Christmas Tree Pies are a delightful addition to any holiday spread, combining the festive spirit of the season with a deliciously tart-sweet filling. These adorable treats are not only visually appealing but are also quick to prepare, making them a perfect choice for holiday gatherings. With their charming shape and delightful flavor, they are sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Let’s dive into how to create these festive treats right in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Pies

There are countless reasons to adore Christmas Tree Pies. First, they are incredibly easy to make, thanks to store-bought pie crusts. Second, they offer a delightful combination of flavors, with cranberry and orange creating a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. These pies also make stunning holiday tree pastries that are sure to impress your guests. Plus, they are versatile enough to cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options. Lastly, they are a fun baking activity that kids can participate in, creating lasting holiday memories.

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Pies

Gather these items:

3 boxes store-bought pie crust (2 crusts per box)
1 can jellied cranberry sauce (14 ounces)
¼ cup brown sugar
2 oranges (zested)
2 eggs
24-ounce brick vanilla almond bark
⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles

How to Make Christmas Tree Pies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place parchment paper on a tray or cutting board. Zest the oranges.
Step 2: Roll out one of the pie crusts on your parchment-lined tray and use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out as many trees as you can from the dough. Carefully set the trees aside. Repeat this process with the remaining pie crust.
Step 3: Place half of the trees on your baking sheet. Make sure each tree has one extra tree off to the side. Add the cranberry sauce and brown sugar to a medium bowl and stir until well combined. Add about two tablespoons of the cranberry mixture to the middle of the trees.
Step 4: Sprinkle the zest of the orange all over each bit of cranberry sauce. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl and spread some of the egg mixture on the edges of the tree. Place a bare (no cranberry, no egg) tree on top and, using a fork, press down on the edges until sealed. Carefully make three slits, one at the top of the tree, one in the middle, and one more towards the bottom.
Step 5: Brush egg all over the top of the tree and then bake in the oven for 20-23 minutes or until golden brown all over. Once done, let them completely cool.
Step 6: Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and then add it to a zip-lock bag. Snip the end of the bag off and drizzle the chocolate over the tree. Then, immediately add sprinkles to the chocolate.
Step 7: Let the chocolate harden before serving.

Delicious Christmas Tree Pies for the Holidays - Christmas Tree Pies - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Christmas Tree Pies

Keep these in mind:

Use a high-quality pie crust for the best texture.
Don’t overfill the pies to prevent leaking during baking.
For a glossy finish, brush the tops with egg wash before baking.
Consider adding festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry filling for extra flavor.
These pies are perfect for gift-giving or holiday parties!

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Tree Pies

Serve your Christmas Tree Pies warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience. They can also be paired with a festive coffee or hot chocolate, making them an excellent addition to your holiday gatherings. Consider placing them on a decorative cake stand to elevate their presentation.

Delicious Christmas Tree Pies for the Holidays - Christmas Tree Pies - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Tree Pies

To store leftover Christmas Tree Pies, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and warm the pies for about 10 minutes, ensuring they remain crispy. These pies also make for a great meal prep dessert that can be made ahead of time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Tree Pies

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Tree Pies?

The secret to perfect Christmas Tree Pies lies in sealing the edges thoroughly to avoid leaks and ensuring the filling is balanced. Using high-quality ingredients also enhances the flavor.

Can I make Christmas Tree Pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and cut the pie shapes ahead of time. Store the unbaked pies in the refrigerator and bake them just before serving for a fresh taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Tree Pies?

Avoid overfilling and ensure the edges are well sealed. Also, keep an eye on the baking time to prevent over-browning. Following the recipe closely will yield the best results.

Variations of Christmas Tree Pies You Can Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying different fillings for your Christmas Tree Pies. You can opt for traditional apple or pumpkin fillings for a twist. For a vegan option, substitute eggs with a flaxseed mixture, and for gluten-free variations, use gluten-free pie crusts. The possibilities are endless, and each variation can bring a new flavor to your holiday celebrations!

Delicious Christmas Tree Pies for the Holidays

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Michael
Total Time: 43 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Easy cranberry orange Christmas tree pies made with store-bought crust and a tart-sweet filling. These are festive, adorable, and ready quickly.

Ingredients

Scale

3 boxes store-bought pie crust (2 crusts per box)
1 can jellied cranberry sauce (14 ounces)
¼ cup brown sugar
2 oranges (zested)
2 eggs
24-ounce brick vanilla almond bark
⅓ cup Christmas sprinkles

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place parchment paper on a tray or cutting board. Zest the oranges.
Roll out one of the pie crusts on your parchment-lined tray and use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out as many trees as you can from the dough. Carefully set the trees aside. Repeat this process with the remaining pie crust.
Place half of the trees on your baking sheet. Make sure each tree has one extra tree off to the side. Add the cranberry sauce and brown sugar to a medium bowl and stir until well combined. Add about two tablespoons of the cranberry mixture to the middle of the trees.
Sprinkle the zest of the orange all over each bit of cranberry sauce. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl and spread some of the egg mixture on the edges of the tree. Place a bare (no cranberry, no egg) tree on top and, using a fork, press down on the edges until sealed. Carefully make three slits, one at the top of the tree, one in the middle, and one more towards the bottom.
Brush egg all over the top of the tree and then bake in the oven for 20-23 minutes or until golden brown all over. Once done, let them completely cool.
Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and then add it to a zip-lock bag. Snip the end of the bag off and drizzle the chocolate over the tree. Then, immediately add sprinkles to the chocolate.
Let the chocolate harden before serving.