Christmas Tree Pop Tarts

Okay, these Christmas tree pop tarts are so cute. Like, almost too cute to eat—but we ate them anyway. They’re fun, flaky, and filled with holiday cheer.

I used pie crust, some jam, and a little frosting magic. And yes, they actually look like mini trees.

If you want an easy treat that feels festive and fun, this is the one. Let’s bake some joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: As one reader exclaimed, “These are the best holiday treat I’ve ever made. They’re just so cute and delicious!”
• Fun and Festive: Shaped like Christmas trees and decorated with holiday sprinkles, these pop tarts are a great way to celebrate the season.
• Easy to Make: Made with just a few simple ingredients and puff pastry, these pop tarts are incredibly easy to make, even for beginners!
• Perfect for Gifting: These pop tarts make an excellent gift for teachers, neighbors, or friends. Wrap them in festive packaging for a sweet, personalized touch.
• Customizable: You can adjust the flavor of the filling, the icing, and even the sprinkles to suit your preferences.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, here’s a quick list of tools you’ll need to make your Christmas Tree Pop Tarts:

• Baking Sheets: For baking the pop tarts.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheets for easy clean-up.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the puff pastry dough.
• Cookie Cutters: A Christmas tree-shaped cutter or a knife to cut the dough into tree shapes.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the icing ingredients.
• Whisk: To combine the icing ingredients smoothly.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing the egg wash onto the pop tarts.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the pop tarts after baking and decorating.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these festive pop tarts (the exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below):

Pop Tart Ingredients:

• 2 Sheets Puff Pastry (defrosted): Puff pastry gives these pop tarts a golden, flaky texture that is simply irresistible. Make sure the puff pastry is cold but not frozen.
• 1 Cup Strawberry Preserves: This sweet filling provides a tangy and fruity flavor, adding that perfect pop of taste to your pop tarts.
• 1 Large Egg: This is used for the egg wash, which gives the pop tarts a shiny, golden finish when baked.

Icing Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Powdered Sugar: Also called confectioners’ sugar, this ingredient will give the icing its smooth and creamy texture.
• 1 Tablespoon Milk: A small amount of milk helps loosen the powdered sugar to create the perfect icing consistency.
• ½ Cup Strawberry Preserves: A little extra strawberry preserves is used in the icing to enhance the flavor and color.
• ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds extra depth and sweetness to the icing.
• ½ Cup Holiday Sprinkles: You’ll need colorful sprinkles to give your Christmas Tree Pop Tarts their festive finishing touch!

Variations for Christmas Tree Pop Tarts

While the traditional strawberry filling is delicious, there are many ways you can make these pop tarts your own. Here are a few fun variations:

• Switch Up the Filling: You can use other fruit preserves like raspberry, blueberry, or even a combination of your favorite jams for a twist on the classic strawberry flavor.
• Make a Chocolate Version: Instead of fruit preserves, use a chocolate spread (like Nutella) or even melted chocolate chips for a chocolatey surprise inside.
• Use Different Sprinkles: Switch out the holiday sprinkles for other fun options, such as mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or even gold and silver edible glitter for extra sparkle.
• Try a Different Icing Flavor: You can make the icing with other extracts like almond, peppermint, or lemon for a new flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Christmas Tree Pop Tarts

Let’s walk through how to make these delightful Christmas Tree Pop Tarts step by step!

1. Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy clean-up.

2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Place the two sheets of defrosted puff pastry on a clean surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the puff pastry to smooth out any creases and ensure an even thickness. You want the dough to be about 1/8-inch thick.

3. Cut Out Christmas Tree Shapes

Using a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many tree shapes as you can from the puff pastry. You should aim for an even number of shapes, as each pop tart will need a top and bottom layer. If you don’t have a Christmas tree cutter, you can also freehand the shapes with a sharp knife.

4. Add the Strawberry Preserves Filling

Once you’ve cut out your tree shapes, place half of them on the prepared baking sheets. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of strawberry preserves in the center of each of these tree-shaped pastries. Be careful not to overfill, as the preserves will spread while baking.

5. Create the Top Layer

Top each filled pastry with a matching Christmas tree-shaped pastry. Press down the edges lightly to seal them, but don’t press too hard, or you might squeeze out the filling.

6. Egg Wash

In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to brush a thin layer of the egg wash over the top of each pop tart. This will give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.

7. Bake the Pop Tarts

Bake the pop tarts in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. When done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.

8. Prepare the Icing

While the pop tarts are cooling, make the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, strawberry preserves, and vanilla extract until smooth. The icing should be thick but spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk to loosen it up.

9. Decorate the Pop Tarts

Once the pop tarts are completely cool, spread the icing generously over the top of each one. Then, sprinkle your holiday sprinkles over the icing to make the pop tarts festive and fun. You can be as creative as you want with the sprinkles—go for red and green for a classic look, or use multi-colored sprinkles for extra cheer!

10. Allow to Set

Let the icing set for about 15 minutes before serving so it has time to firm up.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Pop Tarts

These adorable pop tarts are perfect for many occasions and can be served in a variety of ways:

• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve these Christmas Tree Pop Tarts alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or even a festive fruit salad for a fun holiday breakfast or brunch.
• As a Snack: Pack them into lunchboxes or have them on hand for an afternoon treat. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike.
• As a Gift: Wrap these pop tarts in cellophane or a cute tin for a homemade gift that’s both sweet and thoughtful.
• For Holiday Parties: Set them out at your next holiday gathering or party. They’ll be a hit at dessert tables or served with other festive treats like cookies or cake.

Storing Christmas Tree Pop Tarts

If you have any leftovers (although, let’s be honest, they’re usually eaten up quickly), here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature: Store the pop tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• In the Fridge: If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can store the pop tarts in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving or gently heat them in the microwave.
• Freezing: These pop tarts freeze well! Place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Nutrition Information (Per Pop Tart)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	200-250
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	80mg
Total Carbohydrates	25g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	15g
Protein	2g

Conclusion

These Christmas Tree Pop Tarts are sure to be a highlight of your holiday season! They combine the charm of homemade pastries with the magic of the Christmas season, making them a perfect treat for the whole family. With their flaky, buttery crust, sweet strawberry filling, and festive icing, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday breakfast, as a sweet snack, or gifting them to loved ones, these pop tarts will definitely spread some Christmas cheer. Give them a try, and I guarantee they’ll become a new holiday tradition in your household!