Christmas Tree Pizza

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Every holiday season, I look for festive ways to bring joy to the table, and nothing delights both kids and adults more than these adorable Christmas Tree Pizzas. They’re easy to make, ridiculously fun to serve, and bring the kind of warmth that only comes from something homemade and cheesy. Whether you’re planning a holiday party or simply want a cheerful dinner option, these mini pizzas are guaranteed to spread smiles.

I first made these for a family movie night in December, and they were an instant hit. Shaped like little Christmas trees, loaded with gooey mozzarella, pepperoni “ornaments,” and baked to golden perfection—each one disappears faster than you can say “Merry Christmas.” They’re also super versatile and a great activity to involve the kids in. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making them too.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Pizza

These mini pizzas are festive, easy, and irresistibly tasty. They bring a playful twist to a classic favorite, making them ideal for holiday parties, after-school snacks, or as part of a cozy winter dinner. They bake quickly, and you can customize them with everyone’s favorite toppings. Plus, who can resist a pizza shaped like a Christmas tree?

What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Christmas Tree Pizza?

I recommend using store-bought pizza dough for convenience, especially during the busy holiday season. You can also go with puff pastry for a flakier texture or homemade dough if you love getting hands-on. Just make sure it rolls out evenly so your trees cut cleanly with a cookie cutter.

Options for Substitutions

Not a fan of pepperoni? Try mini mozzarella balls, diced bell peppers, or olives as ornaments. You can switch out traditional pizza sauce with pesto or even a white garlic sauce for variety. Gluten-free dough, vegan cheese, or veggie-based toppings also work wonderfully depending on dietary needs.

Ingredients for this Christmas Tree Pizza

Pizza Dough: This is the foundation of your tree—soft, chewy, and sturdy enough to hold toppings. Store-bought or homemade both work well.

Pizza Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce brings in the traditional flavor. You can go with marinara or a seasoned pizza sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese: The star ingredient for that melty, stretchy goodness. Shredded mozzarella melts evenly and browns beautifully.

Mini Pepperoni Slices: These act as cute little ornaments on your Christmas trees. They add a savory, slightly spicy kick.

Olive Oil (optional): Brushed lightly on the dough edges for a golden brown finish.

Italian Seasoning (optional): Sprinkle a bit over the cheese for an extra burst of herby flavor.

Flour (for dusting): Helps prevent the dough from sticking when rolling and cutting.

Step 1: Roll Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. This ensures your trees bake evenly without being too thick or too thin.

Step 2: Cut Out Tree Shapes

Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many trees as you can from the dough. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut more trees until you use all the dough.

Step 3: Place on Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and gently transfer the dough trees onto it, spacing them slightly apart. This allows room for spreading while baking.

Step 4: Add Sauce

Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce onto each tree and spread it evenly, leaving a little border around the edges so the sauce doesn’t spill over during baking.

Step 5: Sprinkle Cheese

Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over each tree. Don’t overdo it—too much cheese might cover the shape completely.

Step 6: Decorate with Toppings

Add mini pepperoni slices or your favorite toppings like diced peppers or olives. Make them look like festive ornaments or garlands.

Step 7: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the dough are golden brown.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm for the best taste and texture. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or a drizzle of olive oil.

How Long to Prepare the Christmas Tree Pizza

Preparation time for this fun and festive treat is quite manageable, even on a busy holiday schedule. Rolling and cutting the dough into Christmas tree shapes takes about 15 minutes, especially if you’re involving kids in the process. Adding sauce, cheese, and toppings is quick and can be done in another 10 minutes.

As for baking, these mini pizzas need just 10–12 minutes in the oven at 400°F. That means from start to finish, you’re looking at around 30 minutes total, making this a perfect last-minute snack or party platter option.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Tree Pizza

• Use a sharp cookie cutter to get clean tree shapes from the dough.
• Don’t overload with toppings—too much can weigh down the tree and blur the shape.
• Preheat your oven for even baking and a golden finish.
• Let the pizzas cool slightly before serving to help the cheese set.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Rolling dough too thick or too thin can affect baking.
• Overbaking can cause the cheese to become rubbery and the crust too hard.
• Skipping flour on the surface can lead to sticking and tearing.
• Using too much sauce may result in soggy dough.
• Not spacing pizzas enough on the tray can cause them to merge during baking.

What to Serve With Christmas Tree Pizza?

1. Marinara Dipping Sauce

Perfect for dipping the edges and boosting flavor.

2. Holiday Salad

A fresh green salad with cranberries and goat cheese balances the richness of the pizza.

3. Hot Cocoa or Mulled Cider

Adds a cozy, festive drink to the meal.

4. Veggie Platter with Dip

Adds crunch and color to the holiday spread.

5. Garlic Knots

Because more dough and cheese is always a win at a holiday table.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover Christmas Tree Pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Freezer: These can be frozen after baking. Let them cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (1 mini pizza):

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Sugar: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 320mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?

Yes! Puff pastry makes for a lighter, flakier base and bakes slightly faster.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Yes, it’s a great hands-on recipe for kids. Let them cut the shapes and add toppings.

How can I make this vegetarian?

Simply skip the pepperoni or replace with veggies like bell peppers or olives.

Do I need to use a tree-shaped cookie cutter?

It’s the easiest method, but you can cut tree shapes freehand with a knife if you’re creative.

Conclusion

Christmas Tree Pizza is more than just a recipe—it’s a festive activity, a creative dish, and a delicious addition to your holiday traditions. Whether you’re hosting a party, making dinner more magical for your family, or just looking for something playful to bake, these cheesy, tree-shaped mini pizzas check every box. With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, they’re bound to become a seasonal favorite.

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