Crostatine alla Nutella (Nutella Tartlets)

Crostatine alla Nutella, Nutella Tartlets. A crumbly, light, and buttery pastry with a luscious Nutella filling. I am sure kids and grown-ups alike will fall in love with their delicate texture and delightful flavor. 

[First published on May 24, 2015, this post has been updated for pictures and recipe instructions]

These rich and decadent tartlets were my favorite snack as a kid, or of any Italian kid for that matter. A copycat recipe of a tartlet made by a famous brand that almost every Italian household had in their pantry. Recreate the amazing taste of these Nutella tartlets in the comfort of your home. Serve it as individual desserts for a fancy dinner or celebration. 

Memories from my childhood

In case I could go back in time to my childhood, I would choose a day that involved a sunny day at the beach, merenda (snack) after a swim, and crostatine with Nutella. The impossible heat, the sticky sand on my feet, the salty taste on my lips. With my shriveled hands from being in the water too long, I grab the chocolate tartlet my mother is handing me. Wet hair dripping down my neck, and wind caressing my tanned body, I bite into the tart, crumbs falling, chocolate melting in the sun, my mother smiling. What a pleasure it was, what a blessed moment.

If moments were crumbs, I would put them in my pockets to help me track my way back home.

Italian Tartlets 

Namely, Crostatine is the Italian word for tartlets or little tarts. 

These are the ingredients you will need to make them at home:

• flour, all-purpose, or farina 00
• a pinch of salt
• unsalted butter, cold, cubed (better a European-style butter with a high-fat content)
• icing (powdered) sugar
• organic lemon, the zest 
• eggs, only the yolks
• a few drops of water, in case the dough seems too dry
• Nutella, for the filling, a couple of tablespoon for each tartlet

Crostatine alla Nutella (Nutella Tartlets) and a crumbly dough

The characteristic of a tartlet, compared to a pie, is to have a delicate, crumbly texture, and this is achieved by using butter, eggs, and sugar. It is not a flaky dough like the one of a pie, and you can actually eat your tartlet without using a plate and fork, yes, a handheld affair.

Tips when rolling the dough

• Firstly, lightly flour a work surface. I use my trusted wood board, the same as when I make homemade pasta.
• Then, flour your rolling pin, as well.
• Next, turn your dough a quarter turn frequently, to achieve a round dough. Turning your dough frequently allows you to see if the dough is sticking at the bottom, and add more flour.
• Lastly, try to be consistent when rolling, using the same pressure on the middle and on the edges of the dough.

Tartlet Pans

I absolutely love my tartlet pans and use them often! They are 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter with removable bottom (Fat Daddio's). Before investing in these, I had smaller tartlet pans (no removable bottom), and I used to place two strips of parchment paper in a criss-cross pattern at the bottom of the tartlet pan to help me take out the tartlets (and avoid breaking them).

• Do you want more ideas to use your tartlet pans? Make these Crostatine with Ricotta, Yogurt, and Berries, or these Spelt flour Jam Tartlets.

Things to remember when making Crostatine alla Nutella (Nutella Tartlets):

1. Let the dough come to room temperature (it will be easier to roll).
2. Use a round cutter bigger than the circumference of the tartlet pan.
3. Place the round disks of dough into each tartlet pans, gently pressing down and on the sides. Place the pans on a tray and let rest in the fridge for 10 minutes. Use the leftover dough to make the lattice top.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
5. Warm-up the Nutella in the microwave or in a bain-marie until runny and smooth.
6. Before adding the Nutella to the pastry, poke the bottoms with a fork.
7. Cut strips of the leftover dough about ½ inch wide with a corrugated pasta cutter or pizza wheel; arrange them on top of the Nutella in a diamond shape.

If heaven had a flavor

Indeed, if heaven had a flavor it would taste like these tarts. Starting at the crust, so delicate and light it just melts in your mouth in a cloud of crumbs.  Then the Nutella, sweet, profound, hugs your soul like there is no tomorrow, and together the duo makes you feel like you are really special!

Sometimes, the simple things in life give you the greatest pleasure.

Enjoy these Crostatine alla Nutella!

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