First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients Begin by collecting all ingredients, which takes 5-10 minutes for mise en place. Unroll the puff pastry sheet and let it thaw completely if needed, then measure out Nutella, egg, sugar, cinnamon, and milk. For vegan options, prepare your egg wash substitute now, ensuring everything is ready for smooth Nutella pastry twists preparation.

Second Step: Roll and Fill the Pastry Lay the puff pastry on a floured surface and spread 1/2 cup of Nutella evenly over it, leaving a small border. For gluten-free adaptations, use a certified gluten-free flour for dusting to prevent sticking. Gently fold the pastry in half and press lightly, which takes about 5 minutes and sets the base for your flavorful pastry twists.

Third Step: Cut and Twist the Pastry Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the filled pastry into 1-inch wide strips, about 10-12 pieces. Twist each strip 2-3 times and place on a lined baking sheet, spacing them out. If making low-calorie versions, you can skip extra sugar here, adapting Nutella pastry twists to lighter preferences while maintaining their signature shape.

Fourth Step: Prepare and Apply the Egg Wash In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon milk until combined, then brush it over the twists for a glossy finish. For vegan adaptations, use your plant-based mix instead. Let them rest for 5 minutes before baking at 400°F, ensuring the egg wash helps achieve that perfect golden color on your pastry twists.

Fifth Step: Bake and Cool Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden, rotating the sheet halfway for even cooking. Once done, transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to set. For added sprinkle, dust with cinnamon and sugar right after baking, making Nutella pastry twists ready for serving with dietary tweaks in mind.

Final Step: Finishing Touches and Serving Once cooled, serve the twists warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar for extra appeal. Pair with coffee or fruit for a complete treat; this step ensures versatility, like using low-sugar Nutella for calorie-conscious eaters, finalizing your Nutella pastry twists as a crowd-pleasing dessert.