The festive season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by indulging in a delicious and visually stunning treat? As an avid home baker, I recently stumbled upon a recipe that has become the star of my holiday gatherings – the Puff Pastry Chocolate Christmas Tree. This delightful creation not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also adds a touch of whimsy to your Christmas Eve spread.
A Treat on Christmas Eve: Puff Pastry Chocolate Christmas Tree
As Christmas Eve approaches, there’s something incredibly satisfying about dedicating time to craft a dessert that not only satisfies cravings but also becomes a centerpiece for the festivities. The act of creating this Puff Pastry Chocolate Christmas Tree has become a cherished tradition for me, a moment of culinary artistry amidst the holiday hustle.
Ingredients for Puff Pastry Chocolate Christmas Tree
Puff pastry serves as the base for this delightful Christmas tree treat. It’s a light and flaky dough that puffs up beautifully when baked. If you’re using frozen puff pastry sheets, be sure to thaw them according to the package instructions. The puff pastry provides the perfect canvas for the layers of chocolate and adds a wonderful crisp texture to the final dish.
The melted chocolate adds a rich and indulgent layer to the puff pastry. You can use either melted chocolate or hazelnut spread like Nutella, depending on your preference. The chocolate or hazelnut spread acts as a delicious filling between the layers of puff pastry, creating a decadent and sweet center for the Christmas tree.
The optional beaten egg serves as a glaze that can be brushed over the assembled Christmas tree before baking. This step is purely for aesthetic purposes, giving the pastry a glossy finish as it bakes. It adds a golden sheen to the outer layers, enhancing the overall presentation of the Christmas tree.
Instead of regular sugar, you can use cinnamon sugar for dusting the Christmas tree once it’s out of the oven. Cinnamon sugar adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the pastry, complementing the sweetness of the chocolate. It also contributes to a festive appearance, making your Christmas tree not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
How to Make Puff Pastry Chocolate Christmas Tree
Begin by preheating your oven to 425℉, or according to the temperature specified in your puff pastry package instructions. Ensure that you follow the recommended temperature for optimal results.
Next, take your puff pastry sheets and roll them out, making sure they are similar in size. Lay one rolled puff pastry sheet on an oven-safe sheet and spread a layer of chocolate evenly over it. Then, carefully place the second sheet on top, creating a chocolate-filled puff pastry sandwich.
To shape the pastry into a Christmas tree, start at the top and make a diagonal cut, forming the peak of the tree. As you move towards the bottom, create two small squares on the bottom right and left, leaving a narrow strip in the center to serve as the tree’s bark. Now, make 1/2 inch diagonal cuts along the sides of the tree, ensuring they only go 3/4th of the way through, leaving the middle intact. Take each cut and gently twist it to create a spiral effect, giving your Christmas tree a decorative appearance.
If desired, brush a beaten egg over the Christmas tree before placing it in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or according to the baking instructions provided on your puff pastry package.
Once the pastry is done baking, sprinkle some sugar over it for an extra hint of sweetness. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Delight in the festive Puff Pastry Chocolate Christmas Tree you’ve created!
Ingredients
- 2 puff pastry sheets thawed, if using frozen
- 1/2 cup melted chocolate sub for hazelnut spread/nutella
- 1 egg optional, for glossy finish
- 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar sub for dusting sugar
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven at 425℉ or as per your puff pastry packaged instructions
- Roll puff pastry sheets for the process, make sure they are as close to each other in size.
- In a oven safe sheet, place 1 rolled puff pastry sheet and spread chocolate on puff pastry and place the other sheet on top
- To shape it like a christmas tree, start at the top and cut it diagonally to form the top of a triangle. Towards the bottom, cut two small squares on bottom right and bottom left leaving a small stem which will serve as bark of the tree
- Make 1/2 inch diagonal cuts towards the sides of the tree leaving the bark as is. Make the cuts only 3/4th way so that the middle remains intact. Twist each cuts you made to form a spiral
- With the sheets you removed from the tree, you can cut stars (some small and 1 big) using a star shaped cookie cutter and place the big star towards the top and small ones around the middle to give the tree some character
- (if using) Brush beaten egg over the christmas tree. Bake for 30-35 mins or as per your puff pastry packaged instruction
- Once done, sprinkle sugar and serve. Enjoy!!
Nutrition
In closing, crafting the Puff Pastry Chocolate Christmas Tree has become a cherished holiday tradition for me. The layers of buttery puff pastry, oozing with rich chocolate or hazelnut spread, create a festive masterpiece that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. The optional egg glaze adds a golden touch, making this treat an elegant centerpiece for Christmas Eve gatherings. As you embark on this culinary journey, savor the simplicity and joy of baking – turning humble ingredients into a magical experience. So, add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, gather your loved ones, and unwrap the magic of the season with the Puff Pastry Chocolate Christmas Tree. May your festivities be filled with warmth, laughter, and the sweet satisfaction of delightful treats. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas! 🎄✨
❤️ Gurleen
