Chocolate Hazelnut Twists

The aroma of buttery, flaky pastry intertwined with rich, velvety Chocolate Hazelnut Twists is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. These delectable treats combine the perfect balance of crispy, golden pastry with the irresistible combination of chocolate and hazelnut that melts in your mouth with each bite. Whether served as a special breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert, these Chocolate Hazelnut Twists are guaranteed to impress. You’ll learn how to create these stunning pastries with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow techniques that yield professional-looking results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chocolate Hazelnut Twists are about to become your new favorite baked good for so many reasons. First, they strike that perfect balance between impressive and achievable—looking like they came from a high-end bakery but requiring no special equipment or advanced baking skills. The contrast between the crispy, flaky exterior and the smooth, creamy chocolate hazelnut filling creates an irresistible texture experience that keeps you coming back for “just one more bite.”

The beauty of these twists lies in their versatility. They’re perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or as an elevated coffee companion. Plus, they come together in under an hour with store-bought puff pastry doing most of the heavy lifting. The visual impact of the twisted design delivers that “wow factor” with minimal effort, making these Chocolate Hazelnut Twists the ideal recipe when you want to impress without stress.

Ingredients

For the perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Twists, you’ll need:

• 2 sheets (17.3 oz/490g) frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
• 1 cup (300g) chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (60g) chopped hazelnuts
• ¼ cup (45g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)

The star ingredient here is the chocolate hazelnut spread, which provides that signature rich, nutty flavor. Look for a high-quality spread with real hazelnuts listed in the ingredients for the most authentic taste. The puff pastry should be all-butter for the best flavor and texture, though any good quality store-bought brand will work beautifully.

Pro Tips

Temperature Matters: Keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to work with it. If it becomes too warm and soft, pop it back in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Working with properly chilled dough ensures those beautiful, defined layers that make Chocolate Hazelnut Twists so irresistible.

Even Spreading: When applying the chocolate hazelnut spread, leave a clean 1-inch border around the edges of your puff pastry. This prevents the filling from oozing out during baking and helps create a proper seal when you fold the dough. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure an even layer of spread.

Twisting Technique: The key to achieving those beautiful spiral patterns in your Chocolate Hazelnut Twists is in the twisting motion. After cutting your strips, hold each end and twist in opposite directions, applying gentle but firm pressure. Aim for 4-5 twists per strip—too few won’t show the pattern, while too many might cause breakage.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Take your puff pastry out of the refrigerator about 5 minutes before working with it—you want it cold but pliable.

Step 2: Prepare the First Sheet
Unfold one sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out to a 12×12-inch square, keeping the rectangular shape. Spread about ½ cup of the chocolate hazelnut spread evenly across the surface, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.

Step 3: Create the Sandwich
Unfold the second sheet of puff pastry and place it directly on top of the chocolate-covered sheet, lining up the edges as precisely as possible. Gently press the edges together to seal in the chocolate hazelnut filling.

Step 4: Cut Into Strips
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 12 equal strips, each approximately 1-inch wide. For the cleanest cuts, use a ruler as a guide and wipe your knife clean between cuts.

Step 5: Create the Twists
Pick up each strip by the ends and twist in opposite directions to create that signature spiral pattern in your Chocolate Hazelnut Twists. Place each twisted strip on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one as they’ll expand during baking.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Brush each twist with the beaten egg wash, then sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts and a light dusting of granulated sugar. If using, add mini chocolate chips on top for extra chocolatey goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Chocolate Hazelnut Twists for 18-22 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up beautifully and turned a deep golden brown. The caramelized sugar should create a slight crunch on the exterior. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt immediately after removing from the oven for a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast.

Variations

White Chocolate Raspberry Twists: Replace the chocolate hazelnut spread with white chocolate spread and add a thin layer of raspberry jam. This creates a fruity, tangy contrast to the sweet white chocolate that’s particularly lovely for spring or summer gatherings.

Cinnamon Sugar Twists: For a simpler version reminiscent of churros, brush the puff pastry with melted butter instead of chocolate spread, then generously dust with cinnamon sugar before twisting. These Cinnamon Hazelnut Twists offer a warming spice profile that’s perfect with coffee or hot chocolate.

Savory Cheese Twists: For a completely different take, swap the sweet fillings for a savory alternative. Spread the puff pastry with cream cheese mixed with herbs, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan and black pepper before twisting and baking. These savory Cheese Twists make excellent appetizers or accompaniments to soup.

Storage and Serving

Your Chocolate Hazelnut Twists are at their absolute best when served slightly warm, about 10-15 minutes after coming out of the oven, when the pastry is at its crispiest and the chocolate filling is still slightly molten. They make a stunning centerpiece for a brunch spread or dessert platter.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, pop in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore their crispness. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked twists on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.

Serve these Chocolate Hazelnut Twists with:

• A dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness
• Alongside fresh berries for a fruity contrast
• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert
• Paired with espresso or cappuccino for the perfect afternoon treat

FAQs

Can I make these twists ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare them through the twisting step, then refrigerate (up to 24 hours) or freeze (up to 3 months) before baking. If frozen, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

My puff pastry tore while I was working with it. What should I do?
Don’t worry! Simply press the torn edges back together firmly. Once twisted and baked, small tears won’t be noticeable. If severely torn, you can use that piece in the center of your batch where it will be less visible.

Can I use homemade chocolate hazelnut spread?
Absolutely! Homemade spread often has a more intense flavor. Just ensure it’s not too runny, or it might leak during baking.

Why did my twists unravel during baking?
This typically happens when the twists aren’t tight enough or the pastry was too warm. Try chilling the twisted pastries for 15 minutes before baking next time.

Can I make these without nuts for allergy concerns?
Yes! Simply omit the chopped hazelnuts and use a nut-free chocolate spread alternative. The twists will still be delicious with just the chocolate component.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Hazelnut Twists are comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of buttery, flaky pastry and rich, indulgent chocolate-hazelnut filling that satisfies both visual and taste expectations. They’re the kind of dish that elevates ordinary moments into special ones, whether enjoyed with your morning coffee, served to impressed weekend guests, or savored as a sweet ending to a dinner party. With their impressive appearance but surprisingly straightforward preparation, these twists prove that sometimes the most memorable treats come from the simplest combinations of quality ingredients and a little bit of twisting magic.

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