Are you craving a quick dessert that’s super delicious without messing up your kitchen? Puff pastry braids with hazelnut cream are the answer to your desires! Crunchy on the outside, with a melty core of hazelnut cream, these sweet pastries are perfect to prepare at the last minute, perhaps when unexpected guests arrive or simply to treat yourself to something good.
Thanks to the use of ready-made puff pastry, you can make a dessert that looks like it came from a bakery in less than 20 minutes! Ideal for a children’s snack, to serve with coffee or for a breakfast that’s different from the usual, these braids will win everyone over, young and old alike.
Check out these easy and quick puff pastry recipes:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 8 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Simple Ingredients, Guaranteed Result
To prepare these delicious braids, you’ll only need a few ingredients and no effort.
- 1 roll of puff pastry
- to taste hazelnut spread
- 1 tbsp butter (or milk)
- to taste sugar sprinkles
Steps to Prepare Puff Pastry Braids with Hazelnut Cream
Unroll the puff pastry and, if necessary, roll it out slightly with a rolling pin.
Spread half of the surface with a generous layer of hazelnut cream.
Fold the pastry over itself, covering the cream, and press lightly with your fingers to adhere.With a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, cut strips about 3/4 inch wide.
Twist each strip around itself, gently rolling to form a braid.
Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Brush each braid with melted butter or milk.
Sprinkle with sugar crystals or sugar sprinkles.
Bake in a preheated static oven at 355°F for about 15-18 minutes, until golden.
How to Store Puff Pastry Braids
Store the braids in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them warm, you can heat them in the oven for 2-3 minutes. It’s not recommended to store them in the fridge, as they will lose their crunchiness.
Clever Tips & Delicious Variations
• Want a richer version? Add some hazelnut pieces or chocolate chips inside before rolling.
• For a summer version, try with pistachio cream or apricot jam!
• No butter? Use just milk for brushing: the golden color will still be perfect!
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I use round puff pastry?
Yes, but you’ll have a bit of waste. Alternatively, cut a central rectangle and use the edges to make mini-braids.
Can I freeze the raw braids?
Yes! Freeze them before baking and bake them from frozen at 355°F, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use homemade spreadable cream?
Absolutely yes! The important thing is that it’s thick enough not to spill out during baking.
