𝓘𝓻𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓲 𝓒𝓱𝓸𝓬𝓸𝓵𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓗𝓪𝔃𝓮𝓵𝓷𝓾𝓽 𝓟𝓲𝓮𝓼

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crusts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface, and use a round cutter (about 3-4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. You should get about 12-14 mini crusts, depending on the size of your cutter. Gently press each circle into the cups of a mini muffin tin, making sure the crust fits snugly into each cup.

If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can also use a regular muffin tin, but keep in mind that the pies will be slightly larger and may require a bit more filling.

2. Make the Chocolate Hazelnut Filling

In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and unsalted butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the cream is hot but not boiling. Once the mixture is warm, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, stirring until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

Next, add the hazelnut spread, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the chocolate mixture. Stir until everything is well combined, and the filling is creamy and smooth. The combination of the melted chocolate and hazelnut spread creates a rich, velvety filling that will be the star of these mini pies.

3. Fill the Pie Crusts

Spoon a generous amount of the chocolate hazelnut filling into each prepared pie crust. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may spill over while baking. Aim for about 1-2 teaspoons of filling per mini pie. If you’d like, you can gently tap the muffin tin on the counter to settle the filling and ensure an even distribution.

4. Bake the Mini Pies

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pie crusts are golden brown and the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as the filling should remain creamy and not harden.

Once the pies are done, remove the tin from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the mini pies have cooled, garnish them with chopped toasted hazelnuts for a crunchy texture and extra nutty flavor. For an added touch of elegance, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of shaved chocolate.

These mini pies are the perfect bite-sized treat that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. Whether served as a dessert at a dinner party, packed in lunchboxes, or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, they’ll definitely steal the show.

Why These Mini Chocolate Hazelnut Pies Are Irresistible:

1. Bite-Sized Perfection: There’s something undeniably satisfying about mini pies. They’re easy to eat, portion-controlled, and the perfect size for indulging without overdoing it. Plus, they’re cute and fun to serve!
2. Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Filling: The filling combines the best of both worlds—rich chocolate and creamy, nutty hazelnut spread—creating a luxurious treat that’s both indulgent and comforting.
3. Flaky, Buttery Crust: The crisp, golden pie crust provides the perfect contrast to the smooth filling, offering just the right amount of flakiness and flavor. If you’re using store-bought pie crusts, they make the process so much quicker without compromising on taste.
4. Customizable Garnishes: The topping options are endless. From chopped hazelnuts and whipped cream to a drizzle of chocolate sauce, these mini pies are versatile and can be personalized to suit your taste or the occasion.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion: These mini pies are perfect for holiday gatherings, family parties, or as a sweet treat for yourself. They also make fantastic gifts for anyone who loves chocolate and hazelnuts. Just package them up in a cute box, and you’ve got a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.

Tips and Variations:

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a splash of orange liqueur or coffee to the filling for a deeper, more complex flavor. Both pair beautifully with chocolate and hazelnuts.
• Make Them Ahead: These mini pies can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 1 month. Just let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Try a Different Nut: While hazelnuts are the star of this recipe, you can easily swap them out for other nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a different twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make these pies gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie crust (store-bought or homemade) and ensure the hazelnut spread and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Add a Ganache Layer: For extra indulgence, you can top the filled pies with a layer of chocolate ganache. Simply melt some extra chocolate with a bit of cream, pour it over the cooled pies, and let it set for an extra layer of chocolaty goodness.

Conclusion: The Perfect Bite-Sized Indulgence

These Mini Chocolate Hazelnut Pies are everything you love about chocolate and hazelnuts, packed into a cute, easy-to-eat package. With their rich, creamy filling, flaky crust, and decadent garnishes, they’re guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, these little pies are bound to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

So, next time you need a sweet treat that’s both indulgent and irresistible, whip up a batch of these mini chocolate hazelnut pies—your taste buds (and everyone else’s) will thank you!