When the holiday season rolls around, my kitchen transforms into a magical hub filled with the promise of festive treats. One particular delight that never fails to bring smiles to my family is the Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree. The sight of a golden, flaky puff pastry tree dusted with cinnamon-sugar sparks joy and anticipation — it’s like having a slice of holiday magic right on our table!
As I prepare to shape this edible masterpiece, I’m flooded with memories of laughter and cheer, showcasing how cooking can turn simple moments into cherished traditions. This recipe isn’t just about pleasing the taste buds; it’s a delightful way to gather everyone around the table for a sweet experience. Imagine the warm aroma wafting through your home as this delightful tree bakes, its branches inviting everyone to dig in.
Perfect for cozy get-togethers or simply snuggling up with loved ones, the Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree is simply irresistible. Easy to make and even more fun to share, let’s dive into this treat that’s destined to become a holiday staple in your home!
Why is Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: With the perfect blend of hazelnut chocolate and warm cinnamon-sugar, every bite is like a festive hug!
Festive Presentation: This stunning puff pastry tree will be the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations, impressing family and friends alike.
Simple and Fun: Easy to assemble, this recipe encourages creativity, making it perfect for cooking with kids or a fun date night in.
Fill Your Home with Aroma: As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with delightful scents, enhancing the holiday spirit.
Versatile Treat: Whether as a dessert or a sweet brunch item, it’s sure to delight on any festive occasion.
Time-Saving Delight: Quick to prep and bake, this recipe allows you to spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen!
Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree Ingredients
Unleash your festive spirit with these delicious components!
For the Puff Pastry Tree
• Puff pastry sheets – 2 sheets ensure a golden and flaky foundation for your edible masterpiece.
• Vegan Nutella – 1 cup provides a rich, chocolatey filling that complements the churro vibes beautifully.
For the Glaze
• Vegan salted butter – 2 tbsp will add a wonderful flavor and sheen to your baked tree.
• Oat milk – 1/2 tbsp helps to create a smooth glaze; feel free to swap with any plant-based milk.
For the Cinnamon Sugar
• Granulated sugar – 1 tbsp for that sweet crunch that elevates your Christmas tree to a whole new level.
• Ground cinnamon – 1/4 tsp adds that warm and cozy flavor, making it the perfect holiday treat!
Get ready to create a spectacular Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning!
How to Make Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree
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Preheat your oven to 220°C/428°F. This ensures a perfectly baked tree! The heat will create that delightful golden brown color we all love.
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Spread a sheet of puff pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Generously spread the vegan Nutella all over, making it a decadent layer of chocolate goodness.
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Layer the second puff pastry over the top. Shape it into a tree by cutting 1-inch slits on both sides, keeping the center intact for a sturdy trunk.
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Score a light outline of a trunk onto the triangle’s base. The top should be narrower than the bottom, guiding the festive look of your tree.
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Twist each side’s strips 1-3 times to form branches. For a natural look, use fewer twists on the bottom branches and more on the top for a bit of flair.
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Cut out stars from the leftover puff pastry using a cookie cutter. Create one larger star for the top and a few smaller ones to decorate the trunk, pressing them onto the tree.
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Mix melted vegan butter with oat milk in a small bowl. Brush this mixture all over the tree and stars to give everything a wow-worthy sheen as it bakes.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tree is golden brown. Keep an eye on it, enjoying that sweet aroma filling your kitchen!
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Sprinkle the churro-inspired sugar by mixing granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. Once the tree is out and warm, brush the mixture all over for an extra tasty touch.
Optional: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top for a decadent finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree
• Chill the Pastry: Keep puff pastry sheets chilled until you’re ready to use them. Warm pastry can become stretchy and difficult to shape properly.
• Nutella Spread: Spread Nutella evenly, reaching the edges of the pastry. Leaving gaps can lead to uneven baking, resulting in sections without the delicious filling.
• Twisting Strips: Twist the branches just enough for visual appeal but avoid over-twisting. Too many twists can cause the pastry to lose structure while baking.
• Glaze Generously: Don’t skimp on the vegan butter and oat milk glaze. A thorough brush gives your Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree a gorgeous golden finish.
• Keep an Eye on Bake Time: Ovens can vary, so check for a golden color around the 20-minute mark to prevent burning. Enjoy the warm aroma wafting through your kitchen!
• Cinnamon Sugar Finish: Apply the cinnamon-sugar mixture while the tree is warm for better adherence and to enhance the flavor of your festive creation.
What to Serve with Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree?
Creating a festive meal is about enhancing the joyful spirit of the holidays with delightful pairings that complement your centerpiece.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: Rich, creamy hot chocolate serves as a warm hug in a mug, perfectly matching the sweet flavors of the tree.
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Spiced Apple Cider: This warm beverage, infused with spices, adds a festive flair and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar topping.
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Gingerbread Cookies: Soft gingerbread cookies provide a spiced crunch, making for a delightful contrast with the flaky pastry. Perfect for nibbling!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and a classic flavor that balances the richness of the chocolate hazelnut filling.
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Fruit Salad: Fresh, zesty fruits like cranberries and oranges offer a bright and refreshing counterpoint to the indulgent dessert, cleansing the palate after each sweet bite.
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Holiday Charcuterie Board: A beautiful charcuterie board with cheese, dried fruits, and nuts creates a savory contrast that tantalizes the taste buds while everyone waits for dessert.
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Peppermint Bark: Deliciously festive, this dessert provides a delightful crunch and a refreshing minty twist that complements the warm spices of your Christmas tree.
Let these tasty companions transform your celebration into a feast that’s full of love, flavor, and unforgettable memories!
Make Ahead Options
These Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Trees are a joy to make ahead, saving you valuable time during the festive rush! You can assemble the entire tree, including shaping the dough and applying the Nutella, up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain that flaky freshness. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge while you preheat your oven, letting it sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature. Brush it with the glaze just before baking for a golden finish. This way, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress with minimal effort on the day of your celebration!
How to Store and Freeze Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture, ideally within 1 day.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a crisp finish.
Freezer: You can freeze unbaked Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree for up to 2 months. Assemble it, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag.
Reheating: For best results, reheat baked pastry in the oven at 175°C/350°F for about 10-12 minutes, restoring its delightful crunch!
Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this festive treat to delight your taste buds!
- Nut-Free: Substitute vegan Nutella with a rich chocolate spread made from sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative.
- Extra Crunch: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the Nutella layer for a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor.
- Cinnamon Infusion: Mix a bit of cinnamon directly into the Nutella for an extra layer of warm spice in every bite. This subtle addition will enhance the holiday spirit!
- Minty Twist: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract into the Nutella for a refreshing mint flavor—perfect for the festive season.
- Sweet Dairy Option: If not vegan, use regular butter and Nutella for a richer flavor. This will surely satisfy traditional dessert lovers!
- Savory Spin: Replace Nutella with a savory filling like herbed cheese or pesto for a unique appetizer that balances beautifully with the pastry’s sweetness. Imagine the surprise on everyone’s faces!
- Spicy Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mixture to wake up your taste buds with a warm kick! This twist can bring a delightful surprise.
- Fruitful Addition: Layer some sliced bananas or strawberries between the pastry sheets for a fresh burst of flavor that complements the richness of the chocolate. You’ll be amazed at how well the fruits blend with the tree!
Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best puff pastry sheets?
Absolutely! When choosing puff pastry, look for a brand with a high butter content for optimal flakiness and flavor. Ensure the sheets are properly sealed and free of any visible damage. If you’re at a local grocery store, thicker sheets tend to hold up better for shaping, so that’s often a great option.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very! To keep your Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply pop it back in the oven at 175°C/350°F for about 10-12 minutes to restore that crispy texture!
Can I freeze an unbaked Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree?
Definitely! You can freeze your assembled Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree for up to 2 months. To do this, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it inside a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw it; just pop it straight in the oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Why is my puff pastry not rising as expected?
Oh dear! If your puff pastry isn’t rising well, it could be due to a few reasons. First, ensure that the pastry remains chilled before baking; warm pastry won’t puff properly. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated; sometimes, uneven temperatures can cause the pastry to flatten. Lastly, avoid opening the oven door too often during baking to maintain consistent heat.
Is this recipe safe for those with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, this recipe is not suitable for anyone with a nut allergy due to the inclusion of hazelnut chocolate spread. You can try alternatives, such as a cocoa spread made without nuts to keep it safe for your loved ones. Just ensure it has a similar texture to spread easily!
How do I add more flavor if I want?
Great question! If you’re looking to enhance the flavor profile of your Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the hazelnut chocolate or a dash of vanilla extract in the glaze. Spices such as nutmeg or allspice can also amp up the festive vibe, so feel free to experiment a bit!
Churro Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas Tree for Cozy Celebrations
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 220°C/428°F for a perfectly baked tree.
- Spread a sheet of puff pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread vegan Nutella all over.
- Layer the second puff pastry over the top and shape it into a tree by cutting 1-inch slits on both sides.
- Score a light outline of a trunk onto the triangle's base.
- Twist each side's strips 1-3 times to form branches.
- Cut out stars from the leftover puff pastry using a cookie cutter for decoration.
- Mix melted vegan butter with oat milk in a small bowl and brush it all over the tree and stars.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the warm tree after baking.
- Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a decadent finish.