Puff pastry Christmas trees

These puff pastry Christmas trees bring a festive touch to your holiday table with minimal effort. Crisp layers of golden pastry paired with warming Biscoff and ginger create a treat that tastes as delightful as it looks. Perfect for parties or cozy evenings, they make holiday baking both fun and impressive.

I first made these during a holiday gathering, and the kids loved shaping and decorating their own trees. Now they ask me every year to make them again.

Ingredients

• Two sheets of vegan puff pastry: choose ones that are well chilled and not cracked for best puff and flakiness
• Four heaped tablespoons of Biscoff spread: adds a sweet caramelized flavor, smooth or crunchy works depending on preference
• Three teaspoons ground ginger: adds warm spice, use fresh ground ginger for a stronger bite
• Two tablespoons granulated sugar: adds a light crunch and caramelizes on baking
• Dairy-free milk for glazing: helps achieve a lovely golden finish without dairy
• Icing sugar for dusting: a festive touch that looks like fresh snow

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius on fan setting. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.

Prepare Pastry Sheets:

Place both thawed puff pastry sheets on the greaseproof paper. Use a rolling pin to gently smooth out any creases to ensure even layers.

Spread Biscoff:

Evenly spread the Biscoff spread over one sheet of puff pastry making sure to reach every edge. This layer will give the trees their sweet filling.

Sprinkle Ginger:

Sprinkle ground ginger evenly over the Biscoff layer to add a warm and festive spice note.

Slice Pastry:

Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the layered pastry into strips about two and a half centimeters wide. Uniform strips help the trees puff and bake evenly.

Shape Trees:

Fold each strip into a tree shape by zigzagging the pastry back and forth. If you want, insert a cake pop stick at the base to make holding easier and more festive. Use leftover pastry to cut out small star shapes with a cutter or knife and place one at the top of each tree for decoration.

Arrange and Glaze:

Arrange the shaped pastries on the lined baking tray leaving enough space between each to allow for puffing. Lightly brush them with dairy-free milk to give a shiny golden color and then sprinkle granulated sugar on top for a bit of sparkle and sweetness.

Bake:

Bake in the center of the oven for ten to fifteen minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Cool and Dust:

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before dusting generously with icing sugar to resemble fresh snow just before serving.

My favorite part is the ginger spice that cuts through the sweetness and keeps each bite balanced. One Christmas my niece helped me make these and insisted on adding a mountain of icing sugar snow which ended up being the best part.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain crispness. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving to refresh the puff. Do not refrigerate or they will lose their flakiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Biscoff spread you can substitute with any creamy caramel or cookie butter spread. For a less sweet option, try a cinnamon spiced apple butter or a vegan nut butter with added sugar and ginger.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these puff pastry trees as a festive appetizer or a sweet treat after dinner. They look stunning displayed on a platter with fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds for color contrast. A dusting of holiday colored sprinkles can add extra cheer for kids.

These puff pastry Christmas trees are a simple yet impressive holiday treat that anyone can make. Enjoy the festive flavors and charming shapes with your loved ones.

FAQs about Recipes

→ Can I use regular puff pastry instead of vegan?

Yes, regular puff pastry can be used if vegan options are not required. The texture and baking method will remain the same.

→ How do I prevent the puff pastry from shrinking when baking?

Ensure the pastry is fully thawed and avoid overworking it. Rolling gently to remove creases helps maintain its shape.

→ What alternatives work for Biscoff spread?

Cookie butter or caramel spreads provide similar sweetness and texture, keeping the dessert rich and flavorful.

→ Is it necessary to use dairy-free milk for glazing?

Dairy-free milk is used here to maintain a vegan approach, but any milk can be substituted depending on dietary preferences.

→ How long should I bake the pastries for best results?

Bake at 180°C (fan) for 10–15 minutes until the pastry turns golden brown and puffs nicely.