Delightful Christmas Trees: Fun Puff Pastry Treats to Make with Kids

The holiday season is the perfect time to bring the family together in the kitchen. Making Christmas trees from puff pastry sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar is a simple, fun activity that kids and parents will enjoy. These festive treats are not only delicious but also a creative way to celebrate the season. This post will guide you through the steps to make these charming puff pastry Christmas trees, share tips for flavour variations, and offer nutritional insights to keep your holiday baking balanced.

How to Make Puff Pastry Christmas Trees

Start with two sheets of puff pastry. Lay one sheet flat on a clean surface and sprinkle it evenly with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This classic combination gives the pastry a warm, sweet flavour that fills the kitchen with holiday cheer. Place the second puff pastry sheet on top, gently pressing down to seal the cinnamon sugar inside.

Next, cut the layered pastry into strips about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.

Each strip will become a Christmas tree shape. To create the tree, look at the video.

For easy handling and baking, slide a wooden stick through the centre of each twisted strip. This keeps the shape intact and makes the treats easy to serve. Place the skewered trees on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and puffed.

Last but not least, make a little bit of vanilla icing sugar to decorate the trees.

Mix 2 table spoons of icing sugar with half tablespoon of whole milk, or cream or water, and 3-4 half of a teaspoon of vanilla strait. Mix all together and decorate the trees with it.

Making It a Family Activity

Cooking with kids is a wonderful way to build memories and teach basic kitchen skills. Puff pastry Christmas trees are perfect for little hands because the steps are simple and the results are impressive. Let children sprinkle the cinnamon sugar, cut the strips (with supervision), and twist the branches. Using skewers adds a fun, hands-on element that kids love.

Encourage creativity by letting kids decorate their trees before baking. You can add small sprinkles or edible glitter for extra sparkle. This activity not only makes baking enjoyable but also helps children develop fine motor skills and learn about measuring and following instructions.

Flavour Variations to Try

While cinnamon and sugar are a classic choice, puff pastry is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to customize your Christmas trees:

• Chocolate Spread and Sugar

Spread a thin layer of chocolate spread on the first puff pastry sheet before adding the second. Sprinkle a little sugar on top for a sweet, chocolaty twist.

• Savoury Cheese and Ham

Replace the cinnamon sugar with grated cheese and finely chopped ham. This savoury version makes a great snack or appetizer.

• Pesto and Cheese

Spread pesto on the puff pastry and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or parmesan. This combination offers a fresh, herby flavour perfect for holiday gatherings.

• Apple and Cinnamon

Add thin slices of apple with cinnamon sugar for a fruity, sweet treat.

Each variation can be prepared using the same twisting and skewering method. Baking times remain similar, but keep an eye on the pastry to avoid burning, especially with cheese toppings.

Nutritional Information and Tips

Puff pastry treats are a delightful indulgence, but it’s good to be mindful of their nutritional content, especially when cooking with kids.

• Calories

A typical cinnamon sugar puff pastry tree contains about 150-200 calories depending on size and amount of sugar used.

• Fat

Puff pastry is high in fat due to the butter layers, so enjoy these treats in moderation.

• Sugar

Cinnamon sugar adds sweetness but can be adjusted to taste or substituted with natural sweeteners like honey.

• Protein

Savoury versions with cheese and ham provide more protein, making them a more balanced snack.

To make these treats a bit healthier, consider using whole wheat puff pastry if available, reducing sugar amounts, or adding fruit fillings. Pairing the pastry trees with fresh fruit or a small glass of milk can also help balance the snack.