Name: Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (thawed if frozen); 1/2 to 3/4 cup Nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread; 1 small egg (for egg wash); 1 teaspoon milk or water (to thin egg wash); Granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling); Icing sugar (optional, for dusting); Chopped hazelnuts or toasted almonds (optional); Mini chocolate chips (optional); A pinch of ground cinnamon or espresso powder (optional); Melted dark chocolate (optional, for drizzling)

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Last updated on December 29, 2025

I still remember the first time I tried to make Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men—my kitchen looked like a flour storm and my first gingerbread man had one too many fingers. I was nervous about tearing the pastry, worried the Nutella would leak everywhere, and not sure if store-bought puff pastry would really give a bakery-style result. If you’ve felt the same way—intimidated by pastry, unsure about filling, or just afraid of wasting a sheet of good puff pastry—you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through everything so this is simple, low-stress, and totally doable even if it’s your first time working with puff pastry. (If you like small-batch, comforting bakes, you might also enjoy this collection from a fellow cook I follow: my friend Sarah’s recipes.)

Why I Love This Recipe of Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men

There’s something about the contrast of crisp, buttery pastry and warm, gooey chocolate-hazelnut filling that feels like a tiny celebration. I love this recipe because it’s playful and forgiving. You get the charm of a classic gingerbread-man silhouette without the fuss of mixing dough or balancing spices, and the Nutella inside gives a rich, familiar flavor that almost everyone loves.

For beginner cooks, this is a gift: you use ready-rolled puff pastry, there are only a few ingredients, and the steps are clear. The whole process teaches pastry basics—rolling gently, sealing edges, brushing an egg wash—without a long ingredient list. Emotionally, these little pastries feel cozy and homey: they’re perfect for holiday baking with kids, for an easy dessert when friends stop by, or for a mid-afternoon treat with tea. They’re also customizable—swap the Nutella for any spread, add a sprinkle of cinnamon, or use different cutters for other seasons.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men

Essentials

1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (thawed if frozen) — make sure it’s kept cold until you roll it.
Nutella or a chocolate-hazelnut spread (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup depending on how many shapes you cut).
1 small egg — for the egg wash to seal and glaze.
1 teaspoon milk or water — to thin the egg for brushing.
Granulated sugar (optional) — for sprinkling on top before baking for a sparkly crunch.
Icing sugar (optional) — for dusting after baking for a pretty finish.

Optional add-ons and small upgrades

Chopped hazelnuts or finely chopped toasted almonds — sprinkle a few inside for a textural contrast, but keep them finely chopped so the pastries seal easily.
Mini chocolate chips — a pinch inside gives pockets of melted chocolate.
A tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or instant espresso powder — mixed with the Nutella for a flavor twist.
Melted dark chocolate for drizzling — for a fancier finish after baking.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

Nutella alternatives: any other chocolate-hazelnut spread works, or use plain chocolate spread, peanut butter, or almond butter if you prefer. For a nut-free version, try a chocolate spread made without nuts.
Puff pastry options: use a store-bought frozen sheet (thaw in the fridge overnight) or a fresh sheet from the refrigerated case. Avoid using already-baked sheets—pastry must be raw to puff and seal properly.
Egg wash replacement: if you don’t want to use egg, brush with a little melted butter or milk. The shine will be less, but the pastry will still brown.
Quick glaze: instead of icing sugar dust, whisk a little powdered sugar with milk for a drizzle.

Note on dietary choices

If you need vegan, use a plant-based puff pastry and a vegan chocolate spread, and replace the egg wash with non-dairy milk or aquafaba.

If you want to save a version of this recipe for another day or try something savory alongside it, I sometimes pair hands-off bakes with a make-ahead main—like these stuffed shells—which makes a full cozy meal with minimal stress.

How to Make Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men Step-by-Step

Before you start: read the package directions on your puff pastry. Different brands give different oven temperatures and bake times, so I’ll note ranges and give tips for adjusting. Also preheat your oven before you roll out the pastry so the pastry can go straight from the counter to the oven.

Step 1 — Prep and chill

Move one sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry from the fridge to the counter for about 5–10 minutes. It should be cold but slightly pliable. If it gets too warm it will become sticky and harder to handle.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Preheat your oven to the temperature listed on the puff pastry package (usually between 375°F/190°C and 400°F/200°C).

Step 2 — Lightly flour and roll

Lightly flour your work surface and the rolling pin. Unfold the pastry sheet carefully. You don’t need to roll a lot—just a gentle pass to remove any fold lines and to even the thickness if needed. Aim for an even surface about 1/8-inch thick. Avoid heavy rolling; puff pastry layers are delicate.

Step 3 — Cut your gingerbread men

Use gingerbread-man cookie cutters to stamp out shapes. Press straight down and wiggle a fraction to separate the dough cleanly. If the pastry becomes soft while cutting, pop your cutouts on the lined baking sheet and return the remaining pastry to the fridge for 10 minutes to firm it up.
You’ll want an even number of cutouts so each filled half has a top. Depending on the size of your cutter and the pastry sheet, you’ll usually get 6–12 shapes.

Step 4 — Arrange and fill

Transfer half of the cutouts to the baking sheet to rest while you fill the others. Keep them chilled as much as possible.
On the other half (the ones you’ll fill), place a small spoonful (about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon) of Nutella in the center of each shape. Less is better than too much—overfilling leads to leaks.
If the Nutella is rigid, warm it gently for a few seconds in the microwave or stir it so it spreads easily. But make sure it’s not hot.

Step 5 — Egg wash and sealing

In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon of milk or water. This is your egg wash.
Lightly moisten the edges of the filled cutouts with the egg wash—use a small pastry brush or your fingertip. Don’t flood the edges; a small line of wash will help the layers stick.
Place an unfilled cutout on top of each filled one, aligning the edges carefully. Press gently around the edges to seal. If you like a decorative edge, use the tines of a fork to crimp all around or gently press with your fingers to make a pattern.

Step 6 — Top finishing

Brush the tops of each sandwich gently with the egg wash. This helps give a golden, shiny finish.
If you want a decorative twist, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top now—this adds sparkle and a slight crunch.

Step 7 — Venting the pastries

Use a small knife to make tiny slits or a shallow vent in the back of each gingerbread man (the middle or head). This lets steam escape and prevents the pastries from splitting or bursting.

Step 8 — Chill briefly (optional)

If your kitchen is warm, place the baking sheet in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. Chilled pastries puff more evenly in the oven and are less likely to leak.

Step 9 — Bake

Bake according to your puff pastry package instructions—typically 12–18 minutes—until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them; ovens vary. Rotate the sheet halfway through if your oven has hotspots.

Step 10 — Cool and finish

Remove pastries from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Once slightly cooled but still warm, dust lightly with icing sugar for a cozy, finished look. If you prefer, drizzle melted chocolate over them for extra indulgence.

Step 11 — Store or serve

These pastries are best eaten the day they’re made when the puff pastry is at its crispest. If you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or freeze unbaked sandwiches on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month—bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Tips as you bake

Less filling means less mess: keep each spoonful of Nutella small and centered.
Keep things cold: brief rests in the fridge help pastry behave better.
Use a scale if you want uniform sizes: it helps when you’re making a lot for a crowd.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling

It’s tempting to load up these little guys with Nutella, especially if you love a very chocolatey center. But overfilling is the number-one cause of leaking. When the pastry heats, the filling expands and becomes runny. Keep each portion modest—about 1/2 teaspoon for small cutters or up to 1 teaspoon for larger ones. If you want a richer center, consider spreading a thin layer of Nutella over the base and then adding a tiny extra dab in the middle instead of a big mound.

Working with warm pastry

Puff pastry responds to temperature. Warm pastry becomes sticky and hard to seal, which invites tearing and uneven puffing. If you notice the dough getting soft while you work, put the cutouts on the baking sheet and chill them for 10–15 minutes. If you must freeze them (for later baking), flash-freeze the unbaked sandwiches on the tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before baking to maintain layers.

Skipping vents and rushing to bake

If you skip making vents, steam will build inside the pockets and cause the seams to burst. A small slit or two on the back of each gingerbread man prevents that. Also, sometimes people bake at too high a heat to try to speed things up—this can brown the outside before the middle cooks, or cause the filling to bubble out. Follow your puff pastry’s recommended temperature and check a few minutes early the first time you try this recipe in your oven to dial in perfect timing.

Serving Suggestions for Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men

Cozy breakfast or brunch plate

Serve two or three Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men with a bowl of fresh fruit—sliced oranges, grapes, or strawberries—and a pot of strong coffee or tea. The sweetness of the pastry pairs well with tart fruit and a slightly bitter coffee, and the portion feels indulgent but not over-the-top. For a brunch spread, add yogurt with honey and granola.

Dessert for small gatherings

These pastries are perfect for an intimate dessert tray. Arrange the gingerbread men on a platter with a small bowl of warm chocolate or vanilla sauce for dipping, a few toasted nuts, and some powdered sugar-dusted cookies. They’re bite-sized enough for guests to sample and they look charming on a holiday dessert table.

Kid-friendly snack or party favor

Children love the shape and the gooey center. Make a decorating station—once the pastries cool a bit, let kids pipe icing or drizzle melted chocolate and place sprinkles. For a take-home party favor, wrap one or two in parchment and tie with twine. They make a cozy, personable gift for neighbors or school bake sales.

Conclusion

You’ve learned how easy it is to make Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men: start with ready-rolled puff pastry, use a small spoonful of Nutella, seal carefully, and bake until golden. These treats are forgiving, quick, and endlessly adaptable—you can change fillings, top them in different ways, or freeze them for later. They’re a cozy, beginner-approved bake that looks special without the effort.

For a helpful visual guide and a slightly different take on puff pastry gingerbread men, I also reference this Puff Pastry Gingerbread Man Recipe when I want extra inspiration: Puff Pastry Gingerbread Man Recipe – Sew White.

FAQs About Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men

Q1: How long will Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men stay fresh?
A1: These pastries are best the day they’re made, when the puff pastry is crispest. At room temperature in an airtight container, they keep well for about 1 day. If you need to keep them longer, freeze unbaked sandwiches on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month and bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the bake time.

Q2: Can I use a different filling in Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men?
A2: Absolutely. Nutella is my favorite, but you can use chocolate spread, peanut butter, almond butter, or a mix of chocolate and fruit jam. For a non-nut option, try a chocolate-honey spread or a smooth fruit paste. Just keep the filling quantity modest so it doesn’t leak.

Q3: What’s the best way to prevent Nutella from leaking out of Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men?
A3: Use a small amount of filling, moisten the edges with egg wash, and crimp or press the edges firmly. Also make a small vent on the back so steam can escape. Chilling the sealed pastries briefly before baking can help them puff and seal without leaking.

Q4: Can Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men be made vegan?
A4: Yes—choose a vegan puff pastry (many are available in grocery stores), use a vegan chocolate spread, and replace the egg wash with plant-based milk or aquafaba (aquafaba gives a slightly glossy finish). The method stays the same; just watch your bake time as vegan pastries can brown differently.

Q5: Can I prepare Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men ahead of time for a party?
A5: You can assemble the sandwiches and freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the time. Alternatively, assemble and chill for up to a day before baking—let them rest in the fridge and bake the same day for the best puff and texture.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how your first batch turns out—what went well, what you changed, and if you made any fun twists. Happy baking!

Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men

Why I Love This Recipe of Nutella Stuffed Pastry Gingerbread Men