Puff Pastry Trees with Burrata & Cranberry Glaze Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive appetizer that dazzles both the eyes and the palate, these Puff Pastry Trees with Burrata & Cranberry Glaze are exactly what you need. Delicately flaky puff pastry shaped like charming holiday trees, topped with creamy burrata cheese, and finished with a glossy, tangy-sweet cranberry glaze make every bite a celebration. This dish strikes a perfect balance between buttery richness, fresh and vibrant flavors, and a stunning presentation, making it an absolute showstopper for any gathering or cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a key role in crafting the perfect combination of texture, flavor, and visual appeal. From the buttery puff pastry to the luscious burrata and the vibrant cranberry glaze, you’ll be amazed at how these basic ingredients come together to elevate this appetizer.

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: The star base offering irresistible flaky layers and that golden crunch.
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Ensures a shiny, beautiful finish on the pastry while enhancing browning.
• 1 tbsp milk: Lightens the egg wash for an even coating.
• 1 burrata ball (or 4 oz fresh mozzarella, torn): Creamy and indulgent cheese adding melt-in-your-mouth richness.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds subtle fruitiness and smooth texture with the cheese.
• ½ tsp dried thyme: Provides a delicate, earthy herb note that complements the pastry and cheese.
• Pinch of sea salt: Balances sweetness and brightens the entire dish.
• Cracked black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth of flavor.
• ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries: The vibrant tangy base for the luscious glaze.
• ¼ cup orange juice: Enhances the glaze’s fruity brightness with natural sweetness.
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup: Adds a warm, sweet counterpoint to cranberries’ tartness.
• ½ tsp orange zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and freshness of the glaze.
• Pinch of salt: Elevates the glaze flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish): Adds an aromatic, woodsy touch for a festive look and taste.
• Crushed pistachios or toasted pecans (optional): Bring textural crunch and a nutty contrast.
• Drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze: Finishes the presentation with a shiny, sweet-tart syrup.

How to Make Puff Pastry Trees with Burrata & Cranberry Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Glaze

Start by combining fresh or frozen cranberries with orange juice, honey, orange zest, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. As the cranberries simmer, they burst open releasing their natural juices and thickening into a beautiful, glossy glaze bursting with bright, sweet-tart flavor. Once thickened, gently strain for a smooth finish, or leave it a bit chunky if you prefer more texture. Set this aside to cool slightly while you prepare the puff pastry.

Step 2: Shape the Puff Pastry Trees

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grab that thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut it into long strips about an inch wide, then fold each strip back and forth in a zigzag pattern to create adorable tree shapes—wide at the base and narrowing toward the top. Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them room to puff beautifully in the oven. This shaping process is fun and instantly festive, turning humble pastry into charming holiday bites.

Step 3: Brush & Bake the Trees

Whisk together the beaten egg with milk for a smooth egg wash. Lightly brush each tree with this mixture to encourage a golden, shiny crust once baked. Sprinkle the trees with dried thyme, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to add aromatic herbal notes and seasoning that complement the cheese topping later on. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the trees achieve that perfect puffed and golden perfection. The smell alone will make you smile!

Step 4: Add Burrata & Drizzle with Cranberry Glaze

Once the puff pastry trees come out of the oven, delicately top each with a small piece of creamy burrata or torn fresh mozzarella. The warm pastry gently softens the cheese, creating luscious pockets of creaminess. Then, generously drizzle the warm cranberry glaze over the trees, allowing the tangy-sweet sauce to balance the rich cheese and buttery pastry beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

To elevate your Puff Pastry Trees with Burrata & Cranberry Glaze even more, sprinkle crushed pistachios or toasted pecans atop for delightful crunch. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary for aromatic beauty and a festive feel. Finally, finish with a light drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for that elegant shine and an extra layer of sweet complexity. These little trees are now ready to wow!

How to Serve Puff Pastry Trees with Burrata & Cranberry Glaze

Garnishes

Fresh rosemary sprigs not only bring a lovely pine-like aroma perfect for seasonal vibes but also create a visual feast alongside the rich burrata and bright cranberry. Crushed pistachios or toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch and subtle earthy nuttiness which contrasts beautifully with the creamy and fruity elements.

Side Dishes

Serve these puff pastry trees alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness or add some roasted root vegetables for a warm, comforting accompaniment. For a festive spread, pair with a selection of cured meats or a winter fruit chutney to round out the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra special touch, arrange your Puff Pastry Trees with Burrata & Cranberry Glaze on a wooden board sprinkled with extra rosemary needles and nuts. Offer small bowls of leftover cranberry glaze for dipping, or drizzle some glaze artistically on the serving platter. You can even use mini skewers to hold the cheese in place, making these perfect finger foods for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover puff pastry trees in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep garnishes and glaze separate until ready to serve to maintain crispness and freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked puff pastry trees (without cheese and glaze) by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them into a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh burrata and glaze.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the stored or thawed trees in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Add the burrata and drizzle the cranberry glaze fresh just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of burrata?

Absolutely! While burrata gives a luxuriously creamy texture, fresh mozzarella works well too. For a more tangy twist, goat cheese can be a fantastic substitute that pairs beautifully with the cranberry glaze.

Is it possible to make the cranberry glaze in advance?

Yes, the cranberry glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just gently warm before drizzling over the puff pastry trees to restore its lovely pourable consistency.

Can these puff pastry trees be made vegan?

You can make vegan adaptations by using plant-based puff pastry, substituting the burrata with a vegan cheese alternative, and using maple syrup in the glaze. Just be mindful of baking times as some vegan pastries can brown differently.

What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

Frozen cranberries work just as well for the glaze and are available year-round. No need to thaw them before cooking—the heat will quickly burst them and create that delicious tangy flavor.

How far in advance can I assemble these before baking?

You can shape and lightly season the puff pastry trees a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Just brush on the egg wash and bake when ready for best puff and golden color.

Final Thoughts

These Puff Pastry Trees with Burrata & Cranberry Glaze are a wonderful way to bring festive cheer and delicious flair to any table. The contrast of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and bright glaze makes each bite a pure joy. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how it instantly becomes a holiday favorite among your friends and family. Happy baking and even happier eating!