Save This festive puff pastry Christmas tree recipe turns classic puff pastry into sweet and flaky holiday treats perfect for gatherings or packaging as edible gifts. The warm aroma of cinnamon sugar makes these little trees impossible to resist and always brings cozy cheer to my home around the holidays.
My first batch of puff pastry trees disappeared right off the baking tray and now they are a tradition when family and friends come over during December. Kids love to help twist the pastry onto sticks too so it is a holiday activity as well as a dessert.
Ingredients
- Ready rolled all butter puff pastry: gives a flaky result and butter flavor look for fresh dough that feels cold and not dry
- Unsalted butter for brushing: helps the sugar stick and adds richness use real butter for best taste
- Granulated sugar: provides classic sweetness and caramelizes slightly in the oven
- Ground cinnamon: brings holiday warmth and can be adjusted to taste
- Large egg: gives a golden shiny finish on top
- Icing sugar for optional dusting: adds a snowy look choose fine powder for smooth texture
- Star shaped sprinkles or similar: make each tree festive pick edible decorations labeled food safe
- Wooden skewers or lollipop sticks: create fun handheld treats make sure they are sturdy and food grade
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to two hundred degrees Celsius or four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the trees lift off easily after baking
- Prepare and Flavor the Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface unroll the puff pastry sheet so it is flat then gently brush the surface with melted butter making sure to cover edge to edge
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- Stir cinnamon and sugar together thoroughly then sprinkle the entire buttered pastry evenly
- Slice the Strips:
- With a sharp knife or pizza wheel cut the pastry into twelve strips each about two centimeters wide accuracy helps them bake evenly
- Form the Tree Shapes:
- Take a strip and gently thread it onto a wooden skewer in a zig zag pattern start wide at the base and bring each fold a little closer to form a triangular tree shape repeat with each strip
- Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
- Lay each skewered tree flat on your prepared baking tray leaving plenty of space for expansion in the oven
- Brush with Egg:
- Lightly brush each tree with beaten egg using a pastry brush for even coverage this creates a golden and glossy finish
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until the trees puff up and turn deeply golden
- Cool and Decorate:
- Let the trees sit for five minutes after baking dust with icing sugar and press a small star decoration onto the top of each tree if you like
Save I always look forward to dusting the finished trees with icing sugar as my little ones race to pick their favorite star decoration to press on top. The playful shapes and sparkly finish make these treats the centerpiece of our dessert table every year.
Storage Tips
Once cooled store the trees in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage freeze baked trees between layers of parchment paper and reheat in a warm oven to crisp before serving. Keep decorations like stars or icing sugar separate and add after reheating to keep them tidy and vibrant.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a flavor twist swap cinnamon sugar with a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread or fruit preserves before shaping the trees. Dairy free pastry and vegan butter work well if you want to make these treats plant based just skip the egg wash or use a splash of non dairy milk. Colored sprinkles or small candies can stand in for star decorations so use what you have on hand to make it festive.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the trees upright in a glass jar or vase for a stunning edible centerpiece. Package each tree in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts. For parties serve with small cups of hot cocoa or mulled cider for dipping.
Save The finished puff pastry Christmas trees never last long at our gatherings. Their golden texture and cheerful look always spark delight no matter the age of the guests.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Absolutely! Ready-rolled puff pastry makes the process faster and ensures even baking results.
- → How do I create the tree shape?
Cut pastry into strips, thread onto skewers in a zig-zag pattern, starting wide at the base and narrowing at the top.
- → Can I customize the filling?
Yes, swap the cinnamon sugar for chocolate spread or fruit jam to vary the flavor and add personal touches.
- → What decorations work best?
Star-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter add a festive touch to the tops of the pastry trees.
- → Are these suitable for gifting?
Puff pastry trees can be packaged in cellophane and tied with ribbon, making them festive edible presents.
- → Is there a vegan version?
Use dairy-free pastry, plant-based butter, and skip the egg wash to create a vegan-friendly treat.