Have you ever craved that perfect combination of buttery, flaky pastry and rich chocolate hazelnut spread? This Nutella Croissant Recipe brings bakery-quality treats right to your kitchen, and trust me, it's easier than you think. I've been making these golden beauties for years, and they never fail to impress whether it's a lazy Sunday morning or a special celebration.
What makes this Nutella Croissant Recipe truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. You don't need professional baking skills or fancy equipment. Just a few basic items, 25 minutes of your time, and you'll have warm, gooey chocolate-filled pastries perfect for breakfast that’ll make everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why This Chocolate Pastry Wins Every Time
There's something magical about biting into a warm croissant with melted Nutella oozing out. This Nutella Croissant Recipe became my go-to after countless breakfast experiments because it delivers consistent results without the fuss of traditional French pastry techniques. The flaky layers, the chocolate hazelnut filling, the golden exterior; it's everything you want in a breakfast treat or dessert.
What sets this Nutella Croissant Recipe apart is its flexibility. You can whip these up on busy weekday mornings or prepare them ahead for weekend brunch. They pair beautifully with fresh coffee, cold milk, or even a fruit salad. The best part? Kids absolutely love helping roll these up, making it a fun family activity that ends with delicious rewards.
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Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets (thawed)
- Nutella
- Egg (beaten)
Optional Enhancements
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
- Sea salt flakes
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prep Your Workspace and Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove puff pastry from the refrigerator and let it sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.
- Unfold the puff pastry sheets carefully and roll them out slightly to smooth any creases.
- Cut each sheet into 6-8 triangles (like pizza slices) depending on your preferred size.
Pro Tip: Cold pastry is easier to work with, so if it gets too warm while cutting, pop it back in the fridge for 5 minutes.
Add the Nutella Filling
- Place about 1-2 tablespoons of Nutella at the wide end of each triangle.
- Don't overfill; leave a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Use the back of a spoon to spread the Nutella slightly, keeping it concentrated at the base.
- If adding extras like banana slices or strawberries, place them on top of the Nutella now.
Expert Advice: Room temperature Nutella spreads more easily. Microwave for 10 seconds if it's too thick.
Roll and Shape Your Croissants
- Starting from the wide end with Nutella, gently roll the triangle toward the pointed tip.
- Roll tightly but not so tight that you squeeze out the filling.
- Curve the ends slightly inward to create that classic croissant shape.
- Place each rolled croissant on your prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
- Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion.
Important Note: Tucking the tip underneath prevents it from unrolling during baking.
Bake to Golden Perfection
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm for the best experience.
- Beat one egg in a small bowl and brush it generously over each croissant using a pastry brush.
- This egg wash creates that beautiful bakery-style golden color.
- Place in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Watch them carefully during the last few minutes; ovens vary in temperature.
- Remove when they're golden and flaky, then let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Temperature Control Matters Keep your puff pastry cold until you're ready to use it. Warm pastry becomes sticky and difficult to work with, plus it won't puff up properly in the oven. If your kitchen is warm, work quickly or chill the shaped croissants for 10 minutes before baking.
- Filling Distribution The biggest mistake beginners make is overfilling. Less is more here. Too much Nutella will leak out and burn on the baking sheet, creating a mess and potentially soggy bottoms. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons per croissant.
- Egg Wash Technique Use a soft pastry brush and apply the egg wash gently. Don't let it pool in the folds or drip onto the baking sheet. A thin, even layer gives you that professional bakery shine without making the pastry soggy.
- Baking Sheet Preparation Always use parchment paper, not just greased pans. Any Nutella that escapes during baking won't stick and burn. This makes cleanup effortless and prevents the bottoms from getting too dark.
- Cooling Time Resist the urge to eat them straight from the oven. Give them 5 minutes to set. The Nutella inside is molten hot and the pastry needs time to firm up slightly. This patience prevents burns and helps maintain structure when you bite in.
- Rotation for Even Baking Halfway through baking, rotate your pan 180 degrees. Most ovens have hot spots, and this simple step ensures all your croissants brown evenly.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Classic Twists on the Traditional Recipe
- Nutella and Banana Combination Add thin banana slices on top of the Nutella before rolling. The fruit adds natural sweetness and moisture. This variation works beautifully for breakfast and adds nutritional value. Just make sure to slice bananas thinly so they bake through properly.
- Strawberry Nutella Delight Fresh or frozen strawberries (thawed and patted dry) pair wonderfully with chocolate hazelnut spread. Dice them small and mix with a teaspoon of sugar before adding to prevent excess moisture. This creates a chocolate-covered strawberry effect that's absolutely divine.
- Salted Caramel Addition Drizzle a teaspoon of salted caramel sauce over the Nutella before rolling. The sweet and salty combination takes this Nutella Croissant Recipe to gourmet levels. You can also sprinkle sea salt flakes on top after the egg wash.
Dietary Modifications
- Vegan Version Use vegan puff pastry (check labels, as many brands are accidentally vegan). Replace Nutella with a dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread and brush with plant-based milk instead of egg wash. Add a touch of maple syrup to the milk for better browning.
- Gluten-Free Option Swap regular puff pastry for gluten-free puff pastry sheets, available at most grocery stores. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. Ensure your Nutella or chocolate spread is certified gluten-free.
- Lower Sugar Alternative Use a reduced-sugar chocolate spread or make your own with roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and a natural sweetener like dates. This cuts the sugar content significantly while maintaining that chocolate flavor.
- Protein-Boosted Version Mix a tablespoon of chocolate protein powder into your Nutella to increase protein content. This works great for post-workout treats or keeping kids fuller longer.
Creative Flavor Combinations
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to your Nutella for warmth. Try crushed hazelnuts inside for extra crunch. Orange zest mixed into the chocolate spread creates a sophisticated flavor profile. For holidays, add a hint of peppermint extract to the filling.
Equipment Recommendations
- Rolling pin ; Essential for smoothing out puff pastry and ensuring even thickness
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter ; Makes clean cuts through pastry for perfect triangles
- Pastry brush ; Needed for applying egg wash evenly without tearing the dough
- Baking sheets (2) ; Allows you to bake all croissants at once for efficiency
- Parchment paper ; Prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy
- Small mixing bowl ; For beating the egg wash
- Measuring spoons ; Ensures consistent Nutella portions in each croissant
- Wire cooling rack ; Lets air circulate around pastries for optimal texture
- Offset spatula ; Helpful for spreading Nutella evenly if you're making many batches
Budget Alternative: No pastry brush? Use a folded paper towel to apply egg wash. No wire rack? Cool directly on the baking sheet. This Nutella Croissant Recipe is forgiving and doesn't require specialty equipment.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooled croissants in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore flakiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy.
Freezing Instructions
- Before Baking: Shape your croissants completely, then freeze on a baking sheet for 2 hours. Transfer to freezer bags once solid. They'll keep for 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time.
- After Baking: Cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 325°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
Make-Ahead Strategy
- Prep everything the night before. Cut pastry, portion Nutella, and arrange on baking sheets. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, brush with egg wash and bake. Fresh pastries in under 20 minutes for this Nutella Croissant Recipe.
Best Results After Storage
- Always reheat in the oven, never the microwave. The oven restores that crispy, flaky exterior while warming the Nutella inside. Let them cool for just 2-3 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth on hot chocolate filling.
The Grandmother's Touch That Changes Everything
Here's the secret that transformed my Nutella Croissant Recipe from good to absolutely incredible. After brushing with egg wash, let your shaped croissants rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking. This chill time allows the butter in the puff pastry to firm up again, which creates dramatically better layers and puff during baking.
The second game-changer? Add a tiny pinch of instant espresso powder to your Nutella before filling. You won't taste coffee, but it intensifies the chocolate flavor exponentially. My grandmother taught me this trick decades ago, and it's the reason people always ask what makes my Nutella Croissant Recipe taste so rich and complex. These two small steps take zero extra effort but deliver bakery-level results every single time.
FAQ
Can you use Nutella in croissants?
Absolutely! Nutella works perfectly in croissants because it holds up well during baking and doesn't leak excessively when portioned correctly. The chocolate hazelnut spread melts slightly, creating a warm, gooey center while maintaining enough structure to stay inside the pastry. Just avoid overfilling, and you'll get perfect results with this Nutella Croissant Recipe every time.
Are Nutella croissants good?
They're absolutely delicious! The combination of buttery, flaky pastry with rich chocolate hazelnut filling creates an irresistible treat. The contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy chocolate center makes these pastries popular worldwide. Whether for breakfast or dessert, a homemade Nutella Croissant Recipe delivers satisfaction that store-bought versions rarely match.
Does Tim Hortons still have the Nutella croissant?
Menu items at chains vary by location and season. Your best bet is checking with your local Tim Hortons directly or their app for current offerings. However, making your own Nutella Croissant Recipe at home gives you control over quality, freshness, and filling amount, plus they're usually more cost-effective than buying individual pastries.
What is a common mistake in croissants?
The most frequent error is working with warm pastry dough. When puff pastry gets too warm, the butter melts before baking, preventing proper layering and puffiness. Always keep your dough cold, work quickly, and refrigerate if it starts feeling soft. Another common mistake with this Nutella Croissant Recipe is overfilling, which causes leaking and messy baking sheets.
Your Next Chocolate Adventure Awaits
Now that you've mastered this Nutella Croissant Recipe, why stop here? Your chocolate journey is just beginning, and I've got two incredible recipes that'll keep that cocoa craving satisfied.
Try the Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe for your next celebration. It takes the same flavors you love in these croissants and transforms them into a show-stopping layer cake. The moist chocolate layers paired with hazelnut buttercream create pure magic. If you're looking for something with a sweet and salty twist, the Salted Caramel Cake Recipe is calling your name. That perfect balance of rich caramel and a hint of sea salt pairs beautifully with coffee, just like your freshly baked Nutella Croissant Recipe.
This simple pastry recipe proves that bakery-quality treats don't require professional training or complicated techniques. With just a few ingredients and these straightforward steps, you're creating memories and delicious moments. So grab that puff pastry, spread that Nutella, and get baking. Your kitchen is about to smell absolutely amazing, and trust me, these croissants won't last long once people get their first taste!
With love and flaky crumbs
By Lisa Johnson💛
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Pairing
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Nutella Croissant Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Rolling Pin Smooths and flattens puff pastry evenly
- 1 Sharp knife or pizza cutter Cuts clean triangles of pastry
- 1 Pastry brush For applying egg wash evenly
- 2 Baking sheets To bake all croissants at once
- As needed Parchment paper Prevents sticking and burning
- 1 Small mixing bowl For beating egg wash
- 1 set Measuring spoons For consistent Nutella portions
- 1 Wire cooling rack Allows air circulation for flaky texture
- 1 Offset spatula Helps spread Nutella evenly
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 sheets Puff pastry, thawed Creates flaky layers
- 1 cup Nutella Rich chocolate hazelnut filling
- 1 large Egg, beaten For glossy golden tops
- 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar Optional, for dusting
- 1 pinch Sea salt flakes Optional, for flavor contrast
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Optional, adds flavor depth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into triangles.
- Spread 1–2 tablespoon Nutella at the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll croissants from base to tip, tucking ends slightly inward.
- Brush with egg wash and bake 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for 5 minutes, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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