Introduction
Nutella French Hearts are a delightful combination of crispy pastry and rich Nutella chocolate spread, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or simply want to treat yourself, these heart-shaped pastries are easy to make and irresistibly delicious. This recipe is not only simple but also highly customizable, allowing you to add your personal touch to this sweet treat.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– All-purpose flour: 2 cups
– Butter: 1/2 cup, chilled and diced
– Sugar: 1/4 cup
– Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
– Ice water: 1/4 cup
– Nutella: 1 cup
– Egg: 1, for egg wash
– Powdered sugar: for dusting
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 heart-shaped pastries
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add cold cubed butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add chilled water gradually, mixing until the dough comes together.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Once the dough is formed, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
Step 4: Cut the Shapes
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Then, using a smaller heart cutter, cut out the center of half of the hearts to create a window effect.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 6: Assemble the Hearts
Take the full heart shapes and place a teaspoon of Nutella in the center of each. Top with the heart shapes that have the cut-out centers and press the edges gently to seal.
Step 7: Bake
Place the assembled hearts onto the prepared baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the hearts from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Serve as a delightful treat.
Notes
Tip 1: Use Cold Ingredients
Make sure to use cold butter and cold water to keep the dough flaky.
Tip 2: Nutella Variation
Feel free to substitute Nutella with other chocolate spreads or jams for different flavors.
Tip 3: Storage
Store any uneaten hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
Tip 4: Can be Frozen
Unbaked hearts can be frozen before baking. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
