Christmas Donut Tree Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, festive centerpiece that doubles as a sweet treat, you absolutely have to try this Christmas Donut Tree Recipe. It’s super fun to make, tastes delightful, and honestly, it lights up the whole room with that cozy holiday vibe. Trust me, once you see how easy it is to assemble and how magical it looks, you’ll want to make this every year!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list here is refreshingly simple, but these little components come together to create something that feels so much bigger than the sum of its parts. Using fresh rosemary and bright pomegranate arils gives the tree a fresh, elegant touch that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

• Donut Holes: Grab classic glazed donut holes or your favorite variety to build your tree.
• Powdered Sugar: For dusting lightly over the finished tree – it adds that snowy Christmas look.
• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: These little green sprigs resemble pine branches, perfect for filling gaps and adding an herbal aroma.
• Pomegranate Arils: These bright red seeds look like ornaments and add a tart burst of flavor.
• Toothpicks: Essential for skewering your donut holes onto the cone securely.
• 12 inch Styrofoam Cone: The base structure that gives your donut tree its iconic shape.
• Plastic Wrap: To cover the cone and keep it clean before applying the donuts.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on what I have on hand or what flavor profile I want to highlight. The Christmas Donut Tree Recipe is super versatile, so feel free to customize it to your liking – after all, the holidays are all about making things your own!

• Glazed vs. Powdered Donuts: I’ve tried swapping powdered sugar donut holes for classic glazed ones, and both work beautifully – just pick your favorite sweetness level.
• Herb Substitutes: Sometimes, I use thyme instead of rosemary for a slightly different aroma; just make sure you stick to fresh herbs for that piney look.
• Fruit Toppings: If pomegranate isn’t in season, try holly berries made from red candies or tiny cranberries for a similar festive pop.
• Tree Base Size: You can downsize the cone for a smaller donut tree, perfect for desk decorations or individual dessert displays.

How to Make Christmas Donut Tree Recipe

Step 1: Wrap Your Cone and Prep Base

First, wrap your 12-inch styrofoam cone tightly with two layers of plastic wrap. This keeps it clean and prevents any styrofoam from sticking to your donut holes. Place the cone upright on a sturdy surface so it’s easy to work with.

Step 2: Start Skewering Donut Holes

Take a toothpick and insert it about halfway into the bottom edge of the cone. Gently push one donut hole onto the toothpick, making sure it sits firmly. Continue to place toothpicks and donut holes around the base, spacing them evenly but allowing room so the tree shape stays neat and the holes don’t squish each other.

Step 3: Build the Tree Upward in Rows

Once the bottom ring is complete, start your next row above it. I like to tuck the donut holes in between the ones below, which means pushing the toothpicks in at a slight angle to fill gaps and give the tree a fuller appearance. Work your way up, row by row, until the entire cone is covered.

Step 4: Add Rosemary and Pomegranate Decorations

After your tree is fully covered with donuts, trim rosemary sprigs into small pieces and tuck them into any visible gaps. The greenery gives it a pine-like effect and adds a fresh herbal note. Dot pomegranate arils all over the tree like tiny red ornaments—they bring color and a juicy tartness that’s just perfect.

Step 5: Final Dusting

Finally, lightly dust the entire donut tree with powdered sugar as the “snow” to complete the festive look. Just use a small sieve and gently sprinkle—don’t go overboard!

How to Serve Christmas Donut Tree Recipe

Garnishes

I stick with fresh rosemary and lively pomegranate arils for garnishes—they not only look festive but bring that fresh aroma and a burst of flavor. Sometimes I add a few tiny candy canes at the base for a playful touch that kids adore.

Side Dishes

This donut tree stands beautifully alone as a dessert centerpiece, but if you want sides, I love pairing it with hot cocoa or mulled cider. A simple cup of spiced tea also complements the sweet and herbal flavors perfectly during cozy gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra flair, I’ve placed fairy lights around the base for a twinkling effect in dim light. Wrapping a big festive ribbon around the cone (below the donuts) adds a polished look too. If you’re making several mini donut trees, arrange them in different heights for a charming holiday display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If by some miracle you have leftovers, keep the donut tree covered loosely with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. Because donut holes can get soggy in the fridge, room temp works best for up to a day. I usually dismantle the tree and eat the donuts individually the next day.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the assembled donut tree since the texture of the donuts changes. However, the donut holes themselves freeze well if stored in airtight bags, so you can prep ahead and thaw them before building your tree.

Reheating

Since the donut tree is all about fresh presentation, I usually enjoy the donuts at room temperature. If you want to warm individual donut holes, a few seconds in the microwave does the trick, but avoid reheating the whole tree.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Donut Tree Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite holiday projects because it’s simple, fun, and brings everyone together. Whether you’re surprising guests or just want something unique for your family’s celebration, this tree delivers that festive magic with ease. Give it a try—I promise you’ll love how it turns out and how much joy it adds to your holiday table!

Print