Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets
- Nutella
- 1 egg
Optional for finishing:
- Powdered sugar
Equipment Needed
- Rolling pin
- Star-shaped cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small spoon
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
Understanding the Ingredients
Puff Pastry
Puff pastry creates the flaky layers that make these bites light and crisp. Use all-butter puff pastry if possible for better flavor and texture.
Keep puff pastry cold. Warm pastry becomes sticky and does not puff properly.
Nutella
Nutella is the filling and main flavor. Slightly softened Nutella is easier to work with, but it should not be hot or runny.
Egg
The egg is used only for egg wash. It gives the pastry a golden color and slight shine after baking.
Preparing the Puff Pastry
- Remove puff pastry from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
This prevents cracking when rolling. - Lightly flour your work surface.
Too much flour can dry the pastry, so use just enough to prevent sticking. - Roll out the pastry gently into an even sheet.
Aim for medium thickness. Too thin and the filling may leak. Too thick and the pastry will be doughy.
Cutting the Star Shapes
- Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut stars from the pastry.
- Cut an even number of stars so each bite has a top and a bottom.
- Transfer half of the stars to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Work quickly. If the pastry softens too much, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Adding the Nutella Filling
- Place a small spoonful of Nutella in the center of each star on the baking sheet.
- Keep the Nutella away from the edges, leaving a clean border all around.
Using too much Nutella can cause leaking during baking, so less is better.
Sealing the Star Bites
- Place a second star on top of each filled one.
- Gently press around the edges with your fingers to seal.
- For a tighter seal, lightly press with the tines of a fork.
A proper seal ensures the Nutella stays inside and the pastry puffs evenly.
Egg Wash Preparation
- Crack the egg into a small bowl.
- Beat until smooth.
- Lightly brush the tops of each star bite with egg wash.
Avoid letting egg wash drip down the sides, as it can prevent proper puffing.
Baking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the baking sheet on the center rack.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the star bites are puffed and golden brown.
During baking, the pastry layers will expand and create a crisp, flaky texture.
Cooling the Star Bites
- Remove from the oven and let the star bites sit on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a cooling rack.
The Nutella filling will be very hot at first. Cooling slightly improves texture and prevents burns.
