Christmas Tree Cream Puffs

Save this recipe on:

Cream puffs are already the definition of an elegant dessert, but turn them into a festive Christmas tree and suddenly, they become the shining centerpiece of your holiday table. These Christmas Tree Cream Puffs are delicate, golden choux pastries filled with luscious vanilla whipped cream and stacked high with a dusting of powdered sugar that mimics freshly fallen snow.

Perfect for both entertaining and gifting, this dessert is surprisingly achievable. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or planning a cookie exchange, these cream puffs bring a whimsical and celebratory twist. With just a few basic ingredients and some holiday spirit, you’ll have everyone thinking you’ve brought the patisserie home.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Cream Puffs Recipe

From the first airy bite to the last sweet swirl of cream, there’s so much to adore. This recipe is beginner-friendly yet yields a show-stopping result. The choux pastry is forgiving and easy to pipe, while the cream filling is light and satisfying without being overly rich. Best of all, the tree shape makes it interactive and fun to assemble, especially with kids.

This recipe also stores beautifully, so you can make components ahead of time and assemble the tree when ready to serve. Whether you’re making mini trees or one grand one, it’s bound to be the most delightful dessert on the table.

What Kind of Cream Should I Use for Filling?

For the best flavor and texture, use heavy whipping cream with at least 36% milk fat. This allows the cream to whip up stiff enough to hold its shape inside the puffs. You can sweeten it slightly with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract. For an extra festive touch, try flavoring the cream with peppermint or almond extract.

---

Ingredients for the Christmas Tree Cream Puffs

Creating this festive dessert doesn’t require a fancy ingredient list. Everything you need can be found at your local grocery store, and the results are anything but ordinary.

• Butter – Provides richness to the choux pastry and helps create that tender, golden crust.
• Water – Necessary to steam the dough while baking, giving the puffs their rise.
• All-purpose flour – The structural base for the dough.
• Eggs – Add richness and help the puffs achieve that light, hollow center.
• Heavy whipping cream – The filling’s base; it whips up fluffy and stable.
• Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness to the cream and a snowy finish to the tree.
• Vanilla extract – Gives the whipped cream a warm, familiar flavor.
• Optional: green food coloring – If you’d like your tree to have a holiday hue.

How To Make the Christmas Tree Cream Puffs

Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and water until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil. Stir in flour all at once, mixing vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball. Let it cool slightly before beating in eggs, one at a time, until smooth.

Step 2: Pipe and Bake

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pipe circles of varying sizes to build a tree shape (small to large). Bake at 400°F until puffed and golden, about 25–30 minutes. Let them cool completely.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

Using a chilled bowl and beaters, whip the heavy cream until it starts to thicken. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. If desired, fold in a drop or two of green food coloring.

Step 4: Fill the Puffs

Carefully cut each puff in half and pipe or spoon the whipped cream into the centers. Replace the tops gently.

Step 5: Assemble the Tree

Stack the filled puffs, starting from the largest base to the smallest top. Angle each layer to give a tree-like shape. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready.

---

How to Serve and Store Your Cream Puffs

These Christmas Tree Cream Puffs are ideal for 6 to 8 people if you’re building a medium-sized tree. For larger parties, you can double the batch and create multiple trees or a grand centerpiece.

To store, keep the filled cream puffs refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If unfilled, the puffs can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container for 24 hours, then filled just before serving. Avoid freezing filled puffs, as the texture may suffer.

What to Serve With Christmas Tree Cream Puffs?

Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream

A rich, steamy mug complements the airy cream puffs perfectly.

Mulled Wine

For adult gatherings, mulled wine brings warm spices that enhance the festive flavors.

Peppermint Bark

Add a contrasting crunch with peppermint bark on the dessert table.

Eggnog

Classic holiday flavors pair effortlessly with these light puffs.

Roasted Nuts

The savory balance of salted almonds or pecans brings out the sweetness in the cream.

Cheesecake Bites

If you’re feeding a crowd, mini cheesecakes offer variety in textures and richness.

Raspberry Coulis

A drizzle on the plate adds a pop of color and bright tartness.

Coffee or Espresso

Bitterness from dark coffee balances the cream beautifully.

---

Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If you love these Christmas Tree Cream Puffs, here are more holiday-worthy treats worth trying:

• Old-Time Oven Peach Cobbler for a comforting fruit dessert that feels like home.
• Ooey Gooey Bars if you’re in the mood for rich and chewy layers.
• Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries to keep the cream theme going with fruity flair.
• Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons for a tropical snowball treat.
• Reindeer Chow to satisfy salty-sweet cravings with festive crunch.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how your tree turned out! Did you dust it with edible glitter? Did you go with peppermint cream? I love hearing how everyone makes these their own. Let’s bake together and share ideas that bring more joy to the season.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Print

Save this recipe on: