There’s something truly magical about holiday baking—the cozy scent of pastries in the oven, the sparkle of lights in the background, and the laughter that fills the kitchen. Among the easiest and most delicious creations to share this season are Nutella Puff Pastry Gingerbread Men. These delightful little pastries combine the buttery layers of puff pastry with the irresistible creaminess of Nutella Spread, all shaped into the classic festive Gingerbread Man. Perfect for a quick snack or charming dessert, this easy recipe brings warmth, fun, and sweetness to every table—ideal for spreading smiles during the holidays.
A Sweet Memory of Holiday Baking
When winter rolls in and the first snowflakes drift past the window, the kitchen becomes a haven of warmth and wonder. The sweet scent of baking puff pastry mingled with hints of nutty chocolate instantly brings to mind laughter and togetherness. Growing up, the simple act of cutting shapes from dough was as exciting as unwrapping gifts—the joy of turning ingredients into tiny edible works of art never faded.
Now, recreating that same magic is easier than ever with Nutella Puff Pastry Gingerbread Men. These charming pastries blend nostalgic comfort with a modern twist, making them the perfect holiday treat. Whether baking for a cozy family evening or as part of your growing collection of Nutella-inspired recipes, the delightful aroma and golden-brown glow of these pastries will fill your home with pure cheer. Every bite carries the warmth of shared memories and the sweetness of togetherness—proof that the best holiday moments can often be baked right at home.
While traditional gingerbread cookies are known for their spicy flavor and crisp texture, Nutella Puff Pastry Gingerbread Men bring a new level of indulgence to the table. Instead of mixing a dense dough and waiting for it to chill, this version uses ready-made puff pastry—flaky, buttery, and incredibly quick to work with. A generous layer of Nutella Spread adds rich, creamy sweetness that complements the light pastry layers perfectly.
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Nutella Puff Pastry Gingerbread Men – Easy Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastries 1x
Description
These Nutella Puff Pastry Gingerbread Men combine flaky puff pastry with creamy Nutella spread for a quick and festive holiday dessert. They are simple to make and perfect for sharing at seasonal gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 1/2 cup Nutella Spread
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- powdered sugar (optional)
- crushed hazelnuts (optional)
- white chocolate (optional)
Instructions
1. preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. line a baking tray with parchment paper
3. roll out one sheet of puff pastry to 1/8 inch thickness
4. spread Nutella evenly over pastry leaving a 1/2 inch border
5. place second pastry sheet on top and press edges to seal
6. cut shapes with a gingerbread man cutter and transfer to tray
7. beat egg with milk and brush each shape lightly
8. bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed
9. cool slightly then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle white chocolate
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 25
Keywords: nutella puff pastry, gingerbread men, holiday treat, quick recipes, easy dessert, festive baking, nutella recipes
Ingredients & Preparation
Simple Ingredients for Festive Magic
One of the best things about this Nutella Puff Pastry Gingerbread Men recipe is how straightforward it is. With just a few pantry staples, you can turn simple ingredients into golden, flaky, and irresistibly creamy holiday pastries. Perfect for quick recipes snacks or even a recette pâtisserie facile, the combination of buttery puff pastry and smooth Nutella Spread delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience every time.
Ingredients:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen)
- ½ cup (120 g) Nutella Spread
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (to mix with the egg wash for shine)
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, crushed hazelnuts, or chocolate drizzle
Each of these simple elements plays an important role—the pastry provides that classic flaky texture, Nutella adds velvety sweetness, and the egg wash ensures your Gingerbread Men bake to a perfect golden brown. Optional toppings add a personalized touch, whether you prefer them elegantly dusted with sugar or dressed up with festive sparkle.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Puff pastry sheets | 2 | Keep them cold but pliable; thaw if frozen just until soft enough to roll. |
| Nutella Spread | ½ cup (120 g) | Slightly warm for a smoother spread. |
| Egg | 1 | Beat with milk to create a glossy, even color. |
| Milk | 1 tbsp | Helps loosen the egg wash and encourages browning. |
| Optional toppings | As desired | Add after baking for decoration or lightly before baking for toasty nuts. |
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
Making Nutella Puff Pastry Gingerbread Men is as fun as it is easy. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing a last-minute treat for guests, these steps will guide you to perfectly flaky results every time.
You will need: Gingerbread man cookie cutter, rolling pin, baking tray, parchment paper, pastry brush.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your surface and roll out one sheet of puff pastry until it’s about ⅛ inch thick. Keep the second sheet chilled until you’re ready to use it to maintain flakiness.
- Spread the Nutella: Warm the Nutella slightly for easier spreading, then gently coat the pastry with an even layer, leaving a small ½‑inch border to prevent overflow while baking.
- Layer and Cut: Place the second pastry sheet on top, press lightly, and use the gingerbread man cutter to shape the pastries. Arrange them on your tray and re-roll scraps for more pieces.
- Add the Egg Wash: Mix the beaten egg and milk, then brush lightly over the tops for a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12–15 minutes until puffed, crisp, and golden. The pastry should look flaky and lightly caramelized at the edges.
- Cool and Decorate: Cool slightly before transferring. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate for a festive touch.
Visual cue: When perfectly baked, the pastries will be puffed with crisp edges, glossy tops, and a buttery aroma. The Nutella inside should remain soft but not runny.
Serving, Storage & Holiday Ideas
Creative Serving Ideas for Holiday Gatherings
Once your Nutella Puff Pastry Gingerbread Men have cooled, it’s time to bring them to the table in style. These buttery, chocolate-filled treats can elevate any holiday setting—from a relaxed morning brunch to a festive evening party.
Pair them with mugs of hot cocoa, creamy lattes, or spiced cider for cozy enjoyment. For entertaining, arrange the pastries on a decorative tray with berries, candy canes, and powdered sugar “snow.” Their cheerful shapes and golden color instantly brighten any dessert spread.
They also make thoughtful edible gifts. Wrap each in clear treat bags tied with ribbons or place several in festive tins lined with parchment. Add crushed hazelnuts for crunch or drizzle with white chocolate for elegance. Kids can decorate their own with small icing details—it’s a fun hands-on holiday activity that doubles as a creative memory.
How to Store & Keep Them Fresh
These Nutella Puff Pastry Gingerbread Men keep wonderfully, making them ideal for early prep during the busy season. To store at room temperature, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container lined with parchment. They’ll stay crisp for up to two days.
For longer freshness, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to five days. To serve later, reheat briefly in a hot oven—never the microwave—to restore that delicate flaky texture. For extended storage, freeze unglazed pastries in a single layer before boxing them in freezer-safe bags. They’ll remain perfect for about a month and can be baked directly from frozen when needed.
If they soften over time, a quick five minutes in the oven brings back the just-baked crunch. You can even prepare shaped pastries ahead of time, freeze them unbaked, and bake them fresh for last-minute gatherings. Their convenience and luscious taste make them a reliable choice among sweet snacks recipes and delicious snacks recipes any time of year.
FAQ & Conclusion
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Yes. Homemade pastry works beautifully as long as it’s kept cold and layered properly. It yields slightly more rustic, buttery results but requires extra effort. Both store-bought and homemade produce delightful Nutella Puff Pastry Gingerbread Men.
How long do they stay fresh?
Stored properly, they last up to two days at room temperature, five in the fridge, or a month frozen. Reheat just before serving for crisp, flaky pastry and warm Nutella filling.
Can I substitute other fillings?
Absolutely. Almond or peanut butter, caramel spread, or fruit jam all work well. You can even mix Nutella with mascarpone for a lighter flavor while keeping the same easy approach.
What makes this a quick holiday snack recipe?
There’s no chilling or complex dough—store-bought pastry cuts prep time dramatically. From start to finish, you can have warm pastries in under 30 minutes, making this the definition of a quick holiday indulgence.
How do I achieve light, flaky layers?
Keep the dough cold, handle it minimally, and bake in a fully preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Avoid opening the oven door early for best rise and color.
Cozy Conclusion
Few recipes capture the festive spirit as beautifully as Nutella Puff Pastry Gingerbread Men. They’re satisfyingly simple, irresistibly flaky, and endlessly joyful to make. With their buttery texture, smooth Nutella filling, and classic gingerbread shape, they’re the ultimate holiday treat that brings people together.
Beyond their taste, these pastries celebrate what the season is all about—cozy moments, laughter, and handmade joy. Proof that the best memories start in the kitchen, these little delights transform ordinary afternoons into magical shared experiences.
So gather those you love, warm the oven, and bake a batch of Nutella Puff Pastry Gingerbread Men. Serve them beside a twinkling tree, gift them in a decorative tin, or savor them fresh from the tray. However you share them, each bite will spread sweetness, comfort, and a touch of homemade wonder this holiday season.
