Puff Pastry Christmas Tree: A Festive Holiday Breakfast Recipe
Looking for a show-stopping breakfast or dessert to grace your holiday table? This easy and festive Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is the answer! Filled with your choice of delicious jam or creamy Nutella and dusted with a generous shower of powdered sugar, this pull-apart Christmas tree is as beautiful as it is delectable. The best part? You only need four simple ingredients to create this impressive treat!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How To Make A Christmas Tree Puff Pastry
- Recipe Variations
- Tips for Success
- Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Video
- More Holiday Puff Pastry Recipes You’ll Love
- Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe
During the festive season, transforming food into fun holiday shapes is a tradition, and this Puff Pastry Christmas Tree recipe fits right in. From Marshmallow Wreaths to Christmas Tree Cupcakes, edible art brings an extra touch of merriment to the holidays.
This recipe for a Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is both quick to assemble and incredibly delicious, making it the perfect holiday treat.
With just a box of store-bought puff pastry and this straightforward tutorial, you can transform a few slices and twists into the ultimate Christmas breakfast centerpiece or a celebratory dessert that will impress your guests.
This puff pastry tree features a secret ingredient, although it’s completely optional…
Fresh rosemary, when paired with sweet jam, adds a surprising and delightful pop of flavor to each buttery bite. While it’s an optional addition, it elevates the pastry to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ready to impress your holiday guests with edible art that takes minutes to make? Read on for the full recipe and discover more inspiration for Christmas tree-inspired snacks!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Puff Pastry: You’ll need one (17.3-ounce) package for this recipe. Find it in the freezer section of your local grocery store. Be sure to thaw it according to the package directions before you begin.
- Raspberry Jam: The sweet-tart flavor of raspberry jam complements the buttery puff pastry perfectly. However, feel free to substitute your favorite jam or preserves, such as apricot, strawberry, or even fig.
- Fresh Rosemary: Finely minced fresh rosemary adds a hint of savory earthiness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the jam. It’s a fantastic addition for those who enjoy a more complex flavor profile.
- Egg: Whisked with a little water to create an egg wash, this gives your pastry its signature golden, glossy finish. The egg wash is essential for achieving that beautiful, professional look.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How To Make A Christmas Tree Puff Pastry
- Prep and roll out the puff pastry. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the puff pastry from sticking, then carefully unfold one sheet of puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a 9×12-inch rectangle. Aim for an even thickness for consistent baking.
- Cut the tree shape. Using a sharp knife or pizza wheel, carefully cut the rectangle into a large triangle. Save the scraps – you’ll use them to create the tree trunk. Cut out a 3×2-inch rectangle from the scraps to form the tree trunk. Place the triangle on the prepared baking sheet and position the trunk at the base.
- Add the filling. In a small bowl, stir together the raspberry jam and minced rosemary until well combined. This ensures the rosemary is evenly distributed throughout the jam. Spread the mixture evenly over the triangle and trunk, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from oozing out during baking.
- Top with the second layer. Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry just as you did the first. Cut out another triangle and rectangle, then carefully place them over the jam layer. Gently press the layers together to seal, especially around the edges.
- Create the branches. Starting 3 inches from the top of the triangle, make 1-inch cuts down both sides, leaving a 1-inch section intact down the middle. These cuts will form the individual branches of your Christmas tree. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash evenly over the puff pastry. This will give it a beautiful golden sheen. Carefully twist each strip to create the tree branches. Twisting the strips exposes the filling and creates an appealing visual texture.
- Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Once baked, dust the tree generously with confectioners’ sugar for a snowy, festive look. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the delighted faces of your guests as they pull apart this stunning creation.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this holiday puff pastry recipe is how easily it can be customized with any spreadable filling you desire. Here are a few of my favorite variations:
- Basil Pesto: For a savory holiday appetizer, swap the jam and rosemary for pesto. This homemade basil pesto recipe is a delicious go-to option! Top it with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese over the branches and serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. The combination of pesto and marinara creates a delightful Italian-inspired flavor profile.
- Nutella: This sweet treat is always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Everyone loves the rich, chocolatey hazelnut spread. While Nutella is a popular choice, Hershey’s chocolate spread works just as well. Consider adding some chopped hazelnuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Cookie Butter: For a unique and delicious twist, use cookie butter as the filling. Its sweet and spiced flavor is perfect for the holidays. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking adds an extra touch of warmth.
- Olive Tapenade: This savory option is perfect for serving this pull-apart Christmas tree as a sophisticated appetizer. The briny and robust flavor of olive tapenade pairs wonderfully with the flaky puff pastry. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an elegant presentation.
- Your Favorite Jam: Whether it’s strawberry, apricot, cranberry, or any other flavor you adore, any jam, jelly, or preserve will work beautifully in this recipe! Choose a high-quality jam for the best flavor and consistency.
Tips for Success
- Puff pastry works best when it’s kept cold. If it starts to soften while you’re working with it, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before assembling. This helps the pastry puff up beautifully in the oven. A cold pastry is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture.
- When adding your filling, be sure to spread it evenly and avoid overfilling – less is more to keep the pastry from becoming soggy. A thin, even layer of filling ensures the pastry bakes properly and remains crispy.
- For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling some coarse sugar on top of the pastry before baking for a sugary sparkle. The coarse sugar adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
- Serve warm. This puff pastry Christmas tree is best served warm straight out of the oven, so be sure to enjoy it fresh. If it cools down, you can reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to restore its crispiness. A quick reheat will bring back that delightful flaky texture.
Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Video
More Holiday Puff Pastry Recipes You’ll Love
Easy Puff Pastry Snowflake
Pesto Puff Pastry Wreath
Chocolate Puff Pastry Twists
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Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Recipe
Kelly Senyei
