This fun Crescent Roll Christmas Tree is a festive treat that’s easy to make! It features flaky crescent rolls shaped like a tree, stuffed with cheese and your favorite goodies.
Just imagine pulling off a warm piece, and the cheese stretching in the best way! I love serving it at holiday gatherings. It’s always a hit and disappears faster than I can say, “Merry Christmas!” 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the star of your tree! If you can’t find refrigerated crescent rolls, you can use puff pastry. It will change the texture slightly, but it still works great for the shape.
Cheese: I love the combo of mozzarella and cream cheese for a nice creaminess. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, try cottage cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Garlic Powder: This adds a lovely flavor! If you want a more intense kick, use fresh minced garlic instead. Just be mindful of the amount as fresh can be stronger than powder.
Decoration: Fresh parsley gives a nice festive touch. If you don’t have it, you could use other herbs, or even chopped green onions for a pop of color. For ornament decorations, any small colorful candy will do!
How Do You Shape the Crescent Roll Tree Perfectly?
Creating that beautiful tree shape is all in the arrangement! Start by making rows with the crescent rolls. Use just one at the top, adding two for the next row, and so on.
- Keep the rolls close but not touching to allow even baking.
- Don’t stress if the shape isn’t perfect; it’s all about the taste!
- Use your hands to gently press the base of the rolls together if needed, so they hold their shape while baking.
Crescent Roll Christmas Tree
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
- Edible red and silver decorative balls or small candy pearls (for ornament decoration)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This festive treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. All in all, it should take about 30-35 minutes before it’s ready to wow your guests! Perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready to bake your delicious tree! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
2. Prepare Your Dough:
Unroll both cans of crescent dough and separate the triangles along the perforation lines. Then, cut each of those larger triangles into three smaller triangles. This will give you the right size pieces for your “tree.”
3. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything until it’s smooth and well combined. This mixture is going to be cheesy goodness!
4. Fill the Dough:
Place a small spoonful of the cheese mixture at the center of each small triangle. Don’t overfill—just enough to add some creamy flavor!
5. Roll Them Up:
Take the wider end of each triangle and roll it towards the pointed end, forming a neat crescent roll. You want to keep them tight so they hold their shape while baking.
6. Shape Your Christmas Tree:
On the parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the rolled crescents to create a Christmas tree! Start with one crescent at the top, followed by two on the next row, then three, and keep adding rows to form a triangular shape. Aim for about 5 rows total for a nice tree look.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the crescent rolls to give them a beautiful golden color when baked. Sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan cheese on top for that crispy finish!
8. Bake the Tree:
Pop your creation into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and are cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
9. Garnish Your Tree:
Once baked, remove the tree from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, garnish with fresh parsley leaves tucked between the rolls to look like tree branches. It’s all about the presentation!
10. Decorate for Festivity:
Finally, finish off your Christmas tree by decorating it with edible red and silver balls or candy pearls, simulating ornaments. Be as creative as you like!
11. Serve Warm:
Slice and serve the warm Crescent Roll Christmas Tree, and watch it disappear as everyone enjoys the delicious flavors. Enjoy your festive treat!
Can I Use Frozen Crescent Roll Dough Instead?
Absolutely! If you have frozen crescent roll dough, just thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before using it in this recipe. Make sure it’s completely unrolled and easy to work with.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly because it primarily features crescent rolls and cheese! Ensure any additional ingredients you use, like spices or garnishes, are also vegetarian. You can even add sautéed vegetables to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the crescent rolls and form the tree shape in advance, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving for a warm, fresh treat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or the oven to maintain their flaky texture.