Introduction

This Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a festive and delicious centerpiece perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry filled with sweet strawberry jam are twisted into a beautiful tree shape and baked to golden perfection.

A baked pastry shaped like a Christmas tree lies on a baking sheet lined with white parchment paper; it has multiple twisted branches on both sides made by cutting and twisting golden-brown puff pastry strips with a visible dark filling inside, and a small star cutout on top and a short trunk at the bottom, all coated with a light dusting of white powdered sugar; the baking sheet is on top of a white marbled surface with a metal sieve containing powdered sugar and a white bowl nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 17.3 oz package frozen puff pastry (thawed)
1/3 cup strawberry jam
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons raw sugar
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
Splash of vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400º F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Allow the puff pastry sheets to thaw completely. Unfold and gently roll them into a 10×13 inch rectangle. Place one sheet on top of the other on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the stacked pastry into a large triangle shape for the tree. Use the scraps to cut out a small rectangle for the trunk and a star for the top.
Step 4: Make slits about every inch along the sides of the triangle to create branches, leaving about 2 inches in the center intact.
Step 5: Carefully lift the top pastry layer and spread the strawberry jam evenly over the bottom layer.
Step 6: Place the top layer back over the jam. Gently twist each branch 1 to 3 times, holding the top and bottom layers together with jam in the middle.
Step 7: Whisk the egg and water together, then brush the mixture over the top of the tree. Sprinkle raw sugar on top for added crunch and shine.
Step 8: Bake the tree for 15-17 minutes until it is puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Step 9: To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and dippable. Adjust the milk to reach your desired consistency, then drizzle or serve alongside the tree.

Tips & Variations

Use apricot or raspberry jam instead of strawberry for a different flavor twist.
For extra sparkle, sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar on top before baking.
If you want a dairy-free option, substitute the egg wash with a mixture of water and maple syrup for a golden finish.
Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the jam layer for a warm, spiced touch.

Storage

Store any leftover puff pastry tree in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300º F) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. The glaze is best added fresh before serving rather than stored with the pastry.

How to Serve

The image shows a twisted pastry shaped like a Christmas tree, placed on white parchment paper on a baking tray. The tree has one main flat layer of light golden dough filled with dark red jam, cut into strips on both sides that are twisted to reveal the jam inside, forming branches. The center triangle section and the top star cutout are covered with coarse brown sugar crystals that add texture and color. The trunk is a small rectangular dough piece attached to the bottom of the tree shape. The twists create a neat, festive look with alternating smooth dough and jam streaks. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this puff pastry tree ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the tree and keep it refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just bring it back to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even puffing.

What can I use if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?

You can use icing sugar or make a simple glaze with honey or maple syrup thinned with a little water, although the consistency and sweetness will differ slightly from powdered sugar glaze.