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Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
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These Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are charming, flaky pastries shaped like evergreen trees, perfect for adding festive cheer to your holiday appetizers, snacks, or sweet treats. Easy to make with simple ingredients and customizable fillings, they bring delightful flavor and eye-catching appeal to any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • Frozen puff pastry sheets (quantity as needed, typically 1-2 sheets)

Fillings

  • Cheese (cream cheese, mozzarella, or herb blends) OR Nutella (or jam) – amount as desired for spreading

Finishing

  • 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
  • Decorative toppings such as sprinkles, herbs (e.g. rosemary), colored sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, or chopped nuts/seeds as preferred

Optional Seasonings

  • Cinnamon, sugar, herbs, or spices to enhance chosen filling

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Puff Pastry: Thaw puff pastry sheets according to package instructions until soft enough to unfold without cracking. On a lightly floured surface, roll gently to smooth any creases, then cut into squares or rectangles to your preferred tree size.
  2. Add the Filling: Spread a thin layer of your chosen filling (such as cream cheese or Nutella) over half of each puff pastry piece, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
  3. Create the Tree Shape: Fold the puff pastry over the filling to form a rectangle. Using sharp scissors, cut slits evenly from each side towards the center, being careful not to cut all the way through. Twist each strip slightly away from the center to resemble branches of a Christmas tree.
  4. Apply Egg Wash and Decorate: Brush the entire surface of each shaped tree with the beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle festive toppings such as colored sugar, cinnamon, herbs, or chopped nuts over the top for added flavor and decoration.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Place the trees on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Keep puff pastry cold and work quickly to maintain its puffiness and prevent sticking.
  • Use light layers of filling to avoid leakage during baking and ensure even puffing.
  • Use sharp scissors for clean cuts, which help create neat twisted branches.
  • Brush egg wash evenly for consistent golden color and shine.
  • Watch the baking time carefully as puff pastry can burn quickly; check in the last few minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: puff pastry, Christmas trees, holiday appetizers, festive snacks, easy baking, sweet and savory, puff pastry appetizers, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/puff-pastry-christmas-trees/