There’s something magical about warm, flaky pastry wrapped around gooey Nutella. These Nutella Pastry Twists are the perfect combination of crispy, buttery pastry and rich, chocolate-hazelnut filling, making them an absolute must-try for anyone who loves sweet treats. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a special brunch dish, or an easy dessert, these pastry twists fit the bill perfectly.
What makes this recipe even better is that it’s effortless to make. Instead of spending hours making homemade dough, we’re using store-bought pizza dough, which cuts down on time and effort while still delivering that golden, bakery-style crispiness. With only five simple ingredients, you can have these twists ready in less than an hour.
The best part? These pastry twists are incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different fillings, toppings, or even drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch. Serve them warm with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate comfort treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need five basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have.
- Super Easy to Make: No need to fuss over making pastry dough from scratch—store-bought pizza dough does the job beautifully.
- Versatile and Customizable: Swap out Nutella for peanut butter, Biscoff spread, or even jam to create different flavor combinations.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These twists are great for breakfast, brunch, snack time, or dessert.
- Beautiful & Impressive: With their elegant twist shape, these pastries look like they came straight from a bakery—but they’re surprisingly easy to make at home!
Preparation Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastry twists
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
To make these delicious Nutella pastry twists, you’ll need just a few ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 (13.8 oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough (Pillsbury Classic Crust recommended)
- ½ cup Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread)
- 1 Tbsp light brown sugar
Optional Add-ins & Toppings:
- Chopped hazelnuts or almonds for extra crunch
- Cinnamon sugar for a warm, spiced flavor
- Melted chocolate drizzle for a fancy finish
- Powdered sugar for a classic pastry touch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Egg Wash
- In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and one tablespoon of water.
- Set aside—this will help give the pastry a beautiful, golden color.
Roll Out the Dough
- Unroll the pizza crust dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently stretch or roll it out into a rectangle shape for even layers.
Spread the Nutella
- Warm the Nutella slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to spread.
- Using a spatula, spread an even layer of Nutella over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
Shape the Twists
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long edge.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half horizontally to create two sections.
- Slice each section vertically down the center, leaving you with four long strips of Nutella-filled dough.
- Take two strips and cross them in an “X” shape, then twist them together into a braided look.
- Repeat with the remaining two strips to form a total of two large twists.
Brush & Bake
- Place the pastry twists onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle with light brown sugar for extra caramelization.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crispy.
Cool & Serve
- Let the twists cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
- For a final touch, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted chocolate, or add a scoop of ice cream on the side.
Variations & Additions
If you want to switch things up, try these fun variations:
- Larger Batch: Need more than six twists? Double or triple the recipe to serve a crowd.
- Different Fillings: Instead of Nutella, try peanut butter, almond butter, cookie butter (Biscoff), or fruit preserves.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle with chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or shredded coconut before baking.
- Savory Version: Skip the Nutella and use pesto, cream cheese, or garlic butter for a savory pastry twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Nutella Pastry Twists are best served warm and fresh, but they pair wonderfully with:
- A hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- A scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or bananas for a fruity balance.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days for extended freshness.
- Freezing: Wrap the twists individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 4g
Tips for the Perfect Nutella Pastry Twists
Achieving bakery-style Nutella Pastry Twists is easy, but a few simple tricks can make them even better. Follow these tips for the best texture, flavor, and appearance:
- Use Cold Dough: If your pizza dough is too warm, it can become sticky and hard to work with. Keep it chilled until ready to roll for easier handling.
- Don’t Overload with Nutella: While it’s tempting to add extra filling, too much Nutella can make the dough difficult to twist and can cause leaks during baking. Spread an even, thin layer for the best results.
- Seal the Ends Properly: To prevent the twists from unraveling in the oven, pinch the ends together firmly and, if needed, lightly press them down onto the baking sheet.
- Use an Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing the twists with an egg wash before baking gives them a beautiful golden-brown color and a crisp texture.
- Let Them Cool Before Serving: Freshly baked pastries are hot and delicate. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes to set the layers and make slicing easier.
With these simple adjustments, you’ll get perfectly crisp, golden, and delicious Nutella pastry twists every time!
Creative Ways to Serve Nutella Pastry Twists
These Nutella Pastry Twists are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience:
- With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast treat with a hot cup of coffee, cappuccino, or tea.
- As a Dessert Platter Addition: Serve alongside fruit, whipped cream, or ice cream for a beautiful dessert spread.
- With a Dip: Try dipping them in melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or a vanilla glaze for extra indulgence.
- Holiday-Themed Twists: Sprinkle them with red and green sugar for Christmas, heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine’s Day, or pastel colors for Easter.
- Brunch-Worthy Upgrade: Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of fresh berries for an elegant brunch.
These simple serving ideas transform a quick pastry into an elegant, crowd-pleasing treat!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pastry Twists
Even though this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Rolling the Dough Too Thin: If the dough is stretched too much, it can tear easily and make twisting difficult. Keep it at least ¼-inch thick for a sturdy structure.
- Not Twisting the Dough Properly: If the twists are too loose, they might unravel during baking. Give them a firm twist while maintaining the layers.
- Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg wash is key to getting that beautiful golden color. Without it, the pastry can look dull and pale.
- Overbaking or Underbaking: Baking too long can make them dry and tough, while underbaking leaves them doughy in the center. Stick to the recommended 25 minutes and check for a light golden-brown color.
- Not Letting the Pastries Cool: Cutting or serving them too soon can cause the Nutella to spill out. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures that your Nutella Pastry Twists come out perfect every time!
How to Store & Freeze Nutella Pastry Twists
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), here’s how to store and freeze them properly:
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: If you need them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just warm them before serving.
- Freezing Instructions: These twists freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, place them in a zip-top freezer bag, and store them for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To bring them back to their fresh-baked goodness, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Yes! Puff pastry will give these Nutella twists a lighter, flakier texture, while pizza dough creates a chewier bite. If using puff pastry, roll it out slightly and follow the same steps, but reduce the baking time to 18-20 minutes to prevent overbrowning.
2. Do I have to use Nutella, or can I use other spreads?
Nutella is delicious, but you can absolutely swap it out! Try using peanut butter, almond butter, Biscoff cookie butter, or even fruit preserves for a different flavor. For a white chocolate twist, use melted white chocolate or vanilla spread.
3. How do I prevent my twists from unraveling while baking?
Make sure you twist the dough tightly and press the ends together firmly. If needed, you can chill the shaped twists in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and shape the twists ahead of time, then cover and store them in the fridge overnight. When ready to bake, just brush with egg wash and pop them in the oven.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Nutella Pastry Twists are a quick, foolproof way to create a bakery-style treat at home. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, their crispy, buttery texture and gooey chocolate-hazelnut filling make them absolutely irresistible.
The best part? They require minimal effort and ingredients, yet they look and taste like something from a pastry shop. Plus, they’re fun to customize, so you can experiment with different fillings and toppings to suit your taste.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment, share a picture, or tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Now, go grab some dough and Nutella, and let’s get twisting!
Print
Nutella Pastry Twists
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastry twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These flaky, golden pastry twists are filled with rich Nutella and baked to perfection. They are quick, easy, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 (13.8 oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough (Pillsbury Classic Crust recommended)
- ½ cup Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread)
- 1 Tbsp light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash.
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Spread Nutella evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Roll into a log from the long side, then cut in half horizontally.
- Slice each half vertically to expose the Nutella layers.
- Twist two pieces together to form a braided shape.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crunch, sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts before baking.
- Use puff pastry instead of pizza dough for a flakier texture.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for a gourmet finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European
