Christmas Tree Tartlets Recipe

If you’re looking to add a dose of charm and indulgence to your holiday celebrations, these Christmas Tree Tartlets are exactly what you need. Picture buttery, crisp tart shells filled with a lush pistachio cream so vibrant and nutty, topped with delicate white chocolate trees dusted like fresh snow with powdered sugar and festive sprinkles. Each bite is a delightful dance of textures and flavors that evoke warmth, joy, and a sprinkle of holiday magic. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a festive treat, these tartlets will steal the show with their irresistible appearance and heavenly taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these beautiful Christmas Tree Tartlets starts with simple pantry staples and a few special ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the buttery base that provides the perfect crunch, to the nutty, green-hued pistachio cream, every element is designed to balance flavor and appearance seamlessly.

• 100g butter (cold, cubed): This is the backbone of your tart dough, ensuring a tender, flaky crust.
• 70g powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and a fine texture that blends beautifully into the dough.
• 30g egg: Acts as a binder, bringing structure to the dough without heaviness.
• 200g all-purpose flour: The main structural ingredient giving your tart shells their shape and bite.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors without being overpowering.
• 100g white chocolate: Melts into the filling, adding creamy sweetness and a smooth finish.
• 50ml heavy cream: Creates a rich, luscious texture for the pistachio cream.
• 100g pistachio paste: The star of the filling, bringing an earthy, nutty depth and that iconic festive green color.
• 20g butter: Gives the pistachio cream a silky richness and sheen.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the pistachio flavor.
• Green gel food coloring (optional): Helps achieve a vibrant tree color if you want your tartlets extra festive.
• Powdered sugar & festive sprinkles (for garnish): These finishing touches transform the tartlets into little winter wonderlands.

How to Make Christmas Tree Tartlets

Step 1: Prepare the tart dough

Begin by blending the cold, cubed butter with powdered sugar until light and crumbly. Beat in the egg, then gently fold in the flour and a pinch of salt, working quickly to avoid warming the butter too much. Once the dough forms a smooth ball, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes; this step is key to achieving that perfect, flaky texture in your tart shells.

Step 2: Shape and bake the tart shells

Press the chilled dough evenly into your tartlet molds, making sure each edge is smooth and uniform. Bake at 170°C (340°F) until the edges turn a lovely golden hue—about 15-18 minutes. Let them cool completely before adding any filling to keep that crisp bite intact.

Step 3: Make the pistachio cream filling

Warm the heavy cream gently and whisk in the pistachio paste until combined. Pour this mixture over chopped white chocolate, allowing it to melt slowly. Stir until silky smooth and fold in softened butter, a pinch of salt, and green gel food coloring for that iconic Christmas tree shade—this luscious cream is the heart and soul of your tartlets.

Step 4: Assemble with festive flair

Once the tart shells are cool, chill the pistachio cream slightly so it’s thick but pipeable. Using a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle, swirl tall “Christmas trees” atop each tartlet. Dust them gently with powdered sugar and scatter festive sprinkles to mimic snow and ornaments—this step makes your tartlets truly magical and picture-perfect.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Tartlets

Garnishes

Don’t be shy with the final adornments! A light dusting of powdered sugar acts like fresh snow, bringing a wintery feel, while colorful festive sprinkles add joyful pops of holiday spirit. You can even add tiny edible pearls or silver dragees for extra sparkle that will wow your guests.

Side Dishes

Serve these tartlets alongside a cup of hot spiced tea, mulled wine, or even a creamy eggnog to round out the festive feast. Fresh berries or a crisp mint leaf provide a fresh contrast that brightens each bite and balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the Christmas Tree Tartlets on a rustic wooden board lined with pine branches or scatter cinnamon sticks for an inviting looking display. You could also serve each tartlet in mini clear cups with a dusting of powdered sugar “snow” for an elegant touch at holiday parties or buffets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the tartlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crust may soften over time but the flavor will remain just as festive and delicious.

Freezing

Freeze the baked tart shells before assembling to keep them perfectly crisp. Wrap well and store for up to one month. Freeze the pistachio cream separately in an airtight container, but note it may change texture once thawed, best used within a week.

Reheating

For fresh-from-the-oven crispness, warm frozen tart shells in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 5 minutes before filling. Avoid reheating filled tartlets as the cream will soften and lose its pipeable shape.

FAQs

Can I use almond paste instead of pistachio paste?

You can, but it will change the flavor profile significantly. Almond paste offers a sweeter, milder nutty note, whereas pistachio paste gives that distinct earthy richness essential to the charm of Christmas Tree Tartlets.

How do I prevent the tartlets from getting soggy?

Make sure the tart shells are completely cooled before adding the pistachio cream. Also, serving them shortly after assembling keeps the crust crisp. You can pre-bake shells and fill just before serving to maintain the perfect texture.

Can these tartlets be made vegan?

With some substitutions like vegan butter, dairy-free cream, and egg replacer, you can create a vegan version. However, the texture and flavor might differ slightly, especially in the rich pistachio cream.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?

Using a ziplock bag with a tiny cut in one corner works well in a pinch. It’s a handy trick for piping out the pistachio cream into beautifully shaped “trees” on your tartlets.

Why add food coloring to the pistachio cream?

The natural color of pistachio paste can sometimes be muted or uneven, so a drop or two of green gel food coloring helps create that vibrant, festive hue, making your Christmas Tree Tartlets pop visually and feel more cheerful.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Tree Tartlets are the perfect blend of festive cheer and sophisticated flavor that you’ll want to revisit year after year. They look stunning, taste heavenly, and make an unforgettable centerpiece for any holiday table. Trust me, once you’ve tried making these, you’ll be hooked on their charm and the warm smiles they bring to everyone who tastes them. So go ahead—grab your apron and bring a little edible Christmas magic into your kitchen!

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