Nutella Hand Pies

Nutella Hand Pies are a delightful dessert or snack that combines the heavenly creaminess of Nutella hazelnut spread with flaky, buttery pastry dough. These hand pies are a portable treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings on the go. Whether enjoyed as an after-school snack, a picnic treat, or a dessert for a special occasion, Nutella Hand Pies are a crowd-pleaser that combines the magic of Nutella with the comfort of handheld pastries.

The history of Nutella itself is a fascinating journey. Nutella was created by Pietro Ferrero, an Italian confectioner, during World War II when cocoa was in short supply. To stretch the available cocoa, Ferrero mixed it with hazelnuts, creating a creamy, chocolatey spread known as “Giandujot.” Later, his son Michele Ferrero improved the recipe, resulting in the spread we now know as Nutella. It was initially introduced as “Supercrema” in 1951 and later became Nutella in 1964.

Hand pies, on the other hand, have a much longer history. Portable pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings have been enjoyed for centuries in various forms around the world. In Europe, they were often referred to as turnovers or pasties, and they were favored as a convenient way to enjoy a meal or snack on the move.

The combination of Nutella and hand pies is a modern twist that showcases the universal appeal of Nutella and the timeless charm of hand-held pastries. It allows for the enjoyment of this beloved hazelnut spread in a convenient and portable format.

INGREDIENTS

For the Pastry Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• Nutella hazelnut spread

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

For Dusting (Optional):

• Powdered sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.

Step 3: Cut the Dough

1. Use a round cookie cutter or a small bowl as a template to cut out circles from the rolled dough. The size of the circles will determine the size of your hand pies.

Step 4: Fill with Nutella

1. Spoon a small amount of Nutella into the center of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 5: Seal and Crimp the Pies

1. Fold the dough over the Nutella filling to create a half-moon shape.
2. Use a fork to press and seal the edges of the hand pie, creating a decorative crimped pattern.

Step 6: Prepare the Egg Wash

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.

Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash

1. Brush the tops of each hand pie with the egg wash. This will give the hand pies a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked.

Step 8: Bake

1. Place the prepared hand pies on the lined baking sheet.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the hand pies are golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Dust (Optional)

1. Allow the Nutella Hand Pies to cool on a wire rack.
2. If desired, dust the cooled hand pies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve your Nutella Hand Pies as a delicious and portable treat for any occasion, whether as a dessert, snack, or a delightful surprise for loved ones.

These Nutella Hand Pies are a testament to the magic of Nutella and the timelessness of hand-held pastries. Whether enjoyed on their own or with a cup of coffee or tea, they provide a satisfying indulgence that brings the irresistible flavor of Nutella to the palm of your hand.