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Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (Sweet or Savory) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 85 reviews

This delightful Puff Pastry Christmas Tree recipe is a festive and versatile appetizer or dessert that can be made with either sweet or savory fillings. Layers of flaky puff pastry are filled, twisted into a beautiful tree shape, and baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, adding a touch of elegance and fun to your celebration table.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed

Filling

  • ¼ to ⅓ cup sweet or savory spread (such as Nutella, fruit preserves, pesto, or cream cheese)

Egg Wash and Garnish

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Flaky salt for sprinkling savory version only (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for sweet version or freshly grated parmesan cheese for savory version to finish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
  2. Roll First Puff Pastry Sheet: On a lightly floured surface, unfold one sheet of the thawed puff pastry. Using a rolling pin, roll it out into a 10×13-inch rectangle. Carefully transfer this dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Spread Filling: Evenly spread your chosen sweet or savory spread over the entire surface of the first puff pastry sheet, making sure to reach the edges for consistent flavor throughout.
  4. Roll Second Puff Pastry Sheet: Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry into the same 10×13-inch rectangle size. Place this sheet on top of the first one, effectively sandwiching the filling between the two layers.
  5. Cut the Tree Shape: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, trim the dough into a large triangle shape, representing the tree. Set aside the trimmed corners and pieces—they will be used later. Optionally, cut out a small trunk shape from the bottom center of the triangle, saving those pieces as well.
  6. Slice the Tree Branches: Starting from the bottom, cut the triangle into 1-inch wide strips on both sides of the center uncut trunk strip. Leave about 1 inch uncut down the center. The top 3 inches of the tree should remain uncut because the pieces would be too small to twist.
  7. Twist the Strips: Carefully twist each cut strip away from the center trunk. For longer strips, give 3 twists per strip; for shorter strips at the top, twist 1 to 2 times to maintain shape and texture.
  8. Create the Star Decoration: Use the leftover pastry scraps to cut a star shape (using a knife or cookie cutter). Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Use this wash to attach the star to the top of the tree and brush the entire tree with the egg wash to promote golden browning.
  9. Prepare Extra Twists: Cut the remaining scraps into strips, twist them, and place them on a separate baking sheet or at the edges of the main baking sheet ensuring they don’t touch the tree. Brush these strips with the egg wash as well.
  10. Season for Savory Option: If you used a savory filling, lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt over the tree and extra twisted strips for added flavor and texture.
  11. Bake the Tree: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is deeply golden on top and fully cooked through on the bottom.
  12. Cool and Finish: Allow the Christmas tree pastry to cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes. If making a sweet version, dust with powdered sugar. If making a savory version, garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Choose your filling based on your preference: sweet options include chocolate hazelnut spread, fruit preserves, or cinnamon sugar; savory options include pesto, tapenade, or herbed cream cheese.
  • If the puff pastry sheets become too soft while working, chill them in the refrigerator briefly to make handling easier.
  • Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to ensure clean cuts and easy twisting of the branches.
  • Leftover twisted strips make excellent bite-sized snacks and can be enjoyed alongside the tree.
  • Flaky sea salt adds a nice crunch and flavor contrast for the savory version but can be omitted if you prefer.
  • Ensure not to over-twist the top branches as the dough pieces are smaller and more delicate.

Keywords: puff pastry Christmas tree, festive appetizer, holiday pastry, sweet pastry tree, savory pastry tree, Christmas party food

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