Nutella Hand Pies

Flaky, golden pastry with a melty hazelnut chocolate center — Nutella Hand Pies are the kind of treat that feels bakery-fancy but comes together in minutes. Each bite is a perfect combo of crisp, buttery puff pastry and rich Nutella, wrapped into adorable, pocket-sized indulgences. Whether you’re baking for brunch, dessert, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these are a surefire crowd favorite.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe came to life one lazy Sunday when I was craving something warm, chocolatey, and easy. I had a sheet of puff pastry in the freezer and a half-full jar of Nutella calling my name. A little folding, crimping, and baking later, and I had a batch of warm, golden pockets oozing with chocolate-hazelnut goodness. One bite and I was hooked — and so was everyone else in my kitchen.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Hand pies are nothing new — they’ve been around for centuries in cultures all over the world, from empanadas to turnovers. What makes these special is the modern twist of using Nutella, the beloved Italian hazelnut cocoa spread introduced in the 1960s. Pairing it with buttery puff pastry gives you a European-inspired pastry that feels like a treat from a corner café, but it’s right from your own oven.

Why You’ll Love Nutella Hand Pies

Versatile: Enjoy as dessert, breakfast pastry, or afternoon snack.

Budget-Friendly: Only a few ingredients and minimal prep.

Quick and Easy: Store-bought puff pastry keeps things effortless.

Customizable: Add bananas, strawberries, or nuts inside for extra flavor.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike will love these flaky, gooey treats.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble and freeze raw pies for later baking.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat beautifully for a next-day delight.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To get that golden, bakery-style finish with a gooey center, follow these quick tips:

• Keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it for better rise and flake.
• Don’t overfill — a little Nutella goes a long way.
• Seal edges well with a fork and egg wash to avoid leaks.
• Chill the assembled pies before baking to hold their shape.
• Brush the tops with egg wash for a deep golden color and shine.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Minimal equipment is needed for maximum deliciousness.

Baking Sheet: To hold your beautiful pastries.

Parchment Paper: Keeps the bottoms golden and prevents sticking.

Rolling Pin: To gently flatten puff pastry if needed.

Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: For cutting pastry into clean shapes.

Fork: For sealing edges and adding rustic charm.

Pastry Brush: For applying egg wash and glaze.

Ingredients in Nutella Hand Pies

A short list, big reward — here’s what brings the magic.

1. Puff Pastry Sheets: 1 package (2 sheets) The flaky, buttery foundation of every hand pie.
2. Nutella Spread: 1/2 cup The gooey, chocolate-hazelnut filling that makes these irresistible.
3. Egg: 1 large Used to seal the edges and give the tops that golden finish.
4. Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon Optional, for a bit of sparkle on top.
5. Milk: 1 tablespoon Mixed with the egg for a smoother egg wash.
6. Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon Adds subtle flavor to the glaze.
7. Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup For making a quick drizzle glaze.
8. Lemon Zest: 1/2 teaspoon Adds brightness to balance the sweet richness.

Ingredient Substitutions

No need to run to the store — these swaps work just as well.

Nutella: Use any chocolate or nut butter spread.

Puff Pastry: Crescent roll dough or pie crust in a pinch.

Lemon Zest: Swap for orange zest or a tiny splash of lemon juice.

Milk: Use cream or dairy-free alternatives.

Vanilla Extract: Try almond or hazelnut extract for extra nutty flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Nutella: This creamy hazelnut cocoa spread is the star here. It melts into the pastry during baking, creating a luxurious, chocolatey center that oozes with every bite.

Puff Pastry: Light, flaky, and incredibly versatile. It puffs up beautifully in the oven, turning into layers of crisp golden goodness that contrast perfectly with the soft filling.

Instructions for Making Nutella Hand Pies

This process is fast and fun — here’s how to get baking.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a small bowl, mix the egg and milk to make an egg wash. Set aside. Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and a bit of water to form a glaze. Add lemon zest and chill until ready to drizzle.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Unfold or roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 4-inch squares or desired shapes.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Place a small spoonful of Nutella in the center of each square. Brush edges with egg wash, fold into triangles, and press with a fork to seal.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Place pies on the baking sheet, brush tops with egg wash, and sprinkle with sugar if using. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden and puffed.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let cool slightly, then drizzle with lemony glaze for added sweetness and shine.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm with extra Nutella on the side, or cooled with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These hand pies strike the ultimate balance: crisp, flaky layers of pastry giving way to a warm, velvety Nutella center. The light lemon glaze adds a zippy contrast to the rich chocolate, making each bite feel rich but not overwhelming. They’re buttery, gooey, and just sweet enough.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few little tweaks go a long way:

• Chill the assembled pies for 10 minutes before baking for the best puff.
• Use a piping bag to neatly add Nutella without mess.
• For extra crunch, add chopped hazelnuts inside with the filling.

What to Avoid

Keep an eye out for these common pitfalls:

• Overfilling: Causes the pies to burst open.
• Underbaking: Leads to soggy bottoms. Check for deep golden color.
• Hot pastry: Don’t try to glaze or slice while too hot or they’ll collapse.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 280

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These hand pies freeze beautifully. Assemble and freeze unbaked pies, then bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes. Baked pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–8 minutes to bring back the flake.

How to Serve Nutella Hand Pies

Serve them on a tray dusted with powdered sugar, or stacked with parchment between layers. Add a small bowl of Nutella or whipped cream on the side for dipping. They also pair beautifully with coffee, chai, or a cold glass of milk.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn any extras into something new:

• Nutella Sundaes: Chop up hand pies and top ice cream with them.
• Breakfast Treat: Warm and serve with fresh fruit for a decadent brunch.
• Dessert Board: Slice and arrange with berries and chocolates.

Additional Tips

More ways to perfect this easy pastry:

• Try shaping into rounds, rectangles, or mini hearts.
• Add a pinch of salt to the glaze for a salted caramel vibe.
• Keep your dough cool — work fast to prevent melting and tearing.

Make It a Showstopper

Brush with a little melted butter and dust with cinnamon sugar before baking for a churro-inspired twist. Drizzle the glaze in a zigzag for that bakery-style finish. Serve on a dark plate for dramatic contrast against the golden pastry.

Variations to Try

• Berry Nutella Hand Pies: Add a slice of strawberry or raspberry with the Nutella.
• Peanut Butter & Nutella: Half and half filling for a layered flavor.
• Mini Pies: Cut smaller squares for bite-sized party treats.
• Apple Cinnamon Nutella: Add a tiny spoon of sautéed apple for fall flair.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free puff pastry and check label on Nutella alternative.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use homemade puff pastry?

A1: Absolutely, but it may take a little longer to bake. Store-bought works just fine too.

Q2: Can I make these ahead?

A2: Yes, freeze them unbaked and bake straight from frozen.

Q3: What’s the best way to seal the edges?

A3: Use egg wash and a fork to press and crimp tightly.

Q4: Can I skip the glaze?

A4: Totally. They’re sweet enough on their own or can be dusted with powdered sugar instead.

Q5: Can I reheat leftovers?

A5: Yes, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes to revive the crispiness.

Q6: Do I need to thaw the puff pastry first?

A6: Yes, let it thaw just until pliable — don’t let it get too warm or it will tear.

Q7: Can I make these vegan?

A7: Use vegan puff pastry and a dairy-free chocolate spread, and skip the egg wash.

Q8: Why did my pies leak?

A8: They may have been overfilled or not sealed tightly enough.

Q9: Can I use other fillings?

A9: Yes! Try jam, dulce de leche, or even cream cheese and berries.

Q10: What’s the best way to store them?

A10: In an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Conclusion

Nutella Hand Pies are the kind of treat that feels special but comes together effortlessly. They’re buttery, flaky, and filled with rich chocolatey joy — perfect for any time you need a little sweetness in your day. Trust me, they’re worth every flaky, gooey bite.

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