Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a show-stopping holiday treat made with flaky puff pastry shaped like a Christmas tree, twisted into branches, and baked until golden and crispy. Whether you fill it with chocolate hazelnut spread for a sweet version or pesto for a savory appetizer, this beautiful pastry always steals the spotlight and disappears fast.
I first made this pastry tree for Christmas brunch, and it instantly became a family favorite. The moment it hit the table, everyone gathered around, pulling off buttery layers and dipping them in sauce. It is festive, fun, and looks much harder than it really is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with store-bought puff pastry
- Stunning presentation with minimal effort
- Customizable sweet or savory filling
- Perfect for holiday brunch, parties, or cozy evenings
- Kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and fun to pull apart
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup filling of choice
Sweet Filling Options
- Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
- Cinnamon sugar butter
- Berry jam
- Biscoff spread
Savory Filling Options
- Pesto
- Garlic herb butter
- Cheese spread
- Spinach and feta
Toppings
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with splash of water)
- Powdered sugar for sweet version
- Sesame seeds or grated Parmesan for savory
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Dough
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay one puff pastry sheet flat.
Step 2: Add Filling
Spread your chosen filling evenly over the sheet, leaving a small border. Place second puff pastry sheet on top and press lightly to seal.
Step 3: Shape the Tree
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into a large triangle tree shape, reserving side scraps. Then cut horizontal lines on each side to form branches, leaving the center intact. Twist each “branch” gently. Use scraps to cut a star for the top and press onto tree.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Brush tree with egg wash. Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
Step 5: Serve
Let cool slightly. Dust sweet version with powdered sugar or sprinkle savory version with Parmesan. Serve warm and let guests pull off pieces.
Chef’s Tips
- Keep pastry cold for best puff and flakiness
- Don’t overfill — a thin layer works best
- Chill assembled tree 10 minutes before baking if dough softens
- Twist branches gently but firmly so they hold shape
- Serve immediately while warm and flaky
Variations
- Add mini chocolate chips to the Nutella version
- Spread a thin layer of honey and cinnamon for a simple sweet twist
- Layer pesto and cheese for cheesy savory branches
- Make tiny “mini trees” for individual portions
- Add sprinkles after baking for a festive dessert version
Serving Suggestions
Serve your puff pastry Christmas tree with:
- Hot cocoa or coffee (sweet version)
- Marinara or garlic dip (savory version)
- A festive cheese and charcuterie spread
- Warm cider or sparkling holiday mocktails
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much filling — causes leaking
- Cutting branches too thin — they may burn or break
- Baking at too low temp — pastry won’t puff
- Skipping egg wash — adds golden shine
- Handling warm pastry — becomes sticky, chill if needed
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep and chill up to 4 hours before baking
- Reheat at 325°F (165°C) for 5-8 minutes to crisp up
- Freeze baked leftovers and reheat in oven (not microwave)
Nutrition (approx. per serving)
Varies by filling
- Calories: 150 to 220
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Sugar: 3 g (sweet version higher)
- Protein: 2 g
Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife or Pizza Cutter
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup filling of choice (see options below)
- 1 egg, beaten with a splash of water (for egg wash)
- powdered sugar (for sweet topping)
- sesame seeds or grated Parmesan (for savory topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay one puff pastry sheet flat.
- Spread your chosen filling evenly over the first sheet, leaving a small border. Top with the second sheet and press lightly to seal.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, trim into a large triangle. Cut horizontal slits on each side for branches, leaving the center intact. Twist each branch. Use trimmed scraps to cut a star and place it on top.
- Brush with egg wash. Bake for 18–22 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool slightly. Dust sweet versions with powdered sugar or top savory versions with Parmesan. Serve warm and let guests pull apart the branches.
Notes
Nutrition
Festive, Flaky, and Fun
Puff Pastry Christmas Tree combines buttery layers, festive presentation, and customizable flavors into one irresistible holiday centerpiece. It is one of those recipes that looks fancy but takes very little work, making it perfect for both busy hosts and casual get-togethers.
Make one for your next holiday brunch or party, and watch it become a new seasonal tradition — delicious, whimsical, and guaranteed to bring joy with every pull-apart bite.
Keywords: puff pastry Christmas tree, Christmas pastry, holiday pull-apart puff pastry, festive brunch pastry, easy Christmas appetizer or dessert, Nutella puff pastry tree
