Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree: Sweet Holiday Delight

Cranberry orange Christmas tree pies are the most adorable edible decoration I’ve seen all season! They’ve become my go-to for adding a touch of magic to our holiday table. I remember the first time I tried making a cranberry orange holiday tree; I was a bit intimidated by the shaping, but it turned out to be so much fun, especially with the kids helping! The sweet-tart filling, bursting with bright orange zest and tangy cranberries, smells absolutely divine as it bakes. This recipe is surprisingly simple, and I can’t wait to show you exactly how to make cranberry orange Christmas tree pies that will wow your guests. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree

This delightful treat is more than just a dessert; it’s a festive experience! You’ll adore the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The bright citrus notes from the orange zest perfectly complement the rich cranberry filling. It’s an incredibly easy cranberry orange Christmas tree to assemble, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules. Plus, the prep time is minimal, leaving you more time to enjoy the season.

• Incredible Taste: A delicious combination of tangy cranberries and bright orange zest.
• Quick Prep Time: Ready to bake in under 20 minutes!
• Festive Fun: An adorable, edible decoration that kids will love to help make.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients and premade pie crusts.
• Visually Stunning: A beautiful centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
• Perfect Holiday Dessert: This orange cranberry Christmas tree dessert is a crowd-pleaser.
• Versatile Treat: Wonderful as a standalone orange cranberry Christmas tree dessert or part of a cookie platter.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this festive cranberry orange holiday tree. Using premade pie crust makes this recipe a breeze, perfect for a quick and beautiful holiday bake. The combination of canned cranberry sauce and fresh orange zest creates that quintessential sweet-tart flavor that makes this a truly delicious festive cranberry orange tree pastry.

• 6 premade pie crusts – you’ll need two for each layer of your tree pies.
• 14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce – this forms the sweet and tangy base of our filling.
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar – adds a subtle molasses note and helps thicken the filling.
• Zest of 2 large oranges – this is key for that bright, festive citrus aroma and flavor.
• 2 large eggs – one for the filling to bind it, and one for an egg wash to give the crust a golden sheen.
• 24 oz brick of vanilla almond bark – for drizzling and decorating once baked.
• 1/3 cup Christmas sprinkles – to add a pop of color and holiday cheer!

How to Make Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree

Let’s get these adorable trees in the oven! This recipe for an easy cranberry orange Christmas tree is so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create these festive treats. The smell of baking pastry and citrus will fill your home, signaling the start of holiday cheer.

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Prepare a clean cutting board or tray with parchment paper as your dough-cutting station – this makes handling the delicate shapes much easier.
2. Step 2: Gently unroll one package of premade pie crust onto your prepared cutting board. Using a Christmas tree cookie cutter, cut out as many tree shapes as you can. Carefully transfer these cut-out trees to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining pie crusts.
3. Step 3: Arrange the cut-out trees on the baking sheet. Make sure you have one extra plain tree for each pie you plan to fill; these will serve as the top crusts.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the 14 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce with the 1/4 cup packed brown sugar. Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed.
5. Step 5: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cranberry mixture onto the center of each tree shape on the baking sheet. Don’t overfill, or the filling might ooze out during baking.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle a pinch of fresh orange zest over the cranberry filling on each tree. This adds a wonderful aromatic lift.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk one of the large eggs. Lightly brush the edges of the filled trees with this egg wash. This helps seal the top crust and gives the pastry a beautiful golden-brown finish.
8. Step 8: Place a plain, unfilled tree shape on top of each filled one. Gently press the edges together with a fork to create a good seal, ensuring the festive filling stays put. This is a crucial step for an attractive easy cranberry orange Christmas tree.
9. Step 9: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut three small slits into each top tree crust – one near the top, one in the middle, and one near the bottom. These vents allow steam to escape during baking, preventing the pies from puffing up unevenly.
10. Step 10: Brush the tops of the sealed pies with the remaining egg wash.
11. Step 11: Bake for 20–23 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully golden brown all over and the filling is bubbly. The aroma will be incredible!
12. Step 12: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pies cool completely on the sheet. This is important for the next decorating step.
13. Step 13: Once completely cool, melt the 24 oz brick of vanilla almond bark according to package directions (usually in the microwave in short bursts). Transfer the melted bark to a zip-top bag, snip off a tiny corner, and drizzle it artfully over each pie, creating a beautiful glaze.
14. Step 14: Immediately sprinkle your festive Christmas sprinkles over the melted almond bark while it’s still wet.
15. Step 15: Let the almond bark set completely before serving your delightful easy cranberry orange Christmas tree creations.

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree

Achieving that perfect, festive look and delicious taste for your cranberry orange holiday tree is all about a few key details. I’ve learned these tricks through trial and error, and they guarantee a beautiful and tasty result every time. These tips will elevate your homemade cranberry orange Christmas tree from good to absolutely spectacular!

• Use whole berry cranberry sauce for the best texture and visual appeal in your cranberry orange Christmas tree cookies.
• Don’t skip the egg wash! It gives the pastry that gorgeous golden-brown color and helps seal the edges perfectly.
• Let the pies cool completely before drizzling with almond bark. This prevents the chocolate from melting too quickly or becoming streaky.
• Chill the dough for 5-10 minutes if it gets too soft while you’re cutting out the shapes. This makes handling them so much easier.

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree?

The secret to the best cranberry orange Christmas tree lies in a few simple steps: using whole berry cranberry sauce for texture, a good seal on the edges to keep the filling contained, and letting them cool completely before decorating. Those little details make all the difference! For more baking tips, check out these baking tips.

Can I make Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prep these ahead! You can cut out the tree shapes and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before filling and baking. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days before decorating with the almond bark. This is similar to how you might store other holiday baked goods.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree?

A common pitfall is overfilling the pies, which causes the cranberry mixture to ooze out. Be sure to only use about 2 tablespoons per tree. Also, ensure the edges are well-sealed with a fork to prevent leakage. Finally, don’t rush the cooling process before decorating; patience here ensures a clean, beautiful finish for your festive treat. Learning about common baking mistakes can help prevent these issues.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree

These charming cranberry orange Christmas tree pies are perfect for so many occasions! For a truly festive dessert spread, serve them alongside a slice of gingerbread cake or some classic sugar cookies. They also make a wonderful addition to a holiday brunch, paired with some fluffy pancakes or waffles. Imagine a platter of these delightful trees at your next cookie exchange – they’re always a showstopper! This beautiful holiday dessert cranberry orange tree is also amazing with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra special treat. You can find more dessert ideas here.

Nutrition Facts for Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree

These festive pies are a delightful treat, and here’s a look at the estimated nutritional information per serving (which is one adorable tree pie). Enjoy this seasonal dessert knowing its approximate values. This cranberry orange Christmas tree bake offers a balanced profile for a holiday treat.

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 180mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. For more information on understanding nutrition labels, consult resources like the FDA’s guide.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree

Proper storage ensures your festive cranberry orange Christmas tree creations stay delicious and beautiful. Once your adorable cranberry orange Christmas tree pies have completely cooled, it’s time to think about keeping them fresh. For short-term storage, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them in a sealed container for about 3-4 days. This cranberry orange Christmas tree bake is quite resilient!

Thinking about freezing? You absolutely can! For longer storage, wrap each cooled and undecorated pie (before the almond bark) tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply unwrap and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before adding the almond bark and sprinkles. If you need to warm them up slightly after thawing, a few minutes in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) can help revive the pastry before decorating. This is a great way to preserve holiday treats.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned for my cranberry orange Christmas tree?

Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh cranberries for your homemade cranberry orange Christmas tree, you can. You’ll need about 3 cups of fresh cranberries. Simmer them with the brown sugar and a little water (about 1-2 tablespoons) until they burst and thicken into a sauce, similar to the consistency of canned cranberry sauce. This method offers a brighter, tarter flavor profile.

What other fillings work well for a Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree?

While the cranberry-orange combination is classic, you can get creative! Apple or pear pie filling would be delicious, or even a simple cinnamon-sugar mixture. For a different twist on a homemade cranberry orange Christmas tree, try a raspberry or cherry filling. Just ensure the filling isn’t too watery to prevent a soggy bottom crust. Explore more pie filling ideas.

How do I get my Christmas tree shapes to look crisp?

To ensure crisp edges on your homemade cranberry orange Christmas tree pies, work with chilled dough. If the dough becomes too soft while you’re cutting, pop the sheet of cut-outs back into the refrigerator for about 5-10 minutes before filling and assembling. This helps maintain their shape beautifully.

Can I make the dough from scratch instead of using premade crusts?

Yes, you can! A homemade pie crust recipe works wonderfully for this homemade cranberry orange Christmas tree. Just ensure your dough is well-chilled before rolling and cutting. The key is that the dough should be firm enough to hold its shape when cut with the cookie cutter and when handling it.

Variations of Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree You Can Try

While the classic pie crust version is wonderful, there are so many fun ways to adapt this festive treat! Thinking about a different texture? You could try making these as mini hand pies or even a larger, shareable tart. For those looking for a gluten-free option, I’ve found that a good quality gluten-free pie crust works beautifully, resulting in a delightful Christmas tree shaped cranberry orange cake alternative. You could also experiment with different flavor pairings – perhaps a hint of ginger or cardamom in the filling, or even a lemon zest instead of orange for a different citrus profile. Another idea is to create a single, larger Christmas tree shaped cranberry orange cake by layering and baking a full pie crust, then cutting it into a tree shape once cooled.

• Gluten-Free Delight: Swap premade crusts for your favorite gluten-free pie dough.
• Miniature Magic: Use a smaller tree cutter to create bite-sized versions, perfect for cookie platters.
• Flavor Twists: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the cranberry filling for extra warmth.
• Citrus Swap: Substitute lemon zest for orange zest for a brighter, more tart flavor.

Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree: Sweet Holiday Delight

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 24 pies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cranberry Orange Christmas Tree Pies are a delightful and festive holiday bake. They feature flaky premade pie crust cut into Christmas tree shapes, filled with a sweet-tart cranberry and brown sugar mixture enhanced with fresh orange zest. Baked until golden, they are then decorated with a drizzle of vanilla almond bark and festive sprinkles, creating an adorable treat that’s part pie, part cookie. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or a fun baking project with kids.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 boxes premade pie crust (2 per box)
• 14 oz can cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 2 eggs
• 24 oz brick of vanilla almond bark
• 1/3 cup Christmas sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Line a tray or cutting board with parchment as your dough-cutting station.
2. Roll out one pie crust on the prepared tray. Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out as many trees as possible. Gently set them aside and repeat with remaining crusts.
3. Arrange trees on the baking sheet, ensuring you have one extra tree for each as a top layer.
4. In a medium bowl, stir together the cranberry sauce and brown sugar until well combined.
5. Add about 2 tablespoons of the cranberry mixture to the center of each tree on the baking sheet.
6. Sprinkle a little orange zest over the cranberry filling.
7. In a small bowl, whisk one egg. Brush the edges of the trees lightly with the egg wash.
8. Place a plain tree on top of each filled one. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
9. Use a knife to cut three small slits on each top tree (one near the top, one in the middle, and one near the bottom) to allow steam to escape.
10. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash.
11. Bake for 20–23 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown all over.
12. Let them cool completely.
13. Melt the vanilla almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl. Transfer to a zip-top bag, snip the corner, and drizzle over each pie.
14. Add your Christmas sprinkles right away while the chocolate is still melted.
15. Let the chocolate set before serving.

Notes

• Ensure you have one plain tree for each pie to use as the top crust.
• Do not overfill the pies to prevent filling from oozing out during baking.
• Seal the edges well with a fork to keep the filling inside and maintain the pie’s shape.
• For a neat finish, allow the pies to cool completely before decorating with chocolate.
• If the dough becomes too soft during cutting, chill it for 5–10 minutes.
• Consider refrigerating pies for a few minutes after drizzling chocolate to help it set faster.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pie

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