Pin it
I've gotta tell you about my go-to holiday treat - these cute puff pastry Christmas trees that always get people smiling. They look fancy but they're actually super easy to make. The buttery, flaky texture works great for both sweet and savory cravings, and they always end up being the talk of any holiday party.
What Makes These So Special
The thing I really dig about these trees is how flexible they are. You just need five ingredients, and they work as starters or sweets. You can dip them in pesto or cover them with chocolate - everyone loves them either way. And they're simple to tweak for folks who can't eat gluten!
What You'll Need
- Puff Pastry: Grab it from the store to save time!
- Melted Butter: This gives them that lovely golden color.
- Cinnamon and Sugar: Great if you want them sweet.
- Powdered Sugar: Makes them look covered in snow.
- Rolo Candies: These help your trees stand upright.
Creating Your Trees
- Begin Here
- Using parchment paper will make cleaning up so much easier.
- Stack Your Layers
- Adding butter and spices between pastry layers creates something extra tasty.
- Fold Them Right
- The accordion technique is really enjoyable!
- Cool Them Down
- You can't skip putting them in the freezer - it's too important.
- Finishing Up
- The Rolo bases aren't just cute, they're useful too.
Helpful Hints
I've made these so many times and picked up some tricks. The pastry works better at room temperature, but if it gets sticky, just cool it in the fridge. And don't forget to freeze them briefly before baking - it helps them keep their shape.
Try Both Versions
I switch it up all the time! For the sweet ones, mix sugar with cinnamon and serve with Nutella for dipping. Want savory? Sprinkle on some garlic powder and herbs, then pair with pesto or even a spinach dip.
Storage Ideas
These trees taste best when they're fresh out of the oven - warm and crunchy. If you somehow don't finish them all, they'll stay good for a day or two in a sealed container, but honestly, they usually disappear pretty fast!
Questions People Ask
Folks always wonder where to buy puff pastry - just look in the freezer section by the desserts at your grocery store. And yes, you can definitely make them savory! Just leave out the sweet stuff and use your own favorite seasonings instead.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why does the puff pastry need to be warm?
Warm puff pastry is flexible and easier to handle. If it’s too cold, it might crack or be hard to shape.
- → What’s the purpose of freezing before baking?
Chilling for 10 minutes firms up the butter layers, so the pastries puff nicely and hold their shapes during baking.
- → How do I make the trees stand upright?
Use a Rolo candy at the bottom of the skewer to support them. You might also shorten the skewer for better balance.
- → How can I store these treats?
They’re best enjoyed on the same day, but you can keep them for 24 hours. The pastry might lose some crunch with time.
- → Are gluten-free versions possible?
Absolutely! Just grab your favorite gluten-free puff pastry. The other ingredients are all naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
With buttery puff pastry and sweet cinnamon sugar, these cute tree-shaped treats are an easy holiday dessert that looks impressive.