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Here's my go-to holiday crowd-pleaser - these cute puff pastry Christmas trees that always get people smiling. They look fancy but don't need much work at all. The buttery, flaky texture makes them great for both sweet and savory versions, and they're always the talk of any holiday party.
What Makes These So Special
The best thing about these trees is how flexible they are. You'll only need five things and they work as starters or desserts. They taste amazing whether you're dunking them in pesto or adding chocolate on top. And they're super easy to change up for friends who can't have gluten!
The Stuff You'll Need
- Puff Pastry: Grab it from the store to save time!
- Melted Butter: This gives them that lovely golden color.
- Sugar and Cinnamon: Great combo for the sweet ones.
- Powdered Sugar: Makes them look covered in snow.
- Rolo Candies: The trick to helping them stand upright.
Creating Your Trees
- First Steps
- Don't forget the parchment paper - it'll save you tons of cleanup time.
- Stack Your Layers
- Adding butter and spices between pastry layers really takes them up a notch.
- Fold Them Right
- The accordion fold is super satisfying to make!
- Quick Freeze
- You really can't skip the freezer part - it's key for success.
- Finishing Up
- Those Rolo bases aren't just cute - they're practical too.
Handy Tricks
I've made these so many times now and learned a few things. The pastry works way better at room temp, but if it gets too warm just pop it in the fridge. And that quick freezing before they go in the oven? It's absolutely needed for them to keep their shape.
Go Sweet or Savory
I'm always changing these up! For the sweet ones, that mix of cinnamon and sugar works wonders with some Nutella for dipping. Want savory instead? Try some garlic powder with herbs - they go great with pesto or even a creamy spinach dip.
Storage Advice
These trees taste best when you eat them straight away while they're still warm and crunchy. If you somehow have extras, you can keep them for a day or two in a sealed container, but honestly, they usually get eaten pretty fast!
Questions People Ask
Folks always wonder where to buy puff pastry - just look in the freezer area by the desserts at your grocery store. And yes, you can totally make savory versions! Just leave out the sweet ingredients and use whatever seasonings you like.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why should puff pastry be soft?
Soft puff pastry is easier to shape and doesn’t crack as cold pastry often does when handled.
- → What’s the point of freezing first?
Freezing keeps the buttery layers cold, meaning your trees will puff up better and hold their shape in the oven.
- → Any tips to make them stand?
Add a Rolo candy at the bottom of each skewer to form a base. You can also trim the skewers to fit better.
- → How long will they last?
It’s best to eat them within a day since puff pastry tends to go soft with time.
- → Can these be gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap for gluten-free puff pastry, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients work as is.
Conclusion
These holiday puff pastries shaped like little Christmas trees are made with buttery layers and sweet cinnamon sugar. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for festive occasions.