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Ingredients:
- 1 package Gluten Free Easy Puff Pastry Sheet, thawed according to package directions
- 1 tbsp or more corn starch or tapioca starch (for dusting)
- 1/2 cup Nutella or your favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread
- 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- 1 egg plus 1 tsp vanilla extract beaten (for egg wash
- Flakey sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
- Christmas themed small candies, sprinkles, and chocolates
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
- Dust your work surface with cornstarch, and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to make a large rectangle.
3. Cut the Tree Shape:
- Using a knife or a tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out a Christmas tree shape from the puff pastry. You'll need two identical tree shapes.
4. Spread Nutella:
- Take one of the puff pastry tree shapes and spread a generous layer of Nutella evenly over it, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Add Nuts:
- Sprinkle the finely chopped nuts evenly over the Nutella layer.
6. Place the Second Tree:
- Carefully place the second puff pastry tree shape on top of the Nutella and nut-covered one. Press the edges gently to seal.
7. Create Branches:
- Use a knife to make vertical cuts from the bottom of the tree towards the center, creating branches.
- Leave a small uncut area in the center to form the tree trunk.
8. Twist the Branches:
- Take each branch and gently twist it to create a layered effect, making the Nutella and nuts visible.
9. Egg Wash:
- Brush the entire Christmas tree with the beaten egg. This will give it a golden-brown finish when baked.
10. Bake:
- Transfer the assembled puff pastry Christmas tree onto the prepared baking sheet, and sprinkle with sea salt if using. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until it turns golden brown and puffy.
11. Cool and Dust:
- Allow the Christmas tree to cool slightly on a wire rack. If desired, dust it with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
12. Serve:
- Sprinkle your tree with Christmas colored sprinkles and candies to look like ornaments. Slice and serve your delicious puff pastry Christmas tree.