The holidays bring a need for festive delights that impress and enchant—this Holiday Puff Pastry Tree is exactly that. With its delightful combination of flaky pastry, sweetened cream cheese, and vibrant jam, it captures the spirit of the season in every bite. When I first made this tree for a family gathering, the gasps of joy echoed in the kitchen as the warm pastries emerged from the oven. Not only is it visually stunning, but it’s also surprisingly easy to put together. It’s the perfect centerpiece for holiday brunches, or even as a delightful snack for movie nights with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe stands out for several compelling reasons. First, it’s a quick assembly, making it a great choice for busy holiday schedules. You can whip this up in just about an hour, and who doesn’t love the aroma of baked pastry wafting through the house? It’s budget-friendly, too: puff pastry and simple ingredients are easily found at your local grocery store. Plus, it’s kid-approved—children love helping with the twisting branches and watching the magic happen in the oven.
“This puff pastry tree was the star of our holiday gathering! Everyone couldn’t stop raving about how beautiful and delicious it was. I’ll definitely be making this tradition!” – Sarah J.
The Cooking Process Explained
Creating the Holiday Puff Pastry Tree is a breeze. Start with thawed puff pastry, layer it with cream cheese and jam, and shape it into a decorative tree. You’ll be cutting, twisting, and baking in a matter of minutes! Here’s what you can expect:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Layer the ingredients, making a creamy filling it’s hard to resist.
- Cut into the pastry to create fun, twisty branches.
- Bake until golden and beautifully puffed.
- Dust with powdered sugar or add festive sprinkles for a cheerful finish.
Gather These Items
To create your Holiday Puff Pastry Tree, be sure to have the following ingredients on hand:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam (or any holiday jam)
- 1 cup sweetened cream cheese or mascarpone
- 1 egg (for the egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Optional: holiday sprinkles and white chocolate drizzle
Feel free to swap out cream cheese for mascarpone, or use your favorite jam for a personal touch.
