back some of the flakiness.

Want more delicious and beautiful recipes? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for my latest updates. If you make this recipe, please leave a star rating on the recipe card and comment below!

Print

Recipe card

The nutritional information has been calculated using an online recipe nutrition calculator such as Verywellfit.com and is intended for informational purposes only. These figures should be used as a general guideline and not be construed as a guarantee.