Preparation of the Christmas Tree

• We can make the dough with a stand mixer or by hand, the important thing is to knead it well.
  In a bowl or in the mixer, put the water with the yeast, let it dissolve, then add part of the total flour and mix.
  Subsequently add the beaten egg, softened butter, sugar and mix again.
  Add the remaining flour and incorporate it well into the dough until you get a well-kneaded mixture and form a ball.
  Cover a bowl with the dough letting it rise for 2-3 hours until it doubles in size

  

• Once risen, pour the dough onto a work surface and divide it into 4 equal parts, create 4 balls and let them rest for at least 30 minutes.

  

• Now let’s prepare to create the tree on a spacious surface, place a sheet of parchment paper as large as the tray where the tree will be baked on a surface.
  Roll out the first dough ball with a rolling pin to create a wider base and a narrower top.
  Shape the triangle with your hands and the help of the rolling pin until you reach the desired size and shape.
  Place this first imperfect triangle on the paper and at this point, with a knife or a pasta cutter, trim the triangle around, to create a triangular shape.
  Soften the Nutella by placing the jar in a bain-marie, or in the microwave (in this case be careful not to have paper remnants on the jar’s neck, otherwise there will be sparks).
  Fill this first layer of dough with Nutella, leaving about a finger’s width from the edge.

  

• Continue creating the second triangle and place it on the filled triangle.
  Continue until the last triangle is placed and trim the edges where necessary.
  The leftover dough will be set aside to create the trunk.

  

• Create the trunk with the leftover dough by making 4 equal rectangles, fill each rectangle, and once you have obtained a precise and well-filled shape, attach it to the base of the tree.
  Cut the tree triangle obtaining all strips laterally on the right and left side, leave the central part intact. (see photo).
  Once the strips are obtained, roll each strip onto itself.
  Once everything is completed, let rise again in a warm place for about 1 hour.

  

• Bake in a preheated oven at 356°F for about 30 minutes checking the cooking.
  Meanwhile, when the Tree is almost cooked, prepare a water and sugar syrup (1/2 glass of water with 1 heaping tablespoon of sugar), dissolve well and boil on the stove until obtaining a syrup.
  Once baking is complete, remove from the oven and brush over the tree, then add the sugar decorations.
  Let it cool a bit before serving.
  It stays soft for a few days if stored well, but I don’t think there will be problems consuming it quickly.