This festive Crescent Roll Christmas Tree is a fun and easy treat! Made with soft crescent dough, it’s shaped like a tree and filled with yummy ingredients like cheese or pizza toppings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the base of our fun tree! If you can’t find crescent rolls, you can use puff pastry. Just remember to cut the pastry into triangles similar to crescent dough.
Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, cottage cheese or Greek yogurt can be good substitutes, though they will change the flavor slightly.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. Feel free to swap in mozzarella or pepper jack for a milder or spicier kick, respectively!
Green Onions: These add freshness. Don’t have them? Chopped chives or even regular onions will work, but adjust the amount as green onions are milder.
Bell Peppers: They’re optional but bring a nice color! You can use any color pepper or skip them entirely if you prefer a simpler filling.
How Do You Create a Perfectly Shaped Christmas Tree?
Forming the tree shape is key and can be a bit tricky! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Layer the crescent triangles with the wide ends meeting in a way that resembles a tree. Start with several rows at the bottom, tapering up to a point for the top.
- Make sure to leave space between each layer for the dough to puff up nicely in the oven.
- Don’t worry about imperfections; rustic trees can be just as charming!
When twisting the filled triangles, be gentle to keep the filling inside while creating those cute “branches.” You’ll pull apart each twist when it’s hot from the oven, and that’s the best part!
Crescent Roll Christmas Tree
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tree Base:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
For The Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers (optional, for color)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (for garnish, looks like green “sprinkles”)
- Red and green small round sprinkles or mini edible decorations (for festive “ornaments”)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Christmas tree takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-18 minutes to bake. Altogether, you should have everything ready in about 30-35 minutes, so you can enjoy this festive treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step is important for giving your tree a nice, golden finish!
2. Shape the Crescents:
Open both cans of crescent roll dough and separate each piece into triangles. On a large piece of parchment paper or a baking mat, arrange these triangles into a tree shape. Start from the bottom with wide ends together, gradually using fewer triangles as you go up to the top. Keep the small end of one triangle to use as the trunk at the bottom!
3. Make the Filling:
In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, bell peppers (if you’re adding them), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now, spread this creamy mixture evenly over the wide ends of each crescent triangle (the parts that will be twisted). Place another triangle on top of each filled triangle to make a “sandwich,” and gently pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside.
5. Form the Christmas Tree:
Starting with the bottom rows of your tree, twist each crescent roll sandwich twice. They will look like little branches! Place them on your baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree, making sure their tips point upwards. Use your reserved triangle to create a small rectangular trunk at the base.
6. Add the Finishing Touch:
In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the entire tree to give it a wonderful golden color as it bakes. Then slide your creation into the oven!
7. Bake and Garnish:
Bake for about 15-18 minutes or until the tree is golden brown. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives to look like green “sprinkles.” Add festive red and green edible decorations to mimic ornaments.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the tree warm, and let everyone pull apart the delicious cheesy twists like little branches. It’s a delightful appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress!
Enjoy your delicious and festive Crescent Roll Christmas Tree—a perfect appetizer or snack for the holidays! 🎄🥐
Can I Use Other Fillings for the Crescent Roll Christmas Tree?
Absolutely! You can get creative with your fillings. Try using different cheeses, cooked meats like ham or chicken, or even pesto and roasted vegetables for a unique twist. Just make sure the filling isn’t too wet to avoid soggy dough.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help retain its flaky texture!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the tree up to the point of baking and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking!
What Can I Use Instead of Egg Wash?
If you prefer not to use an egg wash, you can brush the tree with milk or a mixture of water and a little oil to achieve a nice golden color during baking. Alternatively, dairy-free options like almond or soy milk work well too!
