Christmas Tree Cream Puffs

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Bring the magic of the holidays to your dessert table with these enchanting Christmas Tree Cream Puffs. A whimsical twist on classic French choux pastry, these festive delights are stacked into tree-like towers and filled with fluffy, tinted whipped cream or pastry cream. Each puff is topped with a charming cookie star and a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

They are as fun to make as they are to eat, making them the perfect baking project for the season. Whether you’re preparing a holiday gathering or looking for an edible craft with kids, these cream puffs offer both flavor and flair. With crisp, golden shells and smooth, mint-green cream, they look straight out of a pastry shop window.

What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

For these Christmas tree cream puffs, you’ll be using pâte à choux, not traditional puff pastry sheets. Choux pastry puffs up beautifully in the oven without any leavening agent, creating those signature hollow centers perfect for filling. Be sure to pipe different sizes to build your trees — typically three tiers works best for a balanced and elegant stack.

Ingredients for the Christmas Tree Cream Puffs

Water: Essential for hydrating the flour and creating steam during baking which helps puff the pastry.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor while also aiding in the choux dough’s structure.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cream puffs.

Eggs: Help bind the dough and add volume and sheen during baking.

Salt: Enhances flavor subtly in the pastry.

Heavy cream: Whipped to stiff peaks to create the filling — light, airy, and luxurious.

Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped filling and adds that snowy holiday look.

Green food coloring: Gives your whipped cream that festive Christmas tree look.

Star-shaped cookies (optional): To crown the top of each cream puff tree with a decorative finish.

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How To Make the Christmas Tree Cream Puffs

Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry

In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer, then add flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Step 2: Beat in the Eggs

Let the dough cool slightly, then add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. The dough should be smooth, shiny, and pipeable.

Step 3: Pipe and Bake

Pipe the dough into small, medium, and large mounds on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F until puffed and golden. Let cool completely before assembly.

Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream

Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and green food coloring until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag with a star tip.

Step 5: Assemble the Trees

Slice each puff horizontally. Pipe whipped cream into the bottom halves, stack them from largest to smallest, and add more cream between layers. Top with the smallest puff and a cookie star.

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How to Serve and Store Christmas Tree Cream Puffs

These festive cream puffs are best served the day they’re assembled, to preserve the crispness of the pastry and the fluffiness of the filling. Keep them chilled until ready to serve. If prepping in advance, you can bake the puffs a day ahead and store them unfilled in an airtight container. Fill and decorate just before your event.

For storage, refrigerate any leftovers in a loosely covered container for up to 2 days. Note the pastry may soften, but they’ll still taste delightful!

What to Serve With Christmas Tree Cream Puffs?

Hot Cocoa Bar

Pair these puffs with a build-your-own hot chocolate station with toppings like marshmallows, candy canes, and whipped cream.

Peppermint Bark

The cool, crisp texture of peppermint bark contrasts beautifully with the soft puffs.

Spiced Apple Cider

A warm, spiced drink adds cozy vibes to your dessert spread.

Mulled Wine

For adults, serve these with a glass of mulled wine for a full-on festive treat.

Eggnog

Classic and creamy, eggnog enhances the nostalgic feel of the holidays.

Fresh Berries

The tartness of berries cuts through the richness of the cream puffs.

Gingerbread Cookies

Add some crunch and spice to your dessert table with classic holiday cookies.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream turns this into a plated dessert worthy of any holiday dinner.

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Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If you’re loving the festive theme of these cream puffs, you might enjoy exploring more joyful bakes:

• Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites for a cozy breakfast twist.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes full of seasonal flavor.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake if you’re craving rich, fruity indulgence.
• Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies for an easy, kid-friendly treat.
• Lemon Cake to Die For if you love a bright, citrusy finish.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can come back to it every December!

Have you tried making these with a pastry cream filling? Or added crushed peppermint between layers? I’d love to hear how you personalize them. Share your versions in the comments.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more at Chef Alchemy’s Pinterest for seasonal inspiration that delights.

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