These lovely Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows are a sweet treat filled with creamy caramel and surrounded by rich chocolate. They are soft, sweet, and just a little salty!
If you’re like me, the combination of chocolate and caramel makes your heart skip a beat! I love sharing these pillows with friends, but honestly, I often keep them all to myself! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry is key to achieving the pillow texture. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try using phyllo dough, but remember it will be thinner and crispier!
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Nutella is a classic choice, but you can use any chocolate spread. For a nut-free option, opt for a chocolate sunflower seed spread or any chocolate spread that suits your taste.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Homemade is always an option to avoid preservatives, but store-bought works great too! If you’re avoiding sweets, you might substitute it with a sugar-free caramel sauce.
Egg (for egg wash): The egg wash gives the pastry a shiny finish. For a vegan version, use a mixture of plant-based milk and a little maple syrup or aquafaba (chickpea water) instead.
Coarse Sea Salt: This is a final touch that enhances flavor. If you don’t have coarse salt, regular salt will do, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the sweetness.
How Do I Ensure My Puff Pastry Holds Together?
Getting the puff pastry to seal properly and hold its shape can be tricky. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure the edges are damp before sealing. A little water on your fingers can help stick the corners together.
- Don’t overfill the pastry. Just a teaspoon of each filling keeps things tidy and ensures it closes well.
- Pinching the seams is crucial! Be thorough to avoid any leaks during baking.
Remember, practice makes perfect! If you have a bit of filling spill out, it’s still delicious!
How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
For the Toppings:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- Coarse sea salt (for garnish)
- Additional caramel sauce (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 15-20 minutes for baking. So, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes total from start to finish. Simple enough to whip up a delicious treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep your pillows from sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Prepare the Pastry:
Next, find a clean surface and sprinkle some flour on it. Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet to make it smooth and slightly thinner. This will help the pillows puff up nicely when they bake!
3. Cut the Pastry:
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the pastry into squares that are about 3×3 inches. This will give you enough room to fill them with that delicious filling.
4. Fill the Squares:
In the center of each pastry square, place about a teaspoon of chocolate hazelnut spread. On top of that, add a teaspoon of salted caramel sauce. Yummy!
5. Shape the Pillows:
Now, take the corners of each square and fold them towards the center to make a pillow shape. Pinch the seams closed firmly. This helps keep all that gooey goodness inside while they bake!
6. Add the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, crack the egg and beat it. Using a brush or the back of a spoon, apply the egg wash over the tops of the pastry pillows. This will give them a lovely golden color when baked.
7. Sprinkle with Sugar:
Lightly sprinkle granulated sugar over the tops of your pillows. This adds a touch of sweetness and a little crunch!
8. Bake Them:
Carefully place the filled pillows on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are nice and golden brown and puffed up.
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Then drizzle some additional salted caramel sauce over the pillows, and sprinkle them with coarse sea salt to enhance the flavor!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These delightful salted caramel chocolate pillows are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself—they’re irresistible!
Can I Use Different Types of Pastry for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While puff pastry gives these pillows a delightful flakiness, you can also use phyllo dough or even pie crust if that’s what you have on hand. Just be aware that the texture may vary slightly. If using phyllo, be sure to brush each layer with butter or oil for extra flavor and crispness!
What Can I Substitute for Chocolate Hazelnut Spread?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use regular chocolate spread, peanut butter, or even almond butter for a nutty twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, so adjust the caramel amount to your taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salted caramel chocolate pillows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain that fresh-baked crispiness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pillows up to the baking stage, place them on your baking sheet, and cover with plastic wrap. They can be refrigerated for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just remove them from the fridge and bake straight from cold, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time as needed.
