Name: Christmas Tree Cream Puffs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup water; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large eggs; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon matcha powder (optional); 6 small star-shaped cookies (optional, for garnish)

These Christmas Tree Cream Puffs are the ultimate show-stopper for your holiday dessert table. Light, airy choux pastry stacked into festive tree shapes, filled with silky vanilla and matcha whipped cream, and crowned with a powdered sugar-dusted star cookie. They taste just as magical as they look—crisp pastry on the outside and creamy, sweet indulgence inside.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just have a little fun in the kitchen with your kids, these cream puffs offer both creativity and classic flavor. Inspired by the traditional French croquembouche and zhuzhed up with holiday cheer, this recipe delivers elegance with a playful twist.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these whimsical cream puffs, start by organizing the right tools:

Piping Bags and Star Tips: These are essential to get that layered “tree” look and for filling the cream evenly between each puff.
Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper: A flat baking sheet ensures even baking, and parchment helps prevent sticking.
Small Cookie Cutter (Star-shaped): This gives the adorable tree-topper effect that turns these puffs into a holiday centerpiece.

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: To whip the cream fillings until they reach those fluffy, pipeable peaks.
Saucepan: Needed to prepare the choux dough base.

Each of these tools helps you create consistency, structure, and that final festive flair. Having everything prepped before you begin keeps the process smooth and joyful.

Ingredients for the Christmas Tree Cream Puffs

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the choux pastry, helping it puff up into those lovely layers.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps develop the perfect texture in the pastry.
Water: The main liquid component in the choux dough to create steam for puffing.

Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor.
Eggs: Provide the lift and shine needed for that golden exterior.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Used for both the vanilla and matcha cream filling—the star of each bite.

Powdered Sugar: Lightly sweetens the whipped cream and adds a festive dusting.
Vanilla Extract: Gives the classic sweet cream flavor.
Matcha Powder: Adds that beautiful green hue and earthy tone to the filling.

Star-shaped Cookie (optional): Finishes the tree with a whimsical touch.

How To Make the Christmas Tree Cream Puffs

Step 1: Make the Choux Pastry Dough

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the pan. Let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Add the Eggs

Beat in eggs one at a time until the dough is glossy and holds a peak. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip.

Step 3: Pipe and Bake

On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pipe circles in decreasing sizes (to form the tree layers). Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

Divide whipping cream into two bowls. Add vanilla and powdered sugar to one; matcha and powdered sugar to the other. Whip both to stiff peaks. Place in separate piping bags.

Step 5: Assemble the Trees

Layer the baked choux rings with alternating dollops of vanilla and matcha cream. Stack from largest to smallest, finishing with a swirl of green cream on top.

Step 6: Garnish

Top with a small star cookie and a dusting of powdered sugar for that snow-dusted holiday look.

How to Serve and Store Christmas Tree Cream Puffs

These cream puffs are best served the same day they’re assembled to preserve the light, crisp texture of the pastry. Present them on a cake stand or festive platter as a delightful centerpiece for your dessert spread.

If you need to prepare in advance, bake and cool the choux shells a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Fill and decorate them just before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, though the pastry may soften slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make the cream puffs?

You can bake the choux pastry shells up to 1 day in advance. Store them in a sealed container at room temperature.

Can I freeze the cream puffs?

Yes, the baked shells (unfilled) can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature and re-crisp in a low oven before using.

What if I don’t have matcha powder?

You can skip it and color half the whipped cream with green food coloring, or just use all vanilla filling for a simpler version.

Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of homemade cream?

You can, but the flavor and texture won’t be as rich and silky as freshly whipped cream.

How do I keep the cream from melting?

Make sure your puffs are completely cool before filling and serve them promptly, especially if your kitchen is warm.

Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If you love these Christmas Tree Cream Puffs, you’ll probably enjoy these other holiday treats:

Coconut Snowballs for an easy, no-bake option.
Traditional German Lebkuchen for an old-world festive spice.
Apple Enchiladas if you’re into warm and gooey holiday comfort.

Paula Deen’s 5-Minute Fudge when time is tight but you still want a homemade touch.
Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake for tropical cheer during winter months.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: My Pinterest – Life With Olivia.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for the matcha or skip it? Maybe added a bit of edible glitter?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Christmas Tree Cream Puffs

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 Christmas Tree Cream Puffs
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Christmas Tree Cream Puffs are whimsical, delicious, and the perfect festive treat. Made with classic choux pastry and filled with vanilla and matcha whipped cream, they’re stacked into charming edible trees topped with a sugar-dusted star cookie. The perfect dessert centerpiece for your holiday celebration!

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil.

3. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Let cool slightly.

4. Beat in the eggs one at a time until the dough is glossy and smooth.

5. Transfer dough into a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip.

6. Pipe circles in three sizes (small, medium, large) to stack as trees.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.

8. Divide cream into two bowls. Add vanilla and 1/4 cup powdered sugar to one; matcha and 1/4 cup powdered sugar to the other. Whip both to stiff peaks.

9. Transfer each whipped cream to separate piping bags.

10. Assemble the trees by stacking one large, one medium, and one small puff, piping cream between each layer.

11. Top with a swirl of green cream and a small cookie star. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.