Description

These Spinach, Feta, and Cranberry Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are festive, savory treats perfect for holiday gatherings. Flaky puff pastry is filled with a delightful mixture of fresh spinach, salty feta cheese, and sweet dried cranberries, then baked to golden perfection and shaped like charming Christmas trees. They’re easy to prepare and make an impressive appetizer or snack for the season.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Filling

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped

Topping

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cut Puff Pastry Shapes: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet and use a Christmas tree-shaped cutter or template to cut out tree shapes. You’ll need two identical pieces per tree to create the filled pastry.
Add Filling: Place one tree cutout on your work surface and evenly spread the chopped spinach, crumbled feta, and chopped cranberries on top, leaving a border around the edges to seal properly.
Seal the Trees: Place the second tree cutout over the filling. Press the edges firmly to seal the filling inside. For an added festive touch, twist the trunk section of the tree if desired.
Apply Egg Wash and Toppings: Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to promote browning. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds, if using, for added flavor and decoration.
Bake: Transfer the prepared pastries onto the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pastries to cool for a few minutes after baking. Serve warm or at room temperature as a festive appetizer or snack.

Notes

You can make these ahead of time and bake just before serving to keep them fresh and flaky.
Substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
Make sure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed to avoid cracking when cutting and sealing.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges if you don’t have a cookie cutter.
These pastries can be frozen unbaked; just thaw and bake when needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Western

Keywords: Spinach puff pastry, Feta pastry, Christmas appetizer, Holiday snacks, Puff pastry trees, Festive appetizers