
Flaky Chocolate Almond Pretzel Heart Twists blend buttery puff pastry with sweet chocolate chunks and crunchy almond bits. Twisted into adorable heart shapes resembling pretzels, these treats are super fun to create and absolutely delicious to munch on. They'll brighten up any Valentine's celebration, anniversary dinner, or just make someone's day a bit sweeter.
INGREDIENTS- Thawed frozen butter puff pastry: 1 package (450g), creating the base for our flaky hearts.
- Egg: 1, beaten for brushing and giving that gorgeous golden finish.
- Mini chocolate chips: 4 tbsp, creating pockets of melty goodness inside.
- Milk chocolate, chopped: ⅔ cup, for that lovely drizzle on top.
- Sliced almonds, toasted: ¼ cup, sprinkled on for that extra crunch.
- Step 1:
- Get your oven hot at 425°F (220°C) and put parchment paper on your baking tray.
- Step 2:
- Cut your thawed pastry into eight equal pieces. Brush four strips with beaten egg.
- Step 3:
- Put 1 tablespoon of mini chocolate chips down the middle of each egg-brushed strip.
- Step 4:
- Lay the remaining strips on top of the chocolate-covered ones and press down firmly.
- Step 5:
- Twist each layered strip into a 14-inch rope, then shape into a heart, making sure the pointed end sticks.
- Step 6:
- Put your heart shapes on the baking tray and cook for about 20 minutes until they turn golden. Let them sit for 5 minutes after baking.
- Step 7:
- Melt your chopped milk chocolate and drizzle all over the baked hearts. Sprinkle with toasted almonds.
- Step 8:
- Let everything cool completely before you eat them.
- These taste best when they're still a bit warm or at room temperature.
- Keep any extras in a sealed container at room temperature and eat within 2 days.
- Want to bring back the crunch? Warm them up at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- Use a really sharp knife to get even pastry strips so your hearts look uniform.
- Want more chocolate flavor? Sprinkle some cocoa powder before you bake them.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- According to Chef Amelia, you can mix dark and milk chocolate in your drizzle for more depth of flavor.
These heart treats are incredibly flaky and packed with sweet chocolate goodness. The almonds on top give them a nice crunch that works so well with the soft pastry underneath.
The Perfect Puff Pastry TipsDon't let your pastry get warm before shaping, and try not to handle it too much. This keeps all those lovely layers intact.
FAQsCan I swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate works great for a deeper taste.
Can I prepare these before I need them?
Sure thing! Shape them and pop them in the fridge for up to an hour before baking.
What about trying different toppings?
Go for it! Crushed hazelnuts, coconut bits, or colorful sprinkles all work wonderfully.
How do I make sure they don't stick to the pan?
Always use parchment paper or a non-stick baking tray for easy removal.
