Name: Sweet Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Ingredients: 1 sheet Puff Pastry (Thawed); 1 egg Egg (for wash) (Can substitute with milk for dairy-free); 1/2 cup Nutella (Or similar chocolate spread); 6 strawberries Strawberries (Fresh, firm, ripe); 1 tablespoon Powdered Sugar (For dusting before serving); 1 tablespoon Coarse Sugar (Optional, for topping before baking)

As I rolled out the buttery puff pastry, the air filled with an inviting aroma that instantly transported me to my favorite local bakery. These Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts are one of those recipes that bridges the gap between simplicity and indulgence, making them perfect for any occasion that deserves a little extra touch. What’s so lovely about this easy, romantic dessert is how it combines the rich, creamy goodness of Nutella with the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries—all wrapped in flaky pastry crispness. Best of all, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes, so no more reaching for fast food when a craving strikes! Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy, love-filled haven?

Why Are These Puff Pastry Hearts Amazing?

Indulgent Flavors: The rich mix of Nutella and fresh strawberries creates a heavenly experience that pleases every palate.

Quick Prep Time: You can whip up these delightful hearts in under 30 minutes, offering a perfect solution for spontaneous dessert cravings.

Elegant Presentation: Their charming heart shape makes them an impressive dessert for romantic dinners or special celebrations, elevating your culinary game.

Versatile Options: Feel free to mix and match with other fruits or try different fillings like almond butter for a unique twist. If you love puff pastry desserts, you might also enjoy Brie Puff Pastry or Caprese Puff Pastry.

Crowd-Pleasing: These delightful treats are sure to impress family and friends, making them the perfect choice for gatherings or cozy evenings at home.

Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts Ingredients

For the Pastry
• Puff Pastry – This flaky, buttery base offers a delicious texture and is easily found in the freezer section.
• Egg (for wash) – Gives the pastry a beautiful golden color and shine; substitute with milk for a dairy-free option.

For the Filling
• Nutella – This creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread adds a rich sweetness; feel free to swap it with a similar chocolate spread if desired.
• Strawberries – Fresh and sweet, these bring a fruity brightness; choose firm, ripe strawberries to keep excess moisture at bay.

For Dusting and Topping
• Powdered Sugar – A light dusting before serving adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Coarse Sugar (optional) – Sprinkling on top before baking gives a delightful crunch and decorative touch.

Creating these Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts at home is not just quick; it adds a sprinkle of love to any gathering!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). As it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking later and make cleanup a breeze. This step is crucial for ensuring that your Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes from the pastry. Gather any excess dough, roll it out again, and continue cutting until you’ve made enough hearts. This will create an appealing base for the delicious filling to come.

Step 3: Assemble the Base
Carefully place half of the puff pastry hearts on the prepared baking sheet. These will serve as the base for your Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts. Make sure there’s enough space between the hearts to allow for puffing as they bake. This spacing will ensure each heart has room to expand into a flaky delight.

Step 4: Add the Filling
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of Nutella onto each base heart, creating a luscious layer. Next, place 2–3 thin slices of fresh strawberries on top of the Nutella, taking care to leave a ¼-inch border around the edges. This assembly allows the strawberries to sweeten and meld perfectly with the rich chocolate during baking.

Step 5: Seal the Hearts
Brush the exposed pastry borders with a beaten egg wash, which will enhance the shine and flavor. Top each filled heart with another heart shape, gently pressing down to seal them. Crimp the edges with a fork to create a beautiful, decorative edge while ensuring no filling escapes during baking.

Step 6: Chill for Crispness
If your pastry is warm from handling, place the assembled hearts in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This chilling step helps the butter layers in the pastry firm up, leading to a flakier texture when baked. While they chill, you can also prepare for the next steps.

Step 7: Brush and Sugar
Once chilled, remove the hearts from the refrigerator and brush the tops with egg wash. If you choose, sprinkle coarse sugar on top to add a bit of sparkle and crunch. This little touch elevates your Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts, making them festive and inviting.

Step 8: Bake It to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time; the visual cue of a golden hue indicates they are about to come out perfect and flaky.

Step 9: Cool and Dust
Once baked, remove the Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Before serving, dust them lightly with powdered sugar to add sweetness and a lovely presentation. This small finishing touch will make your hearts irresistible!

What to Serve with Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts

Delight in a perfectly-rounded meal that harmonizes with the charming sweetness of these puff pastry hearts.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy filling.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream paired with warm pastries creates an indulgent dessert experience.
Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted chocolate over the top enhances the decadent flavors of Nutella for extra indulgence on special occasions.
Berry Compote: This homemade compote brings a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the pastry, elevating each bite into a gourmet delight.
Sparkling Wine: A glass of bubbly complements the romantic vibe and adds a touch of sophistication to your dessert table.
Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream provides a luscious topping that perfectly complements the crispy pastry and sweet filling.
Espresso or Coffee: The rich, bold notes of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweet flavors of the hearts, making it a perfect ending to any meal.

Expert Tips for Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts

Keep It Cool: Ensure the puff pastry remains chilled as you work to achieve maximum puff during baking; warm pastry won’t rise as effectively.
Slicing Strawberries: Use thin slices of strawberries and pat them dry to prevent unwanted moisture, which can lead to sogginess in your Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts.
Sealing Edges: Crimp the edges securely to avoid the Nutella and strawberry filling from leaking out while they bake; a fork works wonders for this!
Oven Monitoring: Keep an eye on the pastries in the last few minutes of baking. Remove them once they are golden brown for the best texture.
Serving Warm: For a delightful experience, serve these hearts warm, as it enhances the gooeyness of the Nutella and the freshness of the strawberries.

Variations & Substitutions for Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts

Feel free to get creative and customize your Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts with these delicious ideas!

Nutella Alternative: Swap Nutella for chocolate ganache or almond butter for a different creamy experience. Both options provide a distinct flavor, adding an exciting twist to your hearts.
Berry Medley: Experiment with mixed berries like raspberries or blueberries for a tart contrast to the sweetness. The vibrant colors will also elevate the visual appeal of your dessert!
Banana Bliss: Use banana slices in place of strawberries for a delightful twist. The sweet, soft texture complements the richness of Nutella in a truly delectable way.
Dairy-Free Option: For a vegan-friendly version, replace Nutella with a dairy-free chocolate spread and use plant-based milk for the egg wash. Your guests won’t even notice the difference!
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar on the tops before baking for an extra layer of warmth and flavor. This sweet touch transforms the heart’s aroma while bringing a cozy feeling on every bite.
Savory Delight: For a savory spin, try using fig jam instead of Nutella and add thinly sliced brie cheese. This unique combination is perfect for an unconventional appetizer!
Different Shapes: Don’t restrict yourself to hearts; use squares or triangles to create delightful puff pastry pockets! This will make them fun for gatherings, offering variety on a platter.

If you’re on a puff pastry kick, you might also love trying out Brie Puff Pastry for a rich, cheesy delight or serving up a slice of Caprese Puff Pastry for something savory. The possibilities are endless!

How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts

Room Temperature: Keep any leftover Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their texture and flavor.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can store the hearts in the fridge for up to 3 days; just be aware that refrigeration may soften their flakiness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the hearts in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating: To restore crispness, reheat the frozen or refrigerated hearts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving.

Make Ahead Options

These Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the hearts up to 24 hours in advance by assembling them without baking. Simply follow the instructions up to the point of sealing the pastry, then refrigerate the assembled hearts, covered, to keep them chilled and ensure they puff beautifully when baked. When you’re ready to serve, brush them with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse sugar, and bake as directed. This way, you can enjoy a delightful dessert with minimal effort on the day of your special occasion!

Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for firm, bright red berries that are free of dark spots or mold. Ripe strawberries should have a sweet aroma and a glossy appearance. For best results, avoid overripe ones that may have bruising or dark spots, as these can release excess moisture during baking.

What is the best way to store leftover Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts?
You can keep any leftover Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If stored in the fridge, they can last up to 3 days, though the texture may soften a bit due to humidity. For optimal freshness, I recommend enjoying them within the first couple of days.

Can I freeze the Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts?
Yes, freezing is a great option! To do so, place the assembled but unbaked hearts on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1 hour. After they are firm, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I do if my puff pastry doesn’t puff up properly?
Very! If your pastry doesn’t puff, it may be due to the butter layers being too warm. To prevent this, keep the pastry chilled during assembly and avoid overworking it. Additionally, ensure that your oven is preheated before baking. If the puff pastry looks soggy, try using thinner slices of strawberries next time and pat them dry before assembling.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of for my guests?
Yes! While these Strawberry Nutella Puff Pastry Hearts are vegetarian, they do contain dairy and gluten. If you’re making them for someone with dietary restrictions, consider using dairy-free chocolate spreads, and check that the puff pastry is suitable for their needs, as many store-bought varieties contain gluten. Always check ingredient labels, especially for allergies.