This fun Crescent Roll Christmas Tree is a festive treat that everyone will love! Made with buttery crescent rolls, it’s shaped like a tree and filled with delicious goodies like cheese and pepperoni.
Making this tree is super easy! Just roll out the dough, layer your favorite fillings, and shape it up. It’s perfect for parties, and trust me, it will disappear fast—everyone loves the cheesy goodness! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the star of the show! But if you’re out of crescent rolls, you can use puff pastry or even homemade dough. Just roll it out into rectangles like you would with the rolls.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor. If you want a lighter option, try ricotta or goat cheese. They’ll give a different taste but still keep the dish creamy!
Shredded Mozzarella: Mozzarella melts great and stretches well. If you prefer, mix it up with cheddar or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar for a flavor boost!
Fresh Parsley and Berries: Parsley is ideal for garnish. You can swap it for fresh basil or even edible flowers for a pretty touch. For berries, use your favorite seasonal fruits to keep it colorful!
What’s the Best Way to Shape the Crescent Roll Tree?
Shaping the tree can be a little tricky but fun! Here are some tips to make it easier:
- Once you cut the dough into strips, twist them gently to keep the filling inside and prevent it from leaking out.
- Start layering from the bottom of the baking sheet with the largest twists and work your way up to the top, placing them close together for a fuller look.
- Make sure to leave enough space at the top for the star shape. It adds a finishing touch!
Applying an egg wash gives your tree a beautiful golden finish. Brush it on thoroughly for even coloring. Happy baking!
Crescent Roll Christmas Tree
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley sprigs (for garnish)
- Fresh berries like blueberries and raspberries (for decoration)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Christmas tree takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15-18 minutes of baking. In total, you’re looking at around 35 minutes to have this festive treat ready to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough onto a flat surface. Make sure to press the perforations together to form two large rectangles. No gaps, please—let’s keep all that delicious filling inside!
3. Spread the Cream Cheese:
On one rectangle of dough, spread the softened cream cheese evenly across the surface. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the cream cheese for that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
4. Layer the Dough:
Now, carefully place the second rectangle of dough on top of the cheese layer. Gently press down to seal the two layers together. This is going to help keep all that cheesy goodness inside!
5. Cut the Strips:
Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, start cutting the layered dough into strips that are about 1 inch wide. Remember to leave a small area at the top untouched—this is where your tree top will go!
6. Twist the Strips:
Take each strip and twist it a few times to create that spiral effect. Arrange the twisted strips on the baking sheet to form the shape of a Christmas tree, with the longest twists at the bottom and the shortest at the top.
7. Create Your Tree Top:
Take any leftover dough and shape it into a small star to place at the top of your tree. It will look so cute!
8. Egg Wash Time:
Using a brush, carefully apply the beaten egg all over the tree. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown finish when it bakes.
9. Bake Your Tree:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tree is golden and fully cooked. Your kitchen will smell fabulous!
10. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, allow the tree to cool slightly. Then, garnishing time! Use fresh parsley sprigs to represent tree branches and add fresh berries between the twists to mimic ornaments. Get creative!
11. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
If you want to give your tree a snowy look, lightly dust it with powdered sugar before serving. It adds a lovely touch!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, serve your warm, flaky, and cheesy Crescent Roll Christmas Tree, and watch it disappear! It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a fun family snack.
Can I Use Store-bought Dough Instead of Crescent Rolls?
Absolutely! While crescent roll dough is ideal for a flaky texture, you can also use ready-made puff pastry or homemade dough if you prefer. Just roll it out to a similar thickness as crescent rolls before assembling.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Can I Freeze the Christmas Tree Before Baking?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped tree before baking! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Feel free to get creative with the fillings—try using pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or even different types of cheese like cheddar or gouda. Just ensure they are spreadable or evenly distributed for even baking.
