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These delightful Nutella hand pies combine buttery pastry with rich chocolate-hazelnut filling for an irresistible homemade treat. The flaky crust and warm, gooey center create the perfect handheld dessert that brings together classic Italian pastry techniques with everyone's favorite spread.
The key to amazing Nutella hand pies lies in technique and quality ingredients. Taking care with the pastry, maintaining proper temperatures, and watching bake times carefully results in perfectly golden, flaky pies with a luxurious filling.
Key Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Keep very cold and cut into small cubes for the flakiest pastry
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base for a tender, delicate crust
- Nutella: Bring to room temperature for easy spreading
- Eggs: Use cold for the dough and wash
- Sugars: Both granulated and powdered add sweetness
- Salt: Enhances all flavors in the pastry
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Pastry (15 min):
- Mix flour, sugar and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add eggs and mix just until combined.
- 2. Chill and Prep (30 min):
- Wrap dough and refrigerate. Meanwhile, portion Nutella onto parchment paper and freeze.
- 3. Shape and Fill (20 min):
- Roll chilled dough, cut circles, add frozen Nutella, cover with second circle and seal edges with fork crimping.
- 4. Bake to Golden (20-25 min):
- Heat oven to 350°F. Brush with egg wash, cut vents, and bake until golden brown.
- 5. Final Touch (10 min):
- Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
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Kitchen Tips
- Keep all ingredients and tools cold
- Handle dough as little as possible
- Freeze Nutella portions until solid
- Seal edges completely to prevent leaks
- Don't forget to cut steam vents
- Cool slightly before eating
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Storage Tips
Store at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze for 3 months. Unbaked pies can be frozen and baked directly from frozen.Recipe Variations
Try adding chopped hazelnuts, fruit preserves, or a pinch of cinnamon to the Nutella filling for delicious twists on the classic.Serving Ideas
Enjoy warm with powdered sugar, alongside vanilla gelato, or drizzled with chocolate sauce for an elevated dessert experience.
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Final Note
These Nutella hand pies showcase how simple ingredients and careful technique create something truly special. Perfect for sharing or savoring alone, they're a delightful treat for any occasion.Frequently Asked Questions
- → What if I don't have a food processor?
- No worries, you can totally mix the dough by hand. You could also use a stand mixer, but keep it on low. Mix it all up just until it becomes a nice, soft dough.
- → Is it really important to chill the Nutella?
- Chilling the Nutella is key. It stops it from oozing out all over the place when you're putting the pastries together and when they're baking.
- → Can I prep these in advance?
- Totally! You can stash them in the freezer before or after baking (they'll last up to 3 months). Or, just keep the dough in the fridge for a couple of days.
- → What's the best way to keep any leftovers?
- Keep them at room temperature and they are good for a day or two, pop them in the fridge for 4 to 5 days, or freeze 'em for up to 3 months.
- → Can I try different stuffings?
- Sure thing, just swap the Nutella for any other jam or spread that's thick enough so it won't run out while it's baking.