If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat that’s as effortless as it is impressive, Chocolate Hazelnut Puff Pastry Twists are here to steal the show. Imagine golden puff pastry hugging swirls of creamy chocolate hazelnut spread, dotted with crunchy toasted hazelnuts, and finished with a shower of powdered sugar. These twists are outrageously easy but have all the flair of something from your favorite corner bakery. Whether you’re serving them up for a lazy Sunday breakfast, a cozy afternoon coffee break, or as a crowd-pleaser at your next brunch, these Chocolate Hazelnut Puff Pastry Twists promise that magical combination of flaky, melty, and nutty in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you’re mere minutes away from a pastry that looks and tastes fancy, without any fuss. Every ingredient plays a starring role in making these Chocolate Hazelnut Puff Pastry Twists both delicious and beautiful.
- Puff Pastry Sheet: This is your shortcut to flaky, golden layers—store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe stunningly easy and reliably delicious.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Creamy, chocolatey, and rich, this brings that iconic Nutella flavor and a luscious texture with every twist.
- Chopped Toasted Hazelnuts: That bit of crunch and a deep nutty aroma takes these twists to a whole new level of elegance and flavor.
- Egg: Whisked for a glossy egg wash, it’s the secret to getting that irresistible golden finish on your pastries.
- Powdered Sugar (optional): A final dusting not only looks magical but adds a sweet, delicate touch to the finished treat.
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Puff Pastry Twists
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper—this way, nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. Thaw your sheet of puff pastry according to package instructions so it’s pliable and easy to work with.
Step 2: Roll and Layer
Roll out the puff pastry gently to smooth out any creases. Cut it in half horizontally, so you have two equal rectangles. Spread a generous layer of chocolate hazelnut spread over one half, reaching all the way to the edges for maximum chocolate flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Add Hazelnuts and Assemble
Sprinkle the toasted, chopped hazelnuts evenly over the chocolate layer. Carefully place the second sheet of puff pastry on top, pressing lightly to sandwich the filling and nuts in between. This combination is at the heart of what makes Chocolate Hazelnut Puff Pastry Twists so irresistible.
Step 4: Slice and Twist
With a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the layered pastry into strips about 2 centimeters wide. Now, gently hold each end of a strip and twist several times to create that beautiful spiral effect. Lay each twist on your prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the egg and brush it over each twist—this gives your pastries that bakery-style golden sheen. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. You’re looking for puffed, deeply golden pastries that smell like heaven.
Step 6: Finish and Enjoy
Once your Chocolate Hazelnut Puff Pastry Twists are out of the oven and just cool enough to handle, dust them generously with powdered sugar if you’d like. Serve them warm, and try to resist eating them all at once.
How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Puff Pastry Twists
Garnishes
For a bakery-worthy finish, a light shower of powdered sugar adds elegance and just the right amount of sweetness. If you want a little extra sparkle, try drizzling a touch of melted chocolate on top or sprinkling more freshly chopped hazelnuts. These little touches make the twists feel even more special, whether they’re for guests or just yourself.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chocolate Hazelnut Puff Pastry Twists with a hot cup of coffee or latte for a true European-style treat. For something different, serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad—these naturally tart fruits balance the sweet richness of the twists beautifully. You could even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopper brunch or dessert table, arrange the twists in a criss-cross pattern on a wooden board, and dot the display with extra hazelnuts and chocolate shavings. Bundle two or three twists together with baker’s twine for cute, edible party favors, or serve them individually on pretty plates with a cup of espresso. With Chocolate Hazelnut Puff Pastry Twists, a little creativity always goes a long way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers (lucky you!)? Store cooled Chocolate Hazelnut Puff Pastry Twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps them stay crisp and fresh, though they’re best enjoyed the day they’re baked for ultimate flakiness.
Freezing
For longer storage, place the twists in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to one month. Simply thaw at room temperature when a chocolate craving hits.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, warm your Chocolate Hazelnut Puff Pastry Twists in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soft rather than crisp. This gentle reheat brings the puff pastry right back to its flaky, irresistible self.
FAQs
Can I make these twists ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the twists, cover them on a tray, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Bake them off fresh when you’re ready to serve for that perfect golden crunch.
What can I use instead of hazelnuts?
If hazelnuts aren’t your thing, try chopped almonds, pecans, or even pistachios. You can also skip the nuts entirely for a smooth, chocolate-only version that’s just as delightful.
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Homemade puff pastry is a wonderful upgrade if you have the time! The process is a bit more involved but the result is extra buttery and flaky. Either way, these Chocolate Hazelnut Puff Pastry Twists shine.
How do I keep the twists from unraveling during baking?
Give each strip a firm—but gentle—twist and press down the ends onto the parchment. The egg wash will help “glue” the edges so they stay spiral-shaped as they bake.
Is it possible to make these vegan?
Definitely! Use a dairy-free puff pastry, a vegan chocolate hazelnut spread, skip the egg wash (or use non-dairy milk with a bit of maple syrup), and you’re all set. The result will still be deliciously flaky and chocolatey.
Final Thoughts
There’s something extra satisfying about making (and eating!) a treat that looks so impressive yet comes together with amazing ease. Chocolate Hazelnut Puff Pastry Twists are a celebration of simple ingredients, big flavors, and the kind of homemade comfort that’s meant for sharing. Give these a try—you just might discover your new favorite sweet snack!