Ingredients

Pastry Ingredients

250 grams (about 9 ounces) of puff pastry
1 egg
Sesame seeds
We recommend:
For puff pastry:
Prime Matilde Vicenzi Mediterraneo Cookie Tin - Gourmet Italian Cookies Assortment in Individually Wrapped Trays - Pastries & Bakery Dessert Gifts - Puff Pastry, Assorted Cookies in Italian Design Gift Tin 32oz (907g)
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(3,919) Matilde Vicenzi Mediterraneo Cookie Tin - Gourmet Italian Cookies Assortment in Individually Wrapped Trays - Pastries & Bakery Dessert Gifts - Puff Pastry, Assorted Cookies in Italian Design Gift Tin 32oz (907g) $34.99 View details
For sesame seeds:
Prime best seller Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Sesame Seed, 20 ounce (Pack of 1)
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Tools Needed

Cookie cutters (tree-shaped or any design)
Bottle cap for shaping holes
Baking parchment
We recommend:
For cookie cutters:
Prime HULISEN Biscuit Cutter Set (3 Pieces/Set), Stainless Steel Round Cookies Cutter with Handle, Professional Baking Dough Tools, Gift Package
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For craft bottle cap:
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For baking parchment:
Prime Katbite 16x24 inch Heavy Duty Parchment Paper Sheets, 100Pcs Precut Non-Stick Full Parchment Sheets for Baking, Cooking, Grilling, Frying and Steaming, Full Sheet Baking Pan Liners, Commercial Baking
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Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Pastry

Start by rolling out the puff pastry gently on a floured surface. It should be approximately 0.5 centimeters (about 1/4 inch) thick. Use your cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes, such as trees or stars. For each shape, use a bottle cap to cut a hole in the center of half of them. This will create a top and bottom for your bites.

Step 2

Assemble the Bites

Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the bottom pieces of your pastry shapes on the tray. Next, brush each piece with a beaten egg for a beautiful glaze. Take the top pieces, align them carefully, and place on top of the bottoms. Brush the tops again with the egg wash.

Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over each pastry. This adds both flavor and a lovely crunch!

Step 3

Bake the Pastry Bites

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (about 350 degrees Fahrenheit). Once heated, place the baking tray in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the pastry is golden and puffed.

Step 4

Finish and Serve

After baking, carefully remove the tray from the oven and let the pastry bites cool for a few minutes. Fill them with your favorite fillings, like cheese, vegetables, or even meet your holiday requirements! Enjoy your festive treats!

Servings

Picture this: a beautifully arranged platter of your tree-shaped pastries, each one glistening with a golden yolk finish and sprinkled with sesame seeds 🌟. These adorable treats make a fantastic centerpiece for your holiday table!

Consider serving them with a variety of fillings to cater to all tastes. Sweet options like chocolate, cream cheese with fruit, or even a classic almond paste filling can turn these pastries into a delightful dessert 🍰.

For savory bites, try stuffing them with a herbed cheese spread or a mixture of sautéed vegetables and feta. Pair them with a light salad or festive dips for a delightful munching experience at your next gathering 🎉!

Equipment

Puff Pastry

You'll need high-quality puff pastry that can be found in the freezer section of your grocery store. Make sure to let it thaw properly before using for the best results!

We recommend:
Prime Kellogg's Cold Breakfast Cereal, Bulk Pantry Staples, Kid Snacks, Variety Pack (48 Boxes)
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Cookie Cutters

Choose a tree-shaped cutter for a festive touch, but any shapes will work! Just ensure they are sturdy enough to handle the dough.

We recommend:
Prime Spring Chef Large Dough Blender & Biscuit Cutter Set, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Professional Pastry Cutter, Soft Grip, Black
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Baking Sheet

A good-quality baking sheet lined with parchment paper will help prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

We recommend:
Prime Paterson Paper 16" x 24" Full Size Unbleached Chromium-Free Reusable Baking Parchment Paper Sheets Commercial Bun/Sheet Pan Liners - 1000/Case - 425F - Non-Stick/Grease-Resistant
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Egg Wash Bowl

A small bowl to mix your egg wash is important for achieving that glossy finish on your pastries. Use any small bowl you have at home!

We recommend:
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(125) TeamFar Mixing Bowls, 7, 4.5, 3, 2.5, 1.5, 1.2, 0.7 QT Stainless Steel Metal Salad Mixing Bowls with Lid Set of 7, Ideal for Tossing Serving, Non-Toxic & Sturdy, Easy Clean, Red $26.99 View details

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular puff pastry for a gluten-free version available in stores. Just ensure all your fillings are also gluten-free. Everyone can enjoy these delicious treats! 🌱

Vegan Option: Use vegan puff pastry available at health food stores, and replace the egg wash with a paste made from almond milk and a tiny bit of syrup for a shiny finish. Fill these pastries with savory vegan spreads or plant-based cheeses for a delightful treat! 🌈

Faq

  • Can I make the pastry dough from scratch?

    Absolutely! If you're feeling adventurous, you can make your own puff pastry dough. However, it requires more time and effort, so using pre-made dough is perfectly acceptable, especially for beginners.

  • How do I prevent my pastries from getting soggy?

    To keep your pastries crisp, ensure the fillings are not too wet and bake them until golden brown. Also, consider blind baking the pastry bottoms slightly before filling them if you're using a wet filling.

  • What are some good filling ideas for these pastries?

    There are countless options! Sweet fillings can include fruit jams, chocolate ganache, or even a spiced pumpkin mix. For savory, think cheese blends, spinach, and mushrooms, or roasted veggies.

  • How can I store leftover pastries?

    Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container in the fridge. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving again!

  • Why did my pastry not puff up?

    A common reason for this is not keeping the dough cold enough. Always work with chilled dough and ensure your oven is preheated properly for the best puff.

  • Can I freeze these pastries before baking?

    Yes! You can prepare the pastries, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition facts

Festive Tree-Shaped Savory Pastry Bites
Recipe Yield:6 servings
Calories:Estimated calories per serving
Calories (Min - Max):150 - 200
Total Fat:8g
Saturated Fat:2g
Protein:4g
Total Carbohydrate:18g
Total Sugars:1g