Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers
There’s something magical about the holiday season, especially when the warm, sweet aroma of baked goodies fills the air. Imagine buttery, flaky pastry kissing a rich layer of creamy Nutella, and then jazzed up with crunchy hazelnuts—this is precisely what Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers offer. They are not just cookies; they are a delightful bite of nostalgia that transports me back to my childhood, spending afternoons in the kitchen with family, experimenting with flavors and textures. The anticipation of waiting for something to bake always felt like the sweetest kind of time.
Table of Contents
Perfect for Christmas gatherings or cozy evenings at home, these palmiers are a whimsical yet simple addition to your dessert table. With just three ingredients and a mere 5 minutes of prep, you’ll soon find yourself in a delightful whirlwind of sweet, crispy, and nutty flavors. Ready to bring a little sweetness into your life? Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: From prep to plate, these cookies come together in just 20 minutes, making them an effortless treat for any occasion.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Nutella’s rich chocolatey goodness and the crunch of hazelnuts is simply delectable.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With their elegant shape and golden-brown finish, these palmiers impress without the fuss.
- Flexible Serving: Whether it’s an afternoon snack, a festive party, or a special breakfast treat, these palmiers fit perfectly.
- Diet-Friendly Options: For gluten-free options, use gluten-free puff pastry to cater to different dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Puff Pastry: One pre-made sheet (320g / 11oz) is all you need. Look for high-quality low-fat options to keep things light and flaky.
- Nutella: About 4-5 tablespoons of this beloved hazelnut chocolate spread. It’s the star ingredient, bringing creaminess and a rich, chocolate flavor. If you’re seeking an alternative, try almond butter for a nutty twist, though the flavor profile will shift.
- Hazelnuts: 1/3 cup (45g) of finely chopped hazelnuts adds a delightful crunch. Toast them briefly in a pan before chopping for an enhanced depth of flavor. If hazelnuts aren’t your preference, pecans or almonds would work well too!
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting, adding a touch of sweetness and visual appeal before serving.
How to Make Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, making it ready for your lovely palmiers. Lay out your sheet of puff pastry on this parchment to ensure nothing sticks as they bake to perfection. This small step can prevent any disaster during cleanup!
Spread Nutella: Grab a spatula and spread Nutella evenly across the puff pastry in a thin layer. Be generous but not overly thick—this will allow for the ideal texture when baked. The way Nutella melts and mingles with the pastry is a sight to see—pure bliss in the making!
Add Hazelnuts: Now, sprinkle those finely chopped hazelnuts all over the Nutella-covered pastry. The nutty aroma will begin to entice you already! Pat them lightly into the Nutella to ensure they adhere well, offering a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Roll and Chill: Begin rolling your pastry starting from one long side, gently working towards the center. Then repeat on the other side. This rolling technique creates that signature palmier shape. You can choose your roll direction based on the size you prefer—long side for mini, short side for larger ones. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm it up before baking.
Slice and Bake: Once chilled, take your roll out and slice it into 1/2 inch thick pieces. Place each piece 2 inches apart on your parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake those beauties for around 15 minutes until they puff up and turn golden brown—your kitchen will smell phenomenal while they bake, so keep an eye on them!
Cool and Dust: Once baked, transfer the palmiers to a wire rack to cool slightly. Before serving, dust them with powdered sugar for a final touch of sweetness and visual allure. These little cookies are the epitome of effortless elegance!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong their life, they can be refrigerated for up to a week, preferably in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out. For longer storage, you can freeze them up to three months. Just bake, cool, and then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When it’s time to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy again, though the texture might not be quite as perfect as when freshly baked.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Soggy Bottoms: Ensure your puff pastry is cold when you start, as it will puff better during baking. This keeps them light and airy instead of greasy.
- Chill the Dough: If you notice it’s difficult to slice, pop the rolled dough back into the fridge to chill before cutting.
- Play with Flavors: Don’t be shy to add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to the Nutella before spreading it if you want a twist on the classic taste.
- Perfect Portioning: You can cut thinner for mini palmiers or larger slices for a bolder bite—both are delicious!
- Make Ahead: You can prep the roll a day in advance, just leave it wrapped in the refrigerator until you’re ready to slice and bake.
These Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers are a quick and easy treat that not only impresses with its stunning presentation but also delivers a satisfying feast of flavors with every bite. They are perfect for the busy holiday season, any cozy gatherings, or even as a wonderful gift for friends and family to enjoy. Just remember, there’s always room for a delightful pastry in life!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes! If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade puff pastry can elevate your palmiers even further. Just ensure it’s rolled out to the same dimensions to maintain the recipe’s proportions.
How can I make it vegan?
To make these palmiers vegan, use a plant-based puff pastry and substitute Nutella with a vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread. There are many excellent options available that taste just as delightful.
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding mini chocolate chips or dried fruit on top of the Nutella before rolling for an extra flavor dimension. Chopped almonds or pistachios can also be an excellent addition instead of hazelnuts!
What can I serve with palmiers?
Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. They shine as a stand-alone treat, but you can also serve them alongside whipped cream, gelato, or a fruit compote for an inspired dessert experience.
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📖 Recipe Card
Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers come together in a mere 20 minutes, delivering irresistible flavors of chocolate and nuts. Ideal for any occasion, these homemade pastries are bound to impress!
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry: One pre-made sheet (320g / 11oz)
- Nutella: About 4-5 tablespoons
- Hazelnuts: 1/3 cup (45g) of finely chopped hazelnuts
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread Nutella evenly across the puff pastry in a thin layer.
- Sprinkle finely chopped hazelnuts over the Nutella and pat lightly.
- Roll the pastry from each long side towards the center and chill for 30 minutes.
- Slice the chilled roll into 1/2 inch thick pieces and place on the cookie sheet.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes until golden brown and puffy.
- Cool on a wire rack and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For gluten-free options, use gluten-free puff pastry.
Chill the dough if it becomes difficult to slice before cutting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 palmier
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
