If you’re looking to impress your friends and family this holiday season with something both charming and delicious, these Christmas Tree Crescent Rolls with Garlic Butter are absolutely the way to go. Not only do they bring festive cheer to the table with their fun tree shape, but they also blend the buttery, garlicky goodness with the flakey, golden crescent dough, making every bite a delightful celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or pairing them with your Christmas dinner, these crescent rolls will quickly become a beloved tradition everyone looks forward to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of buttery richness, garlicky punch, and fresh herb flavor, all crowned with a nutty parmesan finish that adds a little extra magic.
- 2 cans crescent roll dough: The foundation of this recipe, easy to work with and perfectly flaky once baked.
- 3 tbsp melted butter: Adds luscious moisture and carries the garlic and parsley flavors throughout the rolls.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic delivers an aromatic kick that’s classic and comforting.
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley: Brings a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich garlic butter.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, savory finish that melts slightly and adds texture.
How to Make Christmas Tree Crescent Rolls with Garlic Butter
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready to give your rolls the perfect golden finish. Next, unroll the crescent dough and carefully cut it into long strips. This simple step is key because these strips will be woven or shaped to look like a Christmas tree, so getting clean edges makes all the difference in the final presentation.
Step 2: Shape Your Christmas Tree
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange the dough strips into a tree shape. This is a playful step where you can be creative—lay the strips in a triangle formation, layering and twisting each strip to resemble tree branches. It’s actually quite fun and makes the kitchen instantly feel festive.
Step 3: Baking Time
Pop your shaped dough into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the rolls transform into a beautifully golden-brown work of art. The smell of freshly baked crescent dough will already be putting you in the holiday spirit.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter and Brush
While baking, mix your melted butter with the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Once the crescent rolls come out of the oven, generously brush this fragrant garlic butter mixture all over. The warmth of the rolls helps the flavors absorb fully, ensuring every bite is rich and aromatic.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top while the rolls are still warm so it melts slightly and adds that perfect savory crunch. Your Christmas Tree Crescent Rolls with Garlic Butter are now ready to serve!
How to Serve Christmas Tree Crescent Rolls with Garlic Butter
Garnishes
To elevate the festive feel, consider adding some colorful garnishes such as halved cherry tomatoes or tiny pieces of red bell pepper to mimic ornaments on the tree. A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a dusting of smoked paprika can add a beautiful contrast and deepen the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
These crescent rolls pair wonderfully with hearty soups, creamy mashed potatoes, or a zesty holiday salad. They also complement roasted meats beautifully, making them a versatile side for any Christmas dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Place your Christmas tree rolls on a large festive platter adorned with fresh rosemary sprigs to mimic pine needles or a scattering of pomegranate seeds for a pop of color. You can also serve individual mini trees by cutting smaller sections of the dough and shaping mini versions, perfect for parties or as a charming appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. These rolls maintain their soft texture but can lose some of their fresh-baked charm over time, so try to enjoy them soon after baking.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze individual baked rolls once cooled. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their warmth and flakiness. Avoid microwaving as this can make them soggy, and brush a little extra garlic butter on top if desired to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade crescent dough works wonderfully if you want to add your personal touch, just make sure you roll it out to a similar thickness and cut into strips that hold their shape for the tree design.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter with plant-based margarine or olive oil, and use a vegan-friendly garlic spread. For the parmesan, nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives can offer that cheesy kick.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
You can shape the dough and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking, but it’s best to brush the garlic butter and sprinkle parmesan right after baking to keep flavors fresh and the texture ideal.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can stand in, but fresh parsley really brightens the garlic butter, so if you can, try to use fresh. Other fresh herbs like chives or basil could also add a nice twist.
Can I add other toppings to the rolls?
Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even bits of cooked bacon or chopped olives for an extra burst of flavor. Just add them before baking or right after the garlic butter brush, depending on your topping choice.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way these Christmas Tree Crescent Rolls with Garlic Butter bring joy and deliciousness together so effortlessly. They’re not only a treat to eat but to make—with their festive shape and irresistible garlicky flavor, they are perfect for creating warm holiday memories. If you want to wow your guests or just treat yourself to some holiday magic, this recipe is an absolute must-try. Happy baking and happy holidays!
PrintChristmas Tree Crescent Rolls with Garlic Butter
These Christmas Tree Crescent Rolls are a festive and easy-to-make holiday bread, shaped like Christmas trees and brushed with garlic butter. Perfect as a delightful appetizer or side dish for your Christmas dinner, they combine flaky crescent roll dough with flavorful garlic, parsley, and parmesan cheese for a crowd-pleasing treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Crescent Rolls
- 2 cans crescent roll dough
For the Garlic Butter
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
For Garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the crescent rolls.
- Shape the Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and cut it into strips. Twist and arrange the strips on a baking sheet to form the shape of a Christmas tree.
- Bake the Rolls: Place the shaped dough in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While the rolls bake, mix the melted butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley to create a flavorful garlic butter blend.
- Brush and Garnish: Once the crescent rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush generously with the garlic butter mixture. Then sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top while warm.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Christmas Tree Crescent Rolls warm as a festive appetizer or side dish during your holiday meals.
Notes
- For an extra festive look, use small pieces of bell pepper or olives as decorations on the crescent roll Christmas tree.
- Make sure to brush the garlic butter immediately after baking so it soaks well into the rolls.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- These can be prepared a little in advance; reheat briefly in the oven before serving to refresh the crispiness.