A Nutella Christmas Wreath Pastry Dessert is one of the most enchanting holiday sweets you can place on your table. With buttery puff pastry, a generous spread of Nutella, and a beautiful twisted wreath shape, it delivers both style and flavour. It looks wonderfully intricate, yet the process is surprisingly simple, making it a perfect dessert for busy festive schedules. I especially love how adaptable it is: one Christmas Eve, I brushed the wreath with almond milk instead of egg wash, and the pastry still baked to a lovely golden sheen. This pastry is ideal for holiday mornings, dessert boards, or as an edible centrepiece at gatherings. Its crisp exterior, soft interior, and indulgent chocolate hazelnut swirl keep everyone reaching for another slice. Whether you serve it warm with powdered sugar or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this wreath has all the magic of the season baked in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe looks impressive without requiring advanced pastry skills, making it approachable yet elegant. The puff pastry bakes into stunning, flaky layers that pair beautifully with the richness of Nutella. It is quick to assemble, endlessly customisable, and perfect for sharing. The wreath shape adds festive charm, and the aroma of warm hazelnut chocolate filling your kitchen brings instant holiday cheer. It also makes a thoughtful edible gift or centrepiece for Christmas brunch.
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Nutella Christmas Wreath Pastry Dessert: A Show-Stopping Holiday Treat with Flaky Layers and Rich Chocolate Hazelnut Filling
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 1 wreath (serves 6–8)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A beautiful and festive Nutella Christmas Wreath made from puff pastry twisted with a rich Nutella filling and baked until golden, perfect as a holiday dessert centerpiece.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets – 2
- Nutella – 1/2 to 3/4 cup
- Egg (for egg wash) – 1
- Powdered sugar – for dusting (optional)
- Crushed hazelnuts – 2 tbsp (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay out the first puff pastry sheet on the tray and spread an even layer of Nutella over the entire surface.
- Place the second puff pastry sheet on top, aligning the edges.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a large circle (you can use a plate as a guide). Remove excess pastry.
- Cut a smaller circle in the center to form a donut shape.
- Make evenly spaced cuts around the ring, slicing from the outer edge to the inner circle to create strips.
- Twist each strip 1–2 times to reveal the Nutella layers.
- Brush the wreath with beaten egg for shine.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts before serving if desired.
Notes
- Keep the puff pastry cold for easier twisting.
- Add cinnamon to the Nutella for extra holiday flavor.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Puff Pastry Sheets
These provide the flaky, buttery structure of the wreath and are easy to work with straight from the freezer.
Nutella or Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Warm, rich, and deeply flavourful, it serves as the luscious filling that spirals through each twist.
Egg Wash
Brushing the pastry before baking helps develop a golden, glossy finish. Almond milk or cream can be used as substitutes.
Powdered Sugar
Lightly dusted on top, it adds an elegant snowy appearance to the finished wreath.
Optional Cinnamon
A pinch enhances warmth and complements the chocolate hazelnut filling.
Chopped Hazelnuts
Sprinkling a few on top adds texture and a deeper nutty aroma.
Vanilla Extract
A small amount in the filling boosts flavour and rounds out sweetness.
Butter (Optional)
A thin brush beneath the Nutella softens the pastry layers and enriches the dessert further.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and gently warm the Nutella so it spreads easily. Lay out the first sheet, spread an even layer of Nutella over it, and place the second sheet directly on top, pressing lightly to seal. Roll the layered pastry into a tight log from the long side. Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise down the centre, exposing the layered chocolate interior. Twist the two long strands together by crossing one over the other repeatedly, keeping the cut sides facing outward to showcase the filling. Carefully shape the twist into a circular wreath and pinch the ends together to seal. Transfer the wreath to the baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with hazelnuts if desired. Bake until deeply golden and puffed. Let the pastry cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving warm.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This wreath serves 8–10 people. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, while baking requires 20–25 minutes depending on your oven.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in a low oven to restore crispness; microwaving softens the pastry. The wreath is best enjoyed warm on the day it is baked, though it reheats beautifully for a quick breakfast treat.
Variations and Customizations
Raspberry Nutella Wreath
Add a thin layer of raspberry jam beneath the Nutella for a fruity contrast.
Cinnamon Sugar Twist
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the Nutella before rolling for extra warmth and aroma.
White Chocolate Drizzle
Finish the baked wreath with a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an elegant touch.
Nut-Free Version
Use a chocolate spread without nuts if serving guests with allergies.
Festive Spices
Incorporate nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for a holiday spice variation.
Almond Wreath
Sprinkle slivered almonds on top before baking for added crunch and depth.
Dairy-Free Option
Use a dairy-free puff pastry and chocolate spread, brushing with almond milk instead of egg wash.
Orange Zest Swirl
Grate fresh orange zest into the Nutella for a bright, citrusy note.
Salted Caramel Layer
Add a thin drizzle of caramel sauce for a richer, sweeter dessert.
Mini Wreaths
Cut the dough into smaller portions to create individual wreath pastries.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, it works beautifully, though store-bought puff pastry keeps the process fast and simple.
Does the Nutella need to be softened?
Gently warming it makes spreading much easier and prevents tearing the pastry.
Can I assemble the wreath ahead of time?
You can prepare it and refrigerate for up to two hours before baking.
How do I keep the twists neat?
Ensure the pastry is cold before you begin twisting; chilled dough holds shape better.
Can I freeze the wreath?
Freeze before baking, then bake from frozen while adding a few extra minutes.
Why is my pastry leaking filling?
A slight leak is normal; pressing the layers together gently helps minimise this.
Can I add fruit inside?
Yes, thinly sliced strawberries or raspberries add lovely flavour.
What can I serve it with?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries make excellent accompaniments.
Can I glaze the top instead of dusting?
A simple icing sugar glaze works well for a sweeter finish.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free puff pastry if available.
Conclusion
A Nutella Christmas Wreath Pastry Dessert captures the joy and indulgence of the holiday season in every flaky, chocolate-filled bite. It is effortless to prepare, visually impressive, and endlessly adaptable to suit your festive style. Whether placed at the centre of your dessert table or enjoyed fresh from the oven with your morning coffee, this beautiful pastry wreath adds warmth, charm, and unforgettable flavour to your Christmas celebrations.
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