Print

Best Easy Pesto Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

pesto cream cheese puff pastry christmas tree - featured image
Print Recipe

A stunning and delicious appetizer made with flaky puff pastry, creamy cheese, and pesto, shaped like a Christmas tree. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it comes together in under 40 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (about 17.3 oz total), thawed but still cold
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup prepared pesto
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs for the trunk (optional)
  • Cherry tomatoes or cranberries for ornaments (optional)
  • Star-shaped cookie cutter or star anise for the top (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a fork until smooth and spreadable. Set aside.
  3. Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a rectangle about 10×12 inches.
  4. Using an offset spatula, spread half the cream cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Then spread half the pesto over the cream cheese.
  5. Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry to the same size. Carefully place it on top of the first sheet, pressing gently around the edges to seal.
  6. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the layered pastry into a large triangle (base about 8-9 inches wide, point at the top). Save the scraps for a snack.
  7. Starting from the bottom of the tree, make horizontal cuts along both sides, about 1 inch apart, cutting almost to the center but leaving a 1-inch-wide trunk space in the middle. Each cut should be about 2-3 inches long.
  8. Gently pick up each branch and twist it 2-3 times, so the filling spirals inside the pastry. Work your way up the tree.
  9. At the bottom of the tree, cut a small rectangle (about 1×2 inches) for the trunk. Transfer the tree to the prepared baking sheet.
  10. Brush the entire tree with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if using.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  12. Garnish with a star-shaped pastry topper (baked separately for 10-12 minutes), rosemary sprigs, and cherry tomatoes or cranberries. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Keep puff pastry cold to ensure flaky layers. Do not overfill; a thin, even layer of filling is best. Twist all branches in the same direction for a uniform look. Bake on the middle rack for even browning. For make-ahead, assemble the tree (up to egg wash stage) and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Can be frozen unbaked for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: puff pastry Christmas tree, pesto cream cheese appetizer, holiday appetizer, easy Christmas recipe, puff pastry appetizer

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/best-easy-pesto-cream-cheese-puff-pastry-christmas-tree/