Saw the famous Nutella Christmas Tree recipe on TikTok but promised yourself to eat healthier this holiday season? No worries! Here’s a healthier yet delicious version that’s also vegan and gluten-free. I’ve swapped Nutella for chocolate hazelnut butter and used oat and chickpea flour instead of wheat flour.
Drooling already? Let’s make this festive treat together!
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1.
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of chickpea flour, 2 cups of oat flour, 2 teaspoons of Ceylon cinnamon, and 5 tablespoons of coconut or date sugar.
Step 2.
Gradually add 4 tablespoons of melted coconut oil and 1/3 cup of water, stirring until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a bit more water as needed.
Step 3.
Place the dough in the fridge and let it chill for 10 minutes.
Step 4.
On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a long, thin pastry sheet.
Step 5.
Spread the chocolate hazelnut butter over half of the dough. Fold the other half over to cover the filling.
Step 6.
Shape the folded dough into a large Christmas tree.
Step 7.
Cut small slits along the sides of the tree to form branches, then twist each branch slightly to create a tree-like appearance.
Step 8.
Bake the Christmas tree at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 9.
Once baked, sprinkle shredded coconut on top. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Extra tip: Use leftover dough for nutella filled cookies.
Is there a substitute for chickpea flour?
Yes, you can use almond flour or buckwheat flour instead of chickpea flour. Both options work well and maintain the nutty flavor.
Can I use another type of sweetener?
Of course! You can swap coconut or date sugar for maple syrup or agave syrup. Just adjust the water amount as needed to maintain the right dough consistency.
Optional add-ins
- Gingerbread Spice: A pinch of gingerbread spice makes the cookie even more festive.
- Cacao Powder: Adding a tablespoon of cacao powder to the dough makes the treat even richer.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract mixed into the dough enhances the overall flavor profile.
MORE HEALTHY CHRISTMAS DESSERTS:
Healthy & Vegan Nutella Christmas Tree (gluten-free)
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 cup chickpea flour (or use only oat flour)
- 2 cup oat flour
- 2 tsp Ceylon cinnamon
- 5 tbsp coconut or date sugar
- 4 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/3 cup water
Filling
- 3/4 cup Chocolate hazelnut butter (see notes)
Topping
- shredded coconut
Instructions
- Mix 1 cup chickpea flour, 2 cups oat flour, 2 tsp Ceylon cinnamon, and 5 tbsp coconut or date sugar in a bowl.
- Add 4 tbsp melted coconut oil and 1/3 cup water gradually, mixing until the dough sticks together. Add a little more water if needed.
- Let the dough rest in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Roll the dough into a long pastry sheet on a floured surface.
- Spread the hazelnut butter on one half of the pastry sheet, then fold the other half over to cover it.
- Cut the folded pastry into a Christmas tree shape.
- Cut slits along the sides of the tree to create branches, then gently twist each branch for a tree-like effect.
- Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut on top and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!