Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers Recipe

I absolutely adore making and sharing this Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers Recipe because it brings together the irresistible creaminess of Nutella and the satisfying crunch of hazelnuts wrapped in flaky, buttery puff pastry. It’s one of those treats that feels both fancy and effortless, perfect for when I want to impress guests or simply indulge myself. Every bite is a joyful balance of textures and flavors, and I love how easy it is to whip up with just a few ingredients.

Why You'll Love This Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers Recipe

From my experience, what really makes this recipe stand out is its perfect flavor marriage. The rich, chocolate-hazelnut spread gives a luscious sweetness that pairs beautifully with the gentle nuttiness and crunch of finely chopped hazelnuts. Meanwhile, the puff pastry provides that unforgettable flaky, buttery structure that melts in your mouth. I can’t get enough of the way each palmier has that crisp caramelized edge with the soft filling inside—it’s like a little bite of heaven.

Another reason I’m so enthusiastic about this recipe is how incredibly simple it is. With just a pre-made puff pastry sheet, some Nutella, and hazelnuts, I’m able to whip these palmiers up in under an hour. There’s very little fuss, and no fancy baking skills required, which makes it perfect for stressful occasions or last-minute guests. I’ve found it’s a great recipe to bring out for afternoon tea, casual parties, or even a special weekend brunch. Honestly, it’s such a crowd-pleaser whenever I serve it.

Ingredients You'll Need

The ingredients for this Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers Recipe are wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays a vital role in creating the ultimate taste and texture. I love that with so few components, you get maximum flavor and a beautiful contrast of crunchy and soft.

• 320g / 11oz puff pastry: I recommend using a high-quality pre-made sheet for that perfect flaky and buttery base.
• 4-5 tablespoon Nutella: This adds a creamy, rich, chocolate-hazelnut flavor that’s totally addictive.
• 45g / ⅓ cup hazelnuts: Finely chopped for a delightful crunch and enhanced hazelnut taste.
• Powdered sugar: A light dusting to finish adds a pretty touch and just the right hint of sweetness on top.

Directions

Step 1: Lay out your sheet of puff pastry on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Using a spatula, spread a thin, even layer of Nutella all over the pastry, making sure to cover the entire surface for consistent flavor.

Step 2: Sprinkle the finely chopped hazelnuts evenly over the Nutella layer. This step is what adds that delightful crunch and intensifies the nutty character.

Step 3: Begin rolling the puff pastry tightly from one long edge toward the center. Then, roll the opposite side to meet the first roll in the middle, creating a double-rolled log. If you use the long edge, you’ll end up with smaller, delicate palmiers; using the short side gives you larger ones.

Step 4: Wrap the rolled pastry tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This chilling step is key to keeping the palmiers from spreading too much during baking.

Step 5: Remove the roll from the fridge and slice it into ½-inch thick pieces. Place each slice on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room to expand.

Step 6: Bake the palmiers in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they turn a beautifully golden color and the edges look crisp and caramelized.

Step 7: Let the palmiers cool on a wire rack and then dust them lightly with powdered sugar. This not only adds sweetness but also a pretty, professional-looking finish that impresses every time.

Servings and Timing

This Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers Recipe makes approximately 30 delightful little pieces, perfect for sharing at parties or spoiling yourself over a few days. The prep time is about 20 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes to chill the roll before baking. Baking takes roughly 15 minutes, so overall, you’re looking at just over an hour from start to finish including cooling. It’s quick enough for weekday treats and elegant enough to serve for weekend guests.

How to Serve This Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers Recipe

When it comes to serving, I love pairing these palmiers with a light and refreshing accompaniment that balances their richness. A simple side of fresh berries or a crisp apple salad complements the chocolate and nuts beautifully. If you’re serving them at a party, placing them alongside creamy mascarpone or lightly whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence that guests adore.

Presentation-wise, I suggest dusting the finished palmiers with powdered sugar just before serving to keep them looking fresh and inviting. You can arrange them on a pretty platter, maybe with some extra chopped hazelnuts sprinkled around to hint at the flavors inside. For an added touch, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a few whole toasted hazelnuts make for stunning garnishes.

For beverages, these palmiers pair wonderfully with a rich cup of espresso or a smooth hazelnut-flavored coffee. During special occasions, I enjoy serving them with a glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo or even a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate. They’re fabulous served at room temperature or slightly warm, right after cooling, which brings out the Nutella’s creamy softness without losing that perfect flaky texture.

Variations

I like to play around with this Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For instance, you can swap out the hazelnuts for chopped almonds or pecans for a different nutty crunch. If you don’t have Nutella on hand, other chocolate spreads or even almond butter work well, though the flavor will shift slightly.

If you’re catering to gluten-free diets, using gluten-free puff pastry is a fantastic alternative, and the recipe works just as well. For vegan options, choosing a puff pastry made without butter and using a dairy-free chocolate-hazelnut spread will keep the recipe plant-based without compromising the taste and texture.

Another variation I enjoy is adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or chili powder into the hazelnut layer for a subtle warmth and complexity. You can even experiment with baking times or shapes—rolling from the short side for larger palmiers or slicing thinner for more delicate bites gives you creative control over the results.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and crispy for up to three days this way. Using a container lined with parchment paper helps keep them separated and prevents them from sticking together. Avoid refrigerating them as the humidity can soften the pastry.

Freezing

I’ve found that these palmiers freeze quite well if you want to prepare them in advance. After baking and cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They keep their best quality for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat gently in the oven.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispness, I recommend reheating frozen or leftover palmiers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the pastry soggy and chewy, losing that delightful crunch. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake or burn. This method revives the texture beautifully and makes them perfect for serving again.

FAQs

Can I make Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolled pastry, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking, or bake them fully and store for a few days. Freezing baked palmiers works well too, so planning ahead is easy.

What can I substitute for Nutella if I have allergies?

If you’re avoiding Nutella due to allergies or preferences, try using seed butter spreads like sunflower seed butter or tahini mixed with a bit of cocoa powder and sweetener. These won’t offer the exact taste but can yield a delicious alternative filling.

Why is chilling the rolled dough important?

Chilling helps the dough firm up so when you slice the palmiers and bake them, they maintain their shape and don’t spread too much. It also allows the Nutella and hazelnuts to set into the pastry for an even texture.

Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?

Definitely! Homemade puff pastry will give you a wonderfully fresh and flaky result, though it’s more time-consuming. If you love baking from scratch, this is a fantastic opportunity to shine.

How can I ensure my palmiers come out crispy?

Make sure your oven is fully preheated to a high temperature before baking and space the slices well apart on the baking sheet. Also, resist the urge to open the oven too often while they bake, as this can lower the temperature and affect crispness.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you give this Nutella and Hazelnut Palmiers Recipe a try because it’s one of those treats that never fails to bring smiles and happy taste buds around my kitchen. It’s simple, indulgent, and endlessly customizable — a perfect little luxury you can make anytime. Once you try them, I bet you’ll be as hooked as I am on their flaky, nutty goodness!

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