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Puff Pastry Christmas Tree with Sweet or Savory Filling Recipe

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4 from 15 reviews

This delightful Puff Pastry Tree is a festive and easy-to-make appetizer or snack, perfect for holiday gatherings. Two layers of flaky puff pastry sandwich a sweet or savory spread before being artfully cut and twisted into the shape of a Christmas tree. Finished with a charming star cut from puff pastry scraps and a golden egg wash, it bakes to a crisp, golden perfection that’s sure to impress guests.

Ingredients

Puff Pastry Tree Ingredients

  • 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (thawed)
  • ¼ to ⅓ cup sweet or savory spread of choice (e.g., Nutella, jam, pesto, cream cheese, olive tapenade)
  • 1 large egg
  • Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional, for savory version)
  • Powdered sugar (for sweet finish) or freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for savory finish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Roll First Puff Pastry Sheet: On a lightly floured surface, unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the pastry into a 10 by 13-inch rectangle. Transfer this sheet carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Spread Filling: Evenly spread your chosen sweet or savory spread over the first puff pastry layer, ensuring it extends all the way to the edges for full coverage.
  4. Roll and Place Second Puff Pastry Sheet: Roll the second sheet of puff pastry into the same 10x13-inch size. Place it directly on top of the spread layer, effectively sandwiching the filling between the two puff pastry sheets.
  5. Cut into Tree Shape: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the layered pastry into a large triangle shape, which will be your tree base. Set aside the trimmed corners. Optionally, cut a trunk shape from the triangle’s bottom section and save those trimmings.
  6. Cut Tree Branches: Starting from the bottom of the triangle, make 1-inch wide cuts on both sides of the center line. Leave an uncut 1-inch strip down the center to form the trunk. Do not cut the top 3 inches to keep the pieces stable when twisted.
  7. Twist Branches: Carefully twist each cut strip away from the center trunk line. For longer strips, twist 3 times; for shorter top strips, twist 1–2 times.
  8. Create and Attach Star: Cut a star shape from the leftover puff pastry scraps. Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Use the egg wash to attach the star onto the top of the tree and brush the entire tree with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
  9. Prepare Extra Strips: Cut the remaining scraps into strips, twist them, and place on a separate baking sheet or on the edges of the main sheet without touching the tree. Brush these with egg wash as well.
  10. Add Seasoning (if savory): If you chose a savory filling, sprinkle the tree and extra strips lightly with flaky sea salt for added texture and flavor.
  11. Bake: Bake the tree and extra strips for 20–25 minutes, until they are deep golden brown on top and the bottom is fully cooked through.
  12. Cool and Finish: Allow the puff pastry tree to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Then dust with powdered sugar if you made the sweet version, or sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you went savory. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Thaw puff pastry sheets according to package instructions, usually overnight in the fridge or for about 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
  • Sweet spreads like Nutella, fruit jams, or cream cheese mixtures work best for a dessert version.
  • Savory options can include pesto, olive tapenade, herbed cream cheese, or sun-dried tomato spread.
  • Ensure to keep the puff pastry chilled as much as possible before baking to achieve maximum flakiness.
  • Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; leave space between strips to allow even cooking and crispness.
  • The trimming pieces can be twisted separately as tasty treats, minimizing waste.
  • For a festive presentation, consider adding small edible decorations or sprinkles after baking on the sweet tree.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/puff-pastry-christmas-tree-with-sweet-or-savory-filling-recipe/