ٍPuff-Pastry Christmas Tree

Looking for a festive dessert (or appetizer!) that steals the spotlight on your Christmas table? This Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a holiday showstopper! With its golden, flaky layers, sweet or savory filling, and charming Christmas-tree shape, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Whether you fill it with gooey chocolate, creamy Nutella, or cheesy spinach, this tree is the perfect combination of beautiful, delicious, and effortless. Serve it at parties, brunches, or cozy family gatherings — and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

🎁 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✨ Looks impressive, tastes incredible – yet it’s made with just a few ingredients.
✨ Totally customizable – go sweet or savory.
✨ Fun to make with kids – they’ll love twisting the “branches”!
✨ Perfect centerpiece – edible decoration for your holiday table.

🧈 Ingredients

Here’s all you need for this flaky Christmas magic:

🥐 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
🍫 ½ cup Nutella or chocolate spread (for sweet version)
🧀 OR ½ cup cream cheese + ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for savory version)
🥚 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
🌟 Powdered sugar or sesame seeds for garnish
🍬 Optional: crushed candy canes, cinnamon sugar, or fresh rosemary

👩‍🍳 How to Make Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Unroll one sheet of puff pastry and place it on the parchment. Spread your chosen filling evenly across the pastry, leaving about ½ inch at the edges.

Place the second puff pastry sheet on top and press gently to seal.

Step 2: Shape the Tree

Using a sharp knife, cut out a large Christmas tree shape — a triangle with a small trunk at the bottom.

Remove the extra dough around the edges (you can bake these as mini snacks later!).

Step 3: Make the Branches

Cut horizontal lines on both sides of the tree, leaving a strip down the middle uncut — this will be your tree’s “trunk.”

Twist each strip a couple of times to form beautiful spiraled branches.

Step 4: Add the Shine

Brush the entire tree with beaten egg for a golden finish.

Sprinkle sesame seeds (for savory) or a light dusting of sugar (for sweet).

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.

Let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with melted chocolate if sweet.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

🎉 Serve warm with:

A side of hot cocoa or mulled wine
Dipping sauces (chocolate, caramel, or cheese)
Holiday fruit like cranberries or strawberries for color

This pastry tree looks incredible on a festive platter surrounded by ornaments, pine branches, or fairy lights ✨

🌲 Creative Filling Ideas

Sweet Versions:

🍫 Chocolate hazelnut spread + crushed candy canes
🍎 Apple butter + cinnamon
🍓 Strawberry jam + cream cheese
🍯 Honey + nuts

Savory Versions:

🧀 Spinach + feta + garlic
🍕 Pizza sauce + mozzarella + pepperoni bits
🍅 Sun-dried tomato pesto + Parmesan
🥓 Bacon + cheddar + herbs

Each variation gives a different personality — from cozy dessert to party appetizer!

🌟 Tips for Success

❄️ Keep pastry cold: Warm pastry can tear easily — chill it for 5–10 minutes before cutting.
🔪 Use a sharp knife: Clean cuts make perfect branches and better puffing.
🧈 Don’t skip the egg wash: It gives that golden, bakery-style shine.
🍽️ Serve fresh: Best enjoyed warm right out of the oven.

🎀 Make-Ahead Option

You can assemble your tree a few hours ahead, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving — your kitchen will smell like Christmas!

Leftovers? Reheat for 5–6 minutes in a warm oven to bring back the flakiness.

❤️ Why Everyone Loves It

This Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is more than a recipe — it’s a holiday moment. The smell of buttery pastry, the excitement of pulling off a warm, twisted branch, and the joy of sharing it with loved ones make it a festive favorite year after year.

It’s quick, easy, elegant, and guaranteed to impress — truly a Christmas miracle in pastry form.