Quick Nutella Puff Pastry Churro Twists Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an even more intense hazelnut flavor, lightly toast the crushed hazelnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for two minutes before adding them to the pastry. This simple extra step enhances the aromatic quality of the nuts and ensures they provide a distinct, satisfying crunch that stands up to the sweetness of the Nutella and the buttery pastry.

If you prefer a more complex flavor profile, add a pinch of sea salt to the cinnamon sugar mixture. The salt helps to balance the richness of the chocolate and the sweetness of the sugar, making the flavors pop.

This is a subtle adjustment, but it transforms the overall taste, making these churro twists feel like a high-end bakery creation rather than a simple homemade snack.

Variations

• Spiced Chocolate Twist: Mix a half-teaspoon of ground cardamom or cayenne pepper into the cinnamon sugar for a warm, exotic spice profile that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate hazelnut filling.
• Almond and White Chocolate: Substitute the Nutella with melted white chocolate and use crushed toasted almonds instead of hazelnuts for a lighter, creamier, and more delicate flavor combination.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though they will lose their signature crunch.

Freezer

Not recommended, as the puff pastry texture does not hold up well to freezing and thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes to regain crispness.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the container at room temperature for up to one day to preserve the best texture.

Beyond that, the pastry will lose its crispness, so it is best to consume these treats shortly after they are made to enjoy the contrast between the flaky exterior and the molten filling.

You can assemble the unbaked twists up to four hours in advance and keep them in the refrigerator on a parchment-lined tray. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the pastry from drying out.

When ready to serve, brush with butter and air fry directly from the refrigerator, adding one extra minute to the total cooking time to account for the cold pastry. This makes them perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Serving ideas

Serve these churro twists warm, ideally within ten minutes of taking them out of the air fryer. They are best enjoyed as a handheld dessert, perhaps paired with a small side of extra warmed Nutella for dipping, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a delightful temperature contrast.

Placing them on a simple wooden platter or a rustic ceramic plate enhances their cozy, homemade appeal.

For a more formal presentation, arrange the twists in a fan pattern on a large serving platter. You can lightly dust them with additional cinnamon sugar or a tiny pinch of cocoa powder just before serving to add visual interest. They pair beautifully with a cup of strong black coffee or a warm glass of milk, which helps cut through the richness of the chocolate and pastry.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Quick Nutella Puff Pastry Churro Twists

Prep 5 minCook 8 minTotal 13 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry, store-bought or made ahead
• 100 g Nutella
• 40 g crushed roasted hazelnuts
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 50 g cinnamon sugar

Instructions

1. Lay one sheet of puff pastry flat on a clean surface. Spread the Nutella evenly across the surface of the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the crushed roasted hazelnuts over the chocolate layer. Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top, pressing down gently to seal the layers together.
2. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the prepared pastry stack into 1-inch wide strips. Carefully pick up each strip and twist it several times to create a spiral shape. Ensure the ends are pressed firmly to hold the shape during the cooking process.
3. Brush each pastry twist lightly with melted butter. Place the twists into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown. Remove immediately and roll in the cinnamon sugar while still warm.

Contains: gluten, milk, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

3.5 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

1.2 g

Sugar

14 g

Sodium

150 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.