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SugarLoveSpices

Published: Feb 5, 2021 · Modified: Feb 5, 2021 by Nicoletta · 16 Comments

Crostatine alla Nutella (Nutella Tartlets)

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crostatine alla nutella in different plates, one cut

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. 

crostatine alla nutella-feature-in the plates-one cut

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. 

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

 

 

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.

crostatine alla nutella-in the plates one cut

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-some ready in the pans-some with filling

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.

crostatine alla nutella-ready in the pans with nutella jar

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.

crostatine alla nutella-ready in the pans to bake

Things to remember:

  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.

crostatine alla nutella-baked on wood board

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!

crostatine alla nutella-in the plates one cut hand on

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

Enjoy these Crostatine alla Nutella!

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crostatine alla nutella-in the plates one cut hand on-landscape

Crostatine alla Nutella (Nutella Tartlets)


★★★★★

5 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Nicoletta
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 tartlets 1x
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Description

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 250 g all-purpose flour
  • a pinch of salt
  • 125 g unsalted butter, cold, cubed
  • 90 g icing (powdered) sugar
  • the zest of 1 small organic lemon
  • 2 egg yolks
  • a few drops of water if the dough is too dry
  • Nutella for the filling

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of a food processor, add the sifted flour, a pinch of salt, and the cubed cold butter. Pulse until crumbly.
  2. Add the sifted icing sugar and pulse.
  3. Then, add the lemon zest and the egg yolks.
  4. Pulse until it starts to come together. Add drops of water if too dry. Do not overwork the pastry dough.
  5. Place the dough onto a work surface, gently knead it together to form a ball, then flatten it into a disk.
  6. Wrap it in plastic and set it to rest in the fridge for at least half an hour.
  7. In the meantime, butter 6 round tartlet pans with a removable bottom. If using regular tartlet pans, place two strips of parchment paper in a crisscross pattern (this will help you take the tartlets out of the pan).
  8. After the resting time, let the dough come to room temperature (it will be easier to roll). Place it on a lightly floured surface, then with a floured rolling pin, roll the dough into a ½ cm thickness.
  9. Using a round cutter, bigger than the circumference of the tartlet pan, cut out 6 round shapes.
  10. Use the leftover dough to make the lattice top.
  11. Place the round disks of dough into each tartlet pans, gently pressing down and on the sides. Place the pans on a tray and in the fridge for 10 minutes.
  12. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  13. Warm-up the Nutella in the microwave or in a bain-marie until runny and smooth.
  14. After 10 minutes, take the tartlet pans out of the fridge, poke the bottoms with a fork, and spread a couple of tablespoons of Nutella on the bottom of each.
  15. To make the lattice top, use a corrugated pasta cutter or a simple pizza wheel. Cut strips of dough of about ½ inch and make the criss-cross pattern (diamond shape) on top of the Nutella.
  16. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until light golden brown.
  17. Let the tarts cool on a rack before serving.
  • Category: Italian desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

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Nicoletta

NicolettaI love baking and kneading dough because it takes me to a happy place in my soul. Dig deeper →

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarGloria says

    February 15, 2021 at 11:40 am

    Well if it has Nutella in it, it has to be delicious. My kind of tart. Perfect to go with my afternoon latte.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  2. AvatarAndrea Howe says

    February 16, 2021 at 2:58 pm

    Oh gosh these are so cute and perfect for a special little treat for my kids, who TRULY LOVE nutella! Thanks for sharing such a charming recipe, I can't wait to try it!

    Reply
    • NicolettaNicoletta says

      February 20, 2021 at 9:23 am

      Thanks! Oh I bet your kids will love them!

      Reply
  3. AvatarChef Dennis says

    February 17, 2021 at 3:53 am

    Hmm yum! This crostatine alla nutella recipe is making me drool right now! My wife will surely love this, too!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • NicolettaNicoletta says

      February 20, 2021 at 9:24 am

      Oh your wife will truly love them! And I bet you will too.

      Reply
  4. AvatarAmy Nash says

    February 19, 2021 at 8:15 am

    Everything is more fun in miniature! These little tartlets are to die for! My husband is a nutella fanatic and is already asking me to make them again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • NicolettaNicoletta says

      February 20, 2021 at 9:24 am

      Yes, agree, all individual desserts are charming. Great to hear!

      Reply
  5. AvatarHeidy says

    February 20, 2021 at 7:59 am

    Your recipe for crostatine alla nutella was amazing. I made it for the family the other day and everyone enjoyed the amazing flavors and how cute they were. We love mini desserts. Have a great weekend.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • NicolettaNicoletta says

      February 20, 2021 at 9:33 am

      There is something about individual, mini desserts, right? Thank so much for trying it!

      Reply
  6. AvatarHelen says

    February 20, 2021 at 11:23 am

    I'm a huge fan of Nutella so this is the perfect pudding for me. This is going to be my treat for tomorrow. I'm very excited to try it.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • NicolettaNicoletta says

      February 20, 2021 at 4:06 pm

      Excited for you to try! They are amazing, you will love them! Thank you!

      Reply
  7. Avataramycaseycooks says

    February 20, 2021 at 7:03 pm

    Oh these little beauties will be perfect for an afternoon snack with a hot cup of tea. I always have a jar of Nutella on hand :0

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  8. AvatarNatalie says

    February 21, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    Gosh, these little beauties are so tempting. SO delicious. I must save this recipe and give it a try. I bet my family would love this.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  9. AvatarJenny says

    February 21, 2021 at 3:20 pm

    These tartlets look so delicious and lovely! I adore Nutella-everything and I am making these asap. My family will go nuts over them!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  10. AvatarTristin says

    February 21, 2021 at 6:26 pm

    Nutella is so good, my kids could eat it daily! I am always looking for new ways to use it. These tartlets are adorable and look so tasty.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  11. AvatarJamie says

    February 21, 2021 at 10:23 pm

    As a huge fan of nutella, I'm so thrilled that I can make tarts with it! It's great for when I'm craving chocolate!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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teamsugarlovespicesHi! We are Loreto and Nicoletta, the foodie duo behind Sugar Love Spices. We love creating in the kitchen using seasonal good quality ingredients that we believe are key to the success of every meal. Come with us as we share traditional Italian recipes and so much more. Having fun in the kitchen is very important to us, and want to share that light heartedness with you. Nicoletta will help you with the sweet things, and I Loreto like to spice things up. Dig deeper →

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