This fun and festive Crescent Roll Christmas Tree is a treat for both the eyes and the tummy! It’s made with flaky crescent rolls shaped like a tree and filled with tasty goodies.
Decorate it with cheese, pepperoni, or even fruits for a cheery look. Making it is as easy as rolling up the dough—perfect for kids and adults to enjoy together during the holidays!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the star of the show! The flaky layers are essential for that tree shape. If you’re looking for a different texture, puff pastry is a good substitute, but keep in mind you’ll need to adjust the baking time.
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan bring that gooey, savory flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using vegan cheese, or even a nut-based cheese alternative for a similar texture. Just make sure it’s meltable!
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a slight herbal taste. You can swap it out for basil or even spinach if you prefer. Dried herbs work too, but use less since they have a stronger flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adds a nice kick! If you prefer fresh, use minced garlic instead. Start with 1 fresh clove and adjust to your taste.
How Do You Shape the Tree Properly?
Shaping the crescent roll tree can be a bit tricky, but it’s all about arranging the rolls correctly. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with the top of the tree by placing one roll at the tip.
- For each subsequent row, add more rolls. The second row should have two rolls, the third should have three, and so on.
- Make sure the rolls are close together, so they puff up nicely and resemble a tree shape when baking.
- If using a star for the top, shape it from leftover dough or use a cookie cutter for fun!
Practice makes perfect, and you can adjust as you go. It doesn’t have to be perfect—the holiday spirit is what counts!
Crescent Roll Christmas Tree
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and about 12-15 minutes to bake. Altogether, you can have a delicious festive snack ready in around 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy and to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Press the seams together to form two large rectangles, ensuring no gaps so that your cheese filling doesn’t leak out.
3. Make the Filling:
In a bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This cheesy herb mixture is what makes the filling so flavorful!
4. Spread the Filling:
Evenly spread the cheese and herb mixture over each rectangle of crescent dough. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor in every bite.
5. Cut Into Strips:
Cut each rectangle into strips about 1 to 1½ inches wide. Then, chop those strips into smaller squares or rectangles. This will make rolling them up easier!
6. Roll It Up:
Take a square of the mixture and place a small amount of the filling at one end. Roll it up tightly to create a crescent shape or a little tight roll.
7. Arrange the Tree:
Now comes the fun part! On the parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the filled crescent rolls to form a Christmas tree. Start with one roll at the top, and for each additional row, add more rolls to create a triangular shape.
8. Add a Star:
If you have any extra dough, shape it into a star and place it at the top of the tree for a festive touch!
9. Brush with Egg Wash:
Using the beaten egg, brush it lightly over the crescent rolls. This will give them a lovely golden color when they bake.
10. Bake:
Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crescent rolls are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t get too brown!
11. Cool & Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let the tree cool slightly. For the finishing touch, tuck small sprigs of fresh parsley between the rolls to resemble Christmas tree branches.
12. Serve:
Serve your beautiful Crescent Roll Christmas Tree warm as a festive appetizer or party snack. Enjoy the deliciousness with family and friends!
This delightful recipe combines flaky crescent roll pastry with cheesy, herby filling, making it not only a taste sensation but also a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table!
Can I Use Store-Bought Filling Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cheese spreads or pre-made herb mixtures. Just make sure they complement each other well for a delicious flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them on the baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, just brush with the egg wash and pop them in the oven without letting them sit at room temperature first. Consider baking a couple of extra minutes if they were very cold from the fridge.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative with the fillings! You can add cooked spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even meats like pepperoni or diced ham. Just make sure any fillings are well-drained to avoid sogginess.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes for that freshly baked taste!