Last updated on December 29, 2025

Do you ever wake up craving something warm, chocolatey, and a little bit showy, but also worry that making something fancy means a long battle in the kitchen? I remember the first time I tried to make a twisted pastry treat—my hands were sticky, the dough seemed to have a mind of its own, and I was sure I would waste a whole sheet of puff pastry. Beginners often worry about tearing the pastry, the filling oozing out, or the inside staying raw while the outside browns. I promise: this Pastry Nutella Wreath is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is actually very forgiving. I’ll walk you through each step, show simple substitutes and shortcuts, and give tips that make this totally doable—even if it’s your very first time working with puff pastry.

Why I Love This Recipe of Pastry Nutella Wreath

I love this recipe because it hits that perfect balance of comfort, simplicity, and a little bit of theater. There’s something cozy about unrolling a sheet of puff pastry and spreading a layer of Nutella over it—everyone’s face brightens at the smell and thought of warm chocolate and hazelnut. The wreath shape feels festive and special, so it’s great for a lazy weekend breakfast, a cozy dessert, or a last-minute treat when friends stop by. For beginner cooks, this dish is ideal: it uses only a handful of pantry ingredients, requires no special tools, and the technique—rolling, cutting, and twisting—quickly becomes intuitive. Plus, it’s easy to customize: add nuts, fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon and you’ve made it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pastry Nutella Wreath

Essentials

1 sheet of ready-roll puff pastry (thawed if frozen; usually about 250–275g)
Nutella or another chocolate-hazelnut spread (as needed — roughly 3–4 tablespoons, more if you like it very gooey)
1 small egg (for egg wash)
1 tsp water (to thin the egg for the egg wash)
Icing sugar (for dusting before serving)

Optional add-ons (choose any)

Chopped hazelnuts or almonds (for texture and crunch)
Sliced bananas or strawberries (place thin slices over the spread before folding)
A light sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder
A few teaspoons of jam (apricot or raspberry work well mixed with Nutella or in a thin layer on one side)
Powdered sugar glaze (if you prefer more sheen than simple dusting)

Substitutions and Shortcuts

Dairy-free/Vegan: Use a plant-based puff pastry and a dairy-free chocolate-hazelnut spread. For the egg wash, brush with plant-based milk mixed with a tiny pinch of sugar and oil for shine.
No Nutella? Use any chocolate spread, chocolate chips melted and spread thin, or an easy homemade chocolate spread (melt chocolate with a bit of butter or coconut oil).
Want less sugar? Use a lower-sugar chocolate spread and skip the icing sugar dusting.
Shortcuts: Buy chopped nuts pre-roasted. If your puff pastry is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight rather than at room temperature so it’s easier to handle without becoming sticky.

How to Make Pastry Nutella Wreath Step-by-Step

Before you start

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). If your oven runs hot, you can set it 10°C lower, but keep an eye on browning.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a reusable silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Keep your knife sharp or use a pizza cutter for clean, even cuts.

Step 1 — Prepare the puff pastry

If using frozen puff pastry, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, thaw at room temperature until pliable but still cool—about 20–30 minutes depending on the room. You want it soft enough to roll but not warm and sticky.
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the sheet to even it out and make it a little larger if needed. Aim for a roughly square or rectangle shape about 1/8-inch thick.

Step 2 — Spread the Nutella

Warm the Nutella slightly so it becomes spreadable. You can place the jar in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes or microwave 10–15 seconds in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring well.
Using a small spatula or the back of a spoon, spread Nutella evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. If you want the center of the wreath to be hollow (a true ring), you can place a small bowl or a round cake tin in the center and spread Nutella around it, or simply fold the pastry later and cut out a hole. For the simplest method, spread evenly and we’ll create the ring by cutting.

Step 3 — Form the wreath base

Start by folding one edge of the pastry over to meet the opposite edge, creating a double-layered rectangle (this step is optional—some people create the wreath from a single layer by cutting and twisting two halves; folding gives extra flakiness and a tidy finish).
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to trim the edges so they’re even.

Step 4 — Cut and shape

If you folded the pastry: find the center and, using your cutter, cut a small circle out of the middle (about 2–3 inches in diameter) to make the wreath’s center. If you didn’t fold, you can still cut out a center before twisting.
From the outside edge to the center, cut the pastry into equal strips—think 12–16 strips like slicing a pizza. Keep the base uncut so the circle holds together.
Take each strip and gently twist it away from you two to three times, then tuck the end under the base to secure it. The twisting exposes the layers and shows the Nutella inside.
Continue twisting each piece until the whole round is complete and you have a full wreath shape.

Step 5 — Egg wash and details

Beat the small egg with 1 teaspoon of water to make a thin egg wash. This gives the wreath a glossy, golden finish.
Lightly brush the egg wash over the surface of the pastry. Be gentle so you don’t press too hard and squeeze Nutella out.
If using nuts or sliced fruit, sprinkle them on now or press them gently into a few twists for decoration.

Step 6 — Bake

Place the wreath on your prepared sheet and bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 20 minutes. This will brown the outside and start puffing the layers.
After 20 minutes, take the wreath out and carefully cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This prevents the top from over-browning while allowing the inside more time to heat through.
Return the wreath to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes. This longer period ensures the inner layers cook through and the Nutella gets warm and melty without burning the crust.
Check for doneness: the pastry should be a deep golden brown and feel puffed. If the inside still feels underdone, give it another 5–10 minutes with the foil on.

Step 7 — Finishing touches

Let the wreath rest on a cooling rack for 10–15 minutes. The Nutella will be hot and slightly liquid inside; resting helps it set a little so slices hold together.
Dust lightly with icing sugar just before serving.

Helpful tips during the process

If Nutella starts leaking while twisting, wipe your knife and hands, and tuck the strip ends under the wreath base. A thin border of uncovered pastry helps seal the filling better.
For clean slices, use a serrated knife and saw gently rather than pressing straight down.
To make smaller wreaths, cut the pastry into two squares and make two mini wreaths—great for sharing or kid-friendly portions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cutting too narrow or uneven strips

Beginners sometimes cut strips that are too thin or uneven. Very narrow strips can tear, and uneven strips won’t twist evenly, giving the wreath a lopsided look. Aim for about 2–3 cm (about 3/4–1 inch) wide strips. Use a ruler or mark the pastry lightly with the back of your knife before cutting to keep things even.

Overfilling or underfilling with Nutella

Too much Nutella can leak and burn on the tray. Too little can make the wreath dry and plain. A good rule is a thin, even layer—about 3–4 tablespoons for a standard sheet. If you want a lot of chocolate, add chopped hazelnuts or fruit for texture instead of piling on more spread.

Skipping the resting time before slicing

It’s tempting to dig in right away, but slicing while the center is molten makes a mess and you can burn your fingers. Let the wreath cool for 10–15 minutes so the filling sets slightly. If you want it warm but sliceable, cool for 10 minutes; for cleaner slices, wait 20–25 minutes.

Serving Suggestions for Pastry Nutella Wreath

Breakfast or Brunch Spread

Serve this wreath warm with a pot of coffee or tea for a cozy weekend brunch. I like to place it at the center of the table while family digs in—use butter, jam, or a little pot of extra Nutella on the side for dipping. Add a few slices of fresh fruit like apples, pears, or berries to balance the sweetness.

Dessert with a scoop

Turn the wreath into a dessert by serving slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side. Warm the slices briefly in the microwave for a few seconds if needed so the Nutella is melty. Top with toasted chopped hazelnuts for a pretty finish and extra crunch.

Kid-friendly snack or party centerpiece

Little hands love tearing off the twists. For a party, make two mini wreaths so guests can grab their own. Offer a tray of dipping options nearby—yogurt, honey, or berry compote. It’s a fun, shareable treat that looks fancy but takes almost no time.

Conclusion

You’ve learned that the Pastry Nutella Wreath is easier than it looks: one sheet of puff pastry, a jar of Nutella, a quick egg wash, and a few simple twists create something cozy and impressive. I hope you feel ready to try this—remember it’s very forgiving, and you can easily customize it to your taste. For another fun twist on Nutella and puff pastry, you might enjoy trying a star-shaped version like the one I often remake from a favorite blog for inspiration. Check out this Nutella Puff Pastry Star Wreath – My Fussy Eater | Easy Family Recipes for a slightly different shape and technique that’s just as cozy and beginner-friendly: Nutella Puff Pastry Star Wreath – My Fussy Eater | Easy Family Recipes

FAQs About Pastry Nutella Wreath

Q1: Can I make the Pastry Nutella Wreath ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can assemble the wreath and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before baking. If you need to make it farther ahead, freeze it after shaping and before baking; then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. However, Nutella can firm up when chilled, so allow it to warm slightly before twisting so it spreads smoothly.

Q2: How do I store leftovers of Pastry Nutella Wreath?
A2: Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheat in a low oven or microwave. Note that refrigeration can make the pastry less crisp, so re-crisp in a 175°C (350°F) oven for a few minutes before serving.

Q3: Can I use other fillings for the Pastry Nutella Wreath?
A3: Absolutely. While Nutella is classic, you can use fruit jam, marzipan, peanut butter, or a mixture of chocolate and diced fruit. If the filling is very wet (like whole fruit pieces), pat dry and use sparingly so the pastry stays crisp.

Q4: My Pastry Nutella Wreath browned too quickly. What went wrong?
A4: If it browns too fast, your oven might be hot in the top area, or you baked at too high a temperature. Next time, lower the oven by 10°C and cover the top loosely with foil earlier. Also make sure you used the 180°C fan setting if your oven has one—fan ovens cook faster.

Q5: Is the Pastry Nutella Wreath easy enough for a beginner cook?
A5: Yes. This recipe was designed with beginners in mind. The steps—rolling, spreading, cutting, and twisting—are simple and forgiving. With a few tips (keep pastry cool, don’t overfill, and rest before slicing), most beginners will get a beautiful result first try.

For a similar quick puff pastry treat, try these crispy air-fryer chocolate and strawberry pastry hearts.
If you like Nutella sandwiches and easy snacks, I often pair this wreath with the idea of homemade banana and Nutella uncrustables

Pastry Nutella Wreath