There's something magical about transforming simple ingredients into festive holiday treats. The Festive Christmas Tree-Shaped Pastry on a Stick is my favorite way to bring holiday cheer to the table. With its vibrant orange and green frosting and golden star garnish, this pastry is as beautiful as it is delicious. Let me share why this recipe has become a holiday staple in my kitchen.
I first created this pastry during a cozy family gathering when I wanted to add a personal touch to our dessert table. The combination of warm buttery dough and zesty orange zest creates a flavor that's both traditional and exciting. The star garnish adds a festive sparkle that guests love, especially when paired with the bright green frosting.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility. While it's perfect for Christmas, the technique works for other holidays too. I've made variations with red and green frosting for New Year's and pink and white for Valentine's Day. The key is using food coloring to create those vibrant holiday colors that make your desserts stand out.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The buttery dough provides a rich base that pairs beautifully with the tangy orange zest in the frosting. The green frosting adds a refreshing contrast, while the yellow star brings everything together with a pop of color.
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love experimenting with different toppings - sometimes I add sprinkles, other times I use crushed nuts for extra texture. The beauty of this pastry is that it's forgiving enough for beginners but impressive enough for guests.
The stick makes these pastries easy to handle and perfect for party platters. Guests love being able to take these festive treats to go, making them ideal for holiday events and cookie exchanges. I often prepare a batch to bring to neighborhood gatherings, and they always disappear quickly!
Ingredients You'll Need
Let me walk you through the essential ingredients for this festive pastry. You'll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour - The foundation of our buttery dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - For that rich, flaky texture
- ¼ cup granulated sugar - Adds sweetness and helps with browning
- 1 large egg - Binds the dough together
- 1 teaspoon baking powder - For a light, airy rise
- ¼ teaspoon salt - Balances the flavors
- ¼ cup milk - Adds moisture and helps with shaping
For the frosting, we'll use:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened - Provides a tangy base
- ½ cup powdered sugar - Adds sweetness and structure
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Enhances the flavor
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest - For that zesty holiday flavor
- 1 cup orange food coloring - Creates vibrant orange frosting
- ½ cup green food coloring - For the festive green half
And finally, for the finishing touches:
- 1 cup powdered sugar - For the glaze
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Adds a bright, citrusy finish
How to Make It
Let's start with the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter, cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is a crucial step - you want to maintain those butter pieces for that flaky texture.
Next, add the egg and milk. Mix just until the dough comes together. I find it helps to use a wooden spoon for this step. Once the dough forms, cover it and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Using a Christmas tree-shaped cutter, cut out 12 shapes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. I like to use a silicone baking mat for even baking results.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the pastries cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is important - we want the frosting to set properly without melting.
For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Divide the mixture into two portions. Tint one with orange food coloring and the other with green. I add the grated orange zest to both for that extra zesty flavor.
Once the pastries are cool, spread the orange frosting over half of each and the green frosting on the other half. For the final touch, drizzle a yellow glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice to form a star shape. I like to use a small piping bag for precise star shapes.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to ensure your pastries turn out perfectly:
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing
- Don't overmix the dough to maintain that flaky texture
- Let the pastries cool completely before adding frosting
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough
- Use a small offset spatula for even frosting application
Variations to Try
While this recipe is perfect as is, there are several variations you can try:
- Add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra holiday sparkle
- Use different food coloring for other holiday themes
- Try different frostings like chocolate or vanilla
- Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These festive pastries pair perfectly with:
- Warm spiced cider - The cinnamon in the cider complements the orange zest
- Milk or coffee - A classic pairing that works wonders
- Mini holiday cookies - Create a festive dessert platter
- Chocolate truffles - For an elegant dessert combination
For a complete meal, serve these pastries alongside:
- Roast turkey with cranberry sauce - The tangy flavors complement each other
- Mashed potatoes with gravy - A classic holiday pairing
- Green bean casserole - Adds a savory element to the meal
For dessert, follow with:
- Peppermint chocolate truffles - A refreshing contrast
Storage and Leftovers
Store these pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked pastries on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
The frosting can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If it becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before using.
Final Thoughts
Creating these Festive Christmas Tree-Shaped Pastries is a delightful way to bring holiday cheer to your kitchen. The combination of warm buttery dough and zesty orange frosting makes each bite a celebration of the season. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or just want to enjoy some festive treats, this recipe is sure to impress.
I love how this recipe brings people together. The act of baking and decorating these pastries becomes a joyful experience in itself. The vibrant colors and festive shapes always spark conversations and create lasting memories.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this festive pastry as part of a complete holiday meal series. Start with your main course, follow with these pastries as a highlight, and finish with a classic dessert like chocolate truffles. This approach creates a cohesive visual story that Pinterest users love.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and start baking these festive pastries. They're perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just enjoying the holiday spirit with your loved ones. Happy baking!
