If you are searching for a dessert that’s as charming as it is delicious, look no further than the Nutella Hearts: Heart-Shaped Croissants with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe. This delightful treat features buttery, golden croissant dough hugging a gooey, rich Nutella center, all beautifully crowned with drizzles of silky milk and white chocolate. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you want to impress with something sweet and tender, these heart-shaped delights will win over both eyes and taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, combining buttery, creamy, and sweet elements to create a perfectly balanced treat. You don’t need a long grocery list, but each item is essential to capture the luscious texture and irresistible flavor of the Nutella Hearts.
- 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls: This buttery dough is the flaky, golden shell that forms the heart shape and gives the croissants their irresistible texture.
- 3 tsp Nutella: Creamy and rich, this chocolate-hazelnut spread provides the luscious filling that makes each bite so decadent.
- ¼ cup milk chocolate chips: Melts beautifully for the drizzle, adding sweetness and a glossy finish.
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips: Provides a lovely contrast to the milk chocolate drizzle with its creamy, subtly sweet flavor and visual appeal.
How to Make Nutella Hearts: Heart-Shaped Croissants with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by greasing a baking sheet with cooking spray to ensure your croissants won’t stick. Preheat your oven to 350°F — the perfect heat for achieving golden brown, flaky croissants that are crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Step 2: Shape the Croissants
Unroll the refrigerated crescent rolls and press the dough into a single, continuous sheet by sealing the perforations. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 12 perfect dough hearts. This step transforms ordinary dough into something extra special and festive.
Step 3: Add the Nutella Filling and Seal
Arrange six heart cutouts on your prepared baking sheet. Place ½ teaspoon of Nutella in the center of each heart, being careful not to overfill to avoid leaks. Top each with a second heart shape and gently press the edges together with your fingers to seal the filling inside, creating little pillows of chocolate love.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake the assembled hearts for 12 to 15 minutes in your preheated oven. Watch them closely as they turn a gorgeous golden brown, a cue that they are ready to come out and cool slightly before the finishing touches.
Step 5: Melt and Drizzle Chocolate
Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir well and add 15-second bursts as needed until fully melted and smooth. Drizzle this melted milk chocolate over the warm croissants for a glossy, sweet finish. Repeat this process with the white chocolate chips and drizzle on top to create a visually stunning dessert.
How to Serve Nutella Hearts: Heart-Shaped Croissants with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over the finished Nutella Hearts for an elegant touch. You can also add fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries to complement the chocolate and add a pop of bright color and tartness that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These croissants pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream to elevate the dessert experience. A cup of rich coffee or creamy hot chocolate also complements the sweet, chocolaty flavors perfectly for a cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Place Nutella Hearts on a decorative platter lined with parchment and scatter edible rose petals around for a truly romantic presentation. For a fun brunch, serve them alongside a colorful fruit salad or in individual gift boxes tied with ribbons to delight guests or loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the Nutella Hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh while preserving the croissant’s flakiness and the chocolate’s smooth texture.
Freezing
To enjoy these anytime, freeze unbaked assembled hearts on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen solid. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time, for fresh-tasting treats whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen Nutella Hearts in a preheated 325°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. This restores their crispness without drying out the croissant or losing that sumptuous Nutella center.
FAQs
Can I use homemade croissant dough instead of canned crescent rolls?
Absolutely! Homemade croissant dough will give you an extra buttery and flaky texture, though it requires more time and skill. The canned dough is a great shortcut that still delivers fantastic results.
Is it possible to substitute Nutella with another filling?
Yes, feel free to experiment with jam, peanut butter, or chocolate ganache. Just make sure the filling is thick enough to stay inside the hearts during baking.
How do I prevent the dough from leaking during baking?
Press the edges firmly when sealing and avoid overfilling the hearts. You can also lightly wet the edges with water before pressing them together to ensure a tighter seal.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Yes! Assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake, or freeze them as mentioned. Just bake fresh right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to melt the chocolate chips?
Microwaving in short bursts and stirring frequently is key to melting chocolate smoothly without burning or seizing. Alternatively, use a double boiler for gentle melting.
Final Thoughts
These Nutella Hearts: Heart-Shaped Croissants with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe truly bring joy and warmth every time you bite into one. Simple ingredients come together to create a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or any moment you want to feel a little extra love. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and spread the sweetness to those around you — nothing says “made with love” quite like these charming croissants!
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Nutella Hearts: Heart-Shaped Croissants with Chocolate Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Delight in these Nutella Hearts, a perfect Valentine’s Day treat featuring creamy Nutella nestled inside buttery, golden crescent roll dough shaped into charming hearts. Finished with drizzles of melted milk and white chocolate, these easy-to-make pastries combine simple ingredients for an irresistible, festive dessert.
Ingredients
Nutella Hearts
- 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 3 tsp Nutella
- ¼ cup milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet and oven: Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking.
- Shape the dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press the seams together to form one cohesive sheet. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 12 heart shapes carefully.
- Assemble the Nutella Hearts: Place six dough hearts onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon ½ teaspoon of Nutella onto the center of each heart. Top each with another heart-shaped piece of dough. Press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal the filling inside the dough.
- Bake the pastries: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the Nutella Hearts for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Melt and drizzle chocolates: Place the milk chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir; if not fully melted, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle the melted milk chocolate over the baked hearts. Repeat this melting and drizzling process with the white chocolate chips for a beautiful two-tone finish.
Notes
- Ensure the edges of the hearts are well sealed to prevent Nutella from leaking during baking.
- You can substitute the cookie cutter shape for other festive shapes if desired.
- Use room temperature crescent dough for easier handling and shaping.
- For an elegant presentation, allow the chocolate drizzle to set completely before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
