Name: Churro Nutella Christmas Tree
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 sheets Puff pastry (semi-frozen); 2 tablespoons Nutella; 1 egg yolk Egg yolk; 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter (melted); 1 tablespoon Cinnamon sugar (or 1 tablespoon sugar mixed with 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon)

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The Churro Nutella Christmas Tree is not just a dessert; it’s a festive centerpiece that brings joy to any holiday gathering. Picture this: a chilly winter evening with the soft glow of Christmas lights twinkling around your cozy kitchen. The aroma of freshly baked pastry fills the air, and the excitement in the room is palpable as friends and family gather around. This delectable creation is more than a treat; it’s a playful way to celebrate the season. I remember the first time I made this delightful tree; the laughter and chatter as we all ripped off a piece to dunk into warm, gooey Nutella made my heart swell. It’s a memory I cherish and one that I hope you’ll create in your home this holiday season.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
210 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowl

The Appeal of This Churro Nutella Christmas Tree

It’s a Festive Marvel

Why do I adore the Churro Nutella Christmas Tree? First off, it’s utterly stunning. The unique shape and the gorgeous, golden-brown color make it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. It’s not just food; it’s art!

Perfect for Sharing

This treat is designed for sharing. I love how it encourages everyone to gather around and interact. As guests pull off pieces, it creates a sense of community and joy, making your holiday gathering even more memorable.

Simple, Yet Impressive

Don’t let the impressive appearance fool you; this recipe is surprisingly simple! With just a few ingredients and some creativity, you can whip up this show-stopper without spending hours in the kitchen.

Deliciously Indulgent

Nothing beats the combination of flaky pastry and rich Nutella. The warm, gooey chocolate spread perfectly complements the crispy pastry, making every bite a heavenly experience. It’s an indulgent dessert that everyone will love.

A Fun Family Activity

Making this tree can be a fun family activity. Involve the kids in shaping the pastry and decorating the star on top. It’s a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories together.

Versatile for Any Occasion

While it’s perfect for Christmas, the Churro Nutella Christmas Tree can also be adapted for other celebrations. Change up the filling or the shape for birthdays or even a cozy winter gathering!

Everything You Need for Churro Nutella Christmas Tree

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for creating a delicious Churro Nutella Christmas Tree. The combination of flaky pastry, rich chocolate, and sweet spices brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen. Key players like puff pastry provide the structure, while Nutella adds that irresistible sweetness. Each ingredient complements the others, coming together to create a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Puff pastry sheets: These are the foundation of your tree, providing flakiness and a delightful crunch when baked.
Nutella: This rich chocolate hazelnut spread adds a luscious filling that everyone loves.
Egg yolk: Used for brushing, it gives the pastry a beautiful golden color and helps it crisp up nicely.
Unsalted butter: Brushed on the pastry after baking adds richness and flavor.
Cinnamon sugar: A sprinkle of this sweet spice mixture adds warmth and extra sweetness, making your pastry even more delightful.

Making Churro Nutella Christmas Tree

Let’s dive into the fun part—making your very own Churro Nutella Christmas Tree. This process is as enjoyable as it is rewarding, and I can’t wait for you to experience it!

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. This will prevent your Churro Nutella Christmas Tree from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Next, take your two sheets of puff pastry and cut them into the shape of a Christmas tree. I like to create a large triangle to give it height and presence.
Spread a generous layer of Nutella evenly on one sheet of pastry. Don’t be shy—this is the heart of your tree!
Carefully place the second sheet of pastry on top of the first, aligning them perfectly. Press down gently to seal them together.
Now, it’s time to transfer this masterpiece to your prepared baking sheet. Make sure it’s centered for even baking.
With a sharp knife, cut slits on both sides of the tree shape, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Be sure to leave the center intact—this is where your tree will stand tall!
Twist each strip of pastry twice, creating that lovely, twisted look that mimics the texture of a churro. Press the ends down into the baking sheet to secure them.
With the leftover pastry, cut out two star shapes. Spread one with Nutella and place the other on top like a sandwich. This will be the crowning glory of your tree.
Place the star on the top of the tree. It’s the finishing touch that makes your Churro Nutella Christmas Tree feel complete!
Brush the entire pastry with a mixture of egg yolk and a little water. This will give it that beautiful golden hue when baked.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden and flaky. Keep an eye on it; you want it to be perfectly baked, not burned!
Once baked, allow your tree to cool for about 5 minutes. For that extra touch, lightly brush the warm pastry with unsalted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Side Dish Ideas for Churro Nutella Christmas Tree

Serving the Churro Nutella Christmas Tree can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to complement this festive treat:

Vanilla ice cream: Nothing pairs better with warm, gooey chocolate than a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Hot chocolate: A rich cup of hot chocolate makes for a cozy addition, perfect for the chilly winter evenings.
Fruit platter: Brighten your table with a colorful fruit platter. Berries and citrus add a refreshing balance to the sweet pastry.
Christmas cookies: Offer a selection of your favorite holiday cookies as additional treats for guests.
Whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream can enhance the experience with its lightness.
Festive drinks: Serve up some holiday punch or themed mocktails to add a festive flair to your table.
Cheese board: For an elegant touch, a cheese board with assorted cheeses and nuts can be a savory balance.

Things Worth Knowing

Tip 1: Ensure your puff pastry is semi-frozen; this makes it easier to cut and shape.
Tip 2: For the best texture, don’t skip brushing with the egg yolk mixture before baking.
Tip 3: Keep an eye on your tree while it bakes to achieve the perfect golden color without burning.
Tip 4: Let your Churro Nutella Christmas Tree cool slightly before serving—this helps the filling set a bit.

Making Adjustments

Whenever you’re experimenting in the kitchen, there are bound to be some adjustments. Here are some tips to help you perfect your Churro Nutella Christmas Tree.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven to restore the crunch.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked pastry for up to a month. Just bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations: Try different spreads like almond butter or pumpkin spice cream cheese for a unique twist.
Decorations: Get creative with toppings! A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate your tree.
Serving ideas: Pair with fresh fruit or a light dip to balance the sweetness.

Side Dish Ideas for Churro Nutella Christmas Tree

Let’s talk about how you can make the most out of serving your Churro Nutella Christmas Tree. Here’s how to create a delightful spread:

Fresh fruit: A platter of strawberries, raspberries, or orange slices can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Festive beverages: Serve with hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or even a non-alcoholic punch to keep the festive spirit alive.
Holiday cookies: Offer an assortment of Christmas cookies for your guests to enjoy alongside the main treat.
Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream can take the indulgence to the next level.
Cheese platter: Include a selection of cheeses to balance the sweetness and add some savory bites.

FAQ

Yes, you can prepare the pastry ahead of time. Shape the tree, but don’t bake it. Cover it well and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great way to save time on the day of your gathering!

There are plenty of delicious options! Pair it with vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast, or serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or citrus. A rich hot chocolate also complements the flavors beautifully!

Not at all! The process is quite simple, and it’s a fun activity to do with friends or family. With just a few ingredients and some imagination, you can create a stunning dessert that looks more complicated than it really is!

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the filling. You can try almond butter, chocolate ganache, or even fruit preserves. The key is to ensure the filling complements the flaky pastry.

Conclusion

The Churro Nutella Christmas Tree is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. It’s not just a treat; it’s a centerpiece that brings people together to share joy and laughter. I encourage you to try making this festive tree. Your friends and family will be amazed and grateful for the delicious memories you create!