Table of Contents
Introduction
There’s something undeniably magical about December in Chicago — the glowing streetlights, the crisp air, and the joyful rush of the season. But for me, the real magic always begins in the kitchen. Every year, as soon as the first Christmas songs start playing, I find myself drawn back to the flavors that make this season feel like home: buttery pastries, sweet fruits, creamy cheeses, and cozy aromas that drift through the house.
These Puff Pastry Trees with Burrata & Cranberry Glaze capture everything I love about the holidays in one beautiful, whimsical bite. They’re playful enough to make the kids’ eyes light up — Ella and Peter always argue over who gets the “tallest tree” — yet elegant enough to impress even my grandmother Elizabeth, who has a lifelong appreciation for simple ingredients turned extraordinary.
I still remember the first time I made these for a small family gathering. My husband called them “the prettiest appetizers of the season,” and my babcia, with her signature sparkle, whispered, “This looks like the kind of food you’d see at a fancy winter party… but it tastes like family.” And she was right. These little trees strike that perfect balance between sophisticated and comforting.
The buttery puff pastry becomes flaky and golden in the oven, while creamy burrata tucked underneath brings a luxurious softness. The cranberry glaze adds a festive sparkle — bright, tangy, slightly sweet — the kind of flavor that feels like a ribbon tying the whole dish together.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, bringing something special to a potluck, or simply looking to make an everyday December evening feel a little more magical, these puff pastry trees promise to bring joy, beauty, and a touch of winter wonder to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These whimsical little pastry trees may look like something straight out of a festive bakery window, but behind the scenes, they’re wonderfully simple and joyfully satisfying to make. Here’s why they’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your holiday traditions:
✨ 1. They’re a Show-Stopping Holiday Appetizer
Crispy golden puff pastry, creamy burrata, and that glossy cranberry glaze…
They instantly elevate any holiday table. Guests will think you spent hours — only you’ll know the secret.
✨ 2. Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Balanced
Buttery pastry + rich burrata + tangy-sweet cranberry glaze = pure magic.
Every bite is warm, creamy, bright, and festive.
✨ 3. Kid-Friendly and Elegant Enough for Adults
Ella and Peter love helping twist the pastry into tiny trees — and adults adore the elevated flavor. These are the rare appetizers that genuinely please everyone.
✨ 4. Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact
A handful of simple components transforms into something that looks restaurant-ready. Perfect for busy days when you still want something beautiful.
✨ 5. Perfect Make-Ahead Options
You can twist and shape the pastry trees in advance, then bake right before serving. Efficiency meets festivity.
✨ 6. They Bring Instant Holiday Cheer
There’s just something about food shaped like Christmas trees that makes people smile. Warm kitchen, twinkling lights, flaky pastry — the whole mood shifts.
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple ingredients that transform beautifully when brought together — buttery pastry, creamy cheese, and a bright pop of cranberry. Here’s everything you need to create these festive, irresistible holiday trees.
✨ For the Puff Pastry Trees
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1–2 tsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for texture & sparkle)
✨ For the Burrata Layer
8 oz burrata, torn into soft, creamy pieces
Freshly cracked black pepper, to finish
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for herb fragrance)
✨ For the Cranberry Glaze
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
2–3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1–2 tbsp water
½ tsp orange zest (optional but magical)
Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions “Puff Pastry Trees with Burrata”
These festive puff pastry trees come together with a joyful holiday rhythm — cozy, simple steps that fill the kitchen with warmth, buttery aromas, and the sweet-tart scent of cranberries.
✨ Step 1 — Prepare the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently smooth out any folds.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into long strips about ½ inch wide.
✨ Step 2 — Shape the Christmas Trees
Take one strip and fold it back and forth into a zig-zag shape, creating a little “tree.”
It doesn’t need to be perfect — the charm is in the rustic folds.
Place each shaped tree on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
✨ Step 3 — Brush and Bake
Brush each tree with the beaten egg for a gorgeous golden finish.
Sprinkle lightly with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if you want a bit of texture and festive sparkle.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until beautifully puffed and golden.
✨ Step 4 — Make the Cranberry Glaze
While the pastries bake, add cranberries, honey, water, orange zest, and a pinch of salt to a small saucepan.
Simmer over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring gently until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a glossy glaze.
Let it cool slightly so it becomes syrupy and spoonable.
✨ Step 5 — Add the Burrata
Once the pastries come out of the oven, let them cool for 2–3 minutes.
Top each tree with a small piece of creamy burrata.
The gentle warmth of the pastry will soften it into a luxurious, melty layer.
✨ Step 6 — Drizzle the Glaze
Spoon the cranberry glaze over the burrata, letting it drip naturally over the layers.
A little goes a long way — each cascade of cranberry adds brightness and festive color.
✨ Step 7 — Finish and Serve
Top with fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch and a beautiful pop of green.
Crack a little black pepper on top for balance.
Serve immediately while the pastry is warm and the burrata is perfectly creamy.
FAQs “Puff Pastry Trees with Burrata”
❓ Can I make the puff pastry trees ahead of time?
Yes — you can shape the trees a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Bake them right before serving so they stay beautifully crisp and golden.
❓ What can I use instead of burrata?
Fresh mozzarella pearls or whipped ricotta both work wonderfully. Burrata is the creamiest option, but these substitutes keep the dish equally festive.
❓ Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce instead of making my own glaze?
Absolutely. Warm it slightly and loosen with a splash of water or orange juice until it’s similar to a spoonable glaze.
❓ How do I prevent the pastry trees from unfolding in the oven?
Make sure your folds are pressed gently together and place the “base” of each tree underneath to help hold the structure. Chilling the shaped trees for 10 minutes before baking also helps.
❓ Do these need to be served warm?
They’re at their best when the pastry is warm and flaky and the burrata is soft. But they’re still delicious at room temperature for parties.
❓ Can I make a savory version without the cranberry glaze?
Yes! Swap the cranberry glaze for pesto, caramelized onions, or a balsamic drizzle. A sprinkle of thyme or rosemary makes the savory version shine.
Final Thoughts “Puff Pastry Trees with Burrata”
These Puff Pastry Trees with Burrata & Cranberry Glaze capture everything magical about the holiday season — warmth, color, comfort, and a touch of whimsy. They look stunning on the table, but come together with the ease and joy of holiday cooking that brings everyone into the kitchen.
Every bite feels like a celebration: the crisp, golden pastry… the creamy burrata melting ever so slightly… the bright, tangy cranberry glaze that cuts through the richness with festive sparkle. It’s the kind of appetizer that invites conversation, delight, and that familiar holiday moment when someone says, “Wait — who made these?”
Whether you’re hosting a joyful family gathering, preparing a cozy dinner for friends, or simply looking to make December feel a little more magical, these pastry trees will quickly become one of your treasured seasonal recipes.
👉 I hope you had fun baking up these Puff Pastry Trees with Burrata—they’re festive, flaky, and filled with creamy delight! This holiday appetizer is a showstopper on any table, with golden, buttery pastry layered with rich burrata and festive herbs or jams. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these trees are guaranteed to impress.
For more pastry-based holiday hits, try our cozy and crowd-pleasing Baked Brie in Puff Pastry—warm, gooey, and endlessly customizable. You might also love our Apple Pie Bombs if you’re looking to serve up something sweet and handheld.
Want more cheesy, elegant inspiration? SantMD’s Baked Brie with Warm Olives and Herb Oil offers a Mediterranean twist that pairs beautifully with puff pastry creations. And if you want something fruity to round out your spread, try Strawberry Cheesecake Bites from Cozy Family Recipes—easy, bite-sized, and bright.
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Puff Pastry Trees with Burrata & Cranberry Glaze
Experience the magic of holiday puff pastry treats with this exquisite recipe that combines the elegance of burrata cheese, the tangy sweetness of cranberries, and the flaky goodness of puff pastry trees. Perfect for festive gatherings or a gourmet snack, these appetizers are a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 burrata cheese ball
- 1/2 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut out tree shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place the pastry trees on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the pastry trees with the beaten egg to create a golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- While the pastry trees are baking, prepare the cranberry glaze by combining cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a glaze.
- Once the pastry trees are done, let them cool slightly before assembling the appetizers.
- Cut the burrata cheese ball into small pieces and place them on top of the puff pastry trees.
- Drizzle the cranberry glaze over the burrata-topped trees for a festive finish.
- Serve the puff pastry trees warm and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures!