Decadent Nutella-filled Mini Pies

Craving a delectable dessert that marries flaky, buttery pastry with luscious Nutella? Look no further than these Delightful Nutella Filled Pies! This recipe brings together the best of both worlds – a nod to old-world Italian baking techniques and a generous dose of modern sweetness. Picture a golden-brown crust cradling a warm, oozing filling of chocolate hazelnut spread, creating a delightful treat that strikes the perfect balance between familiar and indulgent.

Hailing from Italy, I’ve always believed in the power of simple yet top-quality ingredients to create memorable dishes, and these Nutella Hand Pies perfectly embody that philosophy. From the first bite to the last crumb, these pies offer a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds to dessert paradise. With a sprinkle of icing sugar on top and a flaky crust that melts in your mouth, these hand pies are not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. Dive into the world of baking perfection with these Delightful Nutella Filled Pies, where every bite promises a moment of pure bliss.

Quick Benefits

• Indulgent combination of gooey Nutella and flaky pastry
• Blend of old-world Italian baking techniques with modern sweetness
• Simple ingredients, yet a fancy and delightful treat
• Fun and engaging to make, creating a beautiful dessert

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Nutella-filled Mini Pies Recipe

• This recipe combines the classic flavors of flaky pastry and rich Nutella, creating a delicious and indulgent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• The contrast between the buttery, flaky crust and gooey, melted Nutella filling creates a textural explosion in every bite.
• The recipe captures the essence of old-world Italian baking, bringing a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to your kitchen.
• Perfect for both casual snacking and elegant dessert offerings, these Nutella Hand Pies can be enjoyed on any occasion.
• The process of making these hand pies is not just about the end result – it’s a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to appreciate the art of pastry-making.

Ingredients for Decadent Nutella-filled Mini Pies

Dough Base

• 2 cups regular flour
• 1 cup cold diced salted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt
• 6½ tablespoons white sugar

Topping & Decoration

• 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
• 1-2 tablespoons icing sugar for sprinkling

Glaze Mixture

• 1-2 tablespoons milk or water
• 1 large egg

Pro Tips for Decadent Nutella-filled Mini Pies

Pro Tip #1: To achieve that perfect flaky texture for your Nutella Hand Pies, make sure your cold diced butter is well incorporated into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for creating a tender and flaky pastry shell.

Pro Tip #2: When assembling your hand pies, be generous with the chocolate hazelnut spread filling, but be careful not to overfill them. Leaving a border around the edges will help seal the pies properly and prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Brushing the edges with an egg wash before crimping them together will also help create a beautiful golden crust.

Pro Tip #3: Keep a close eye on your Nutella Hand Pies while they’re baking to ensure they don’t overcook. The key is to bake them until they are golden brown and the pastry is cooked through, but still tender. Sprinkling a little icing sugar on top right after they come out of the oven will add a touch of sweetness and make them look even more irresistible. Enjoy these delightful treats warm or at room temperature for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

How to Make Decadent Nutella-filled Mini Pies

Step 1: Create Base

Combine butter, dry ingredients, and eggs in a food processor until mixture forms clumps. Knead briefly on a floured surface until a smooth ball forms.

Step 2: Cool Ingredients

Chill dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, place small spoonfuls of chocolate hazelnut spread on parchment paper and freeze for 20-30 minutes until firm.

Step 3: Get Ready

Preheat the oven to 350F (180C) and line baking trays with parchment paper. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch.

Step 4: Form Treats

Cut 3½-inch rounds of dough, place frozen spread in center, top with another round with small cuts. Seal edges with fork, brush with egg mixture.

Step 5: Cook

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot or cold, optionally dusted with icing sugar.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Nutella filled hand pies, allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the hand pies to an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. You can layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Store the hand pies in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, you can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature to maintain their crispiness, or simply heat them in the microwave for a quick treat.

If you have leftover hand pies and want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them instead. Place the cooled hand pies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the hand pies to a freezer-safe container or bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To reheat frozen hand pies, bake them in a preheated oven until warmed through, ensuring they are heated all the way to the center. This way, you can enjoy these delightful Nutella filled pies whenever you crave a sweet and flaky treat.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the cold diced salted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Make sure the coconut oil is solid, not melted, for the best texture. You can also try using a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour if you need a gluten-free version of the recipe. Just be mindful of the different absorption rates of gluten-free flours and adjust the amount of liquid accordingly.

If you prefer a lower sugar option, you can reduce the amount of white sugar in the recipe or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Additionally, if you don’t have chocolate hazelnut spread on hand, you can use a combination of melted chocolate and finely chopped hazelnuts to create a similar filling. Just make sure the mixture is not too runny to avoid leaking out of the pies during baking.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative way to serve these delightful Nutella filled hand pies, consider plating them warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of the warm, flaky pastry with the cold, smooth ice cream will create a delightful sensory experience that will have your guests coming back for more. Another fun idea is to drizzle the hand pies with a generous amount of warm chocolate sauce and sprinkle crushed hazelnuts on top for added texture and flavor. This will elevate the Nutella-filled pies to a decadent dessert that is perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats.

FAQs for Decadent Nutella-filled Mini Pies

Question?

What is the key to making the Nutella Hand Pies perfect?

Answer.

The key to making perfect Nutella Hand Pies is using top-quality ingredients, mastering the pastry-making technique, and ensuring they are baked to perfection.

Question?

Can I substitute the chocolate hazelnut spread with a different filling?

Answer.

While the recipe calls for chocolate hazelnut spread, you can certainly substitute it with another filling of your choice for a different flavor profile.

Question?

How do I know when the hand pies are done baking?

Answer.

You’ll know the hand pies are done baking when the pastry turns golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. It’s crucial not to overbake them to maintain a gooey, melted filling.

Conclusion

As you wrap up making these Delightful Nutella Filled Pies, take a moment to appreciate the love and effort you’ve put into creating these sweet treats. The aroma of warm Nutella filling encased in flaky pastry is a delight for the senses, and the joy of sharing these handmade pies with loved ones is truly priceless. Remember, baking is not just about the end result, but also about the journey and the memories created along the way.

So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, I encourage you to give these Delightful Nutella Filled Pies a try. Let the process be a joyful one, and revel in the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. Share them with family and friends, and spread the happiness that these little pockets of goodness bring. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of these delightful Nutella filled pies!