Christmas Donut Tree Recipe

Introduction

Create a festive and delicious centerpiece with this Christmas Donut Tree. Made from bite-sized donut holes decorated with rosemary and pomegranate arils, it’s a fun and edible holiday treat that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 80-90 Donut Holes (Powdered Sugar or Sour Cream)
• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
• 1/4 Cup Pomegranate Arils
• 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
• 90 Toothpicks
• 12 inch Styrofoam Cone
• Plastic Wrap

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wrap the styrofoam cone in two layers of plastic wrap to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Step 2: Place the cone upright and insert a toothpick about halfway in, starting at the base of the cone.
3. Step 3: Gently push a donut hole onto the toothpick, ensuring it sits flush with the bottom of the cone.
4. Step 4: Insert another toothpick near, but not touching, the first donut hole to leave space for the next one.
5. Step 5: Place another donut hole on this toothpick and continue around the base in a circular line, ending where you started.
6. Step 6: For subsequent rows, position the donut holes so they tuck between the holes below, filling any gaps and creating a fuller tree shape.
7. Step 7: Continue adding donut holes row by row until the entire cone is covered.
8. Step 8: Trim short sprigs of fresh rosemary and insert them into sparse areas to mimic pine needles and fill gaps.
9. Step 9: Scatter pomegranate arils throughout the tree for a pop of festive color.
10. Step 10: Lightly dust the entire donut tree with powdered sugar for a snowy, holiday finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use flavored donut holes like cinnamon sugar or chocolate glazed to add variety and flavor.
• If fresh rosemary is unavailable, try using other edible greens such as thyme or kale leaves for decoration.
• For a non-edible base, substitute the styrofoam cone with floral foam wrapped in wax paper to keep the tree fresh longer.
• Add small edible ornaments like mini candy canes or sprinkles for extra festive flair.

Storage

Keep the donut tree refrigerated if not serving immediately. It is best enjoyed within 1-2 days to maintain freshness. If needed, gently remove donut holes before microwaving briefly to warm individual pieces.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of donuts besides donut holes?

Donut holes work best for a uniform, tree-like shape, but you could try mini muffins or small cupcakes as a fun alternative if donut holes aren’t available.

How do I keep the donut holes from drying out?

Store the assembled tree in the refrigerator and cover it loosely with plastic wrap to retain moisture. Using fresh donut holes helps ensure they stay soft longer.

Christmas Donut Tree Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.4 from 74 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Create a festive Christmas Donut Tree centerpiece that’s both delightful and easy to assemble. This no-bake recipe uses powdered sugar or sour cream donut holes arranged on a styrofoam cone, decorated with fresh rosemary and pomegranate arils, making it perfect for holiday gatherings and parties.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Donut Tree Base

• 80–90 Donut Holes (Powdered Sugar or Sour Cream)
• 12 inch Styrofoam Cone
• 90 Toothpicks
• Plastic Wrap (enough to wrap cone twice)

Decorations

• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (trimmed into short pieces)
• 1/4 Cup Pomegranate Arils
• 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar (for dusting)

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the base: Wrap the 12-inch styrofoam cone tightly in two layers of plastic wrap to protect it and provide a surface for the donut holes to attach.
2. Insert toothpicks: Stand the cone upright and insert a toothpick about halfway into the cone starting at the bottom edge. This will hold the first donut hole securely.
3. Add the donut holes: Gently push a donut hole onto the exposed portion of the toothpick, making sure it sits snugly against the cone surface and is aligned flush with the base.
4. Continue placing toothpicks: Insert another toothpick nearby but not touching the first donut hole to allow space for the next one.
5. Build the base row: Place another donut hole on this second toothpick and continue around the base of the cone, maintaining a straight line and spacing so that the donut holes nearly touch.
6. Fill subsequent rows: For the next rows up the cone, tuck the donut holes staggered between the ones below to fill gaps and create a full, tree-like appearance.
7. Complete the cone coverage: Continue adding rows of donut holes and toothpicks until the entire cone is covered and resembles a conical tree.
8. Add rosemary accents: Trim short pieces of fresh rosemary sprigs and insert them in the gaps where there is space to add texture and greenery reminiscent of pine needles.
9. Embellish with pomegranate: Scatter the 1/4 cup of pomegranate arils evenly around the tree, pushing them into gaps or resting them atop donut holes for pops of festive red color.
10. Finish with powdered sugar dusting: Lightly dust the entire donut tree with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to evoke a snowy, wintery effect perfect for holiday décor.

Notes

• Use fresh donut holes for best taste and appearance; stale or dry donuts will not hold well on the toothpicks.
• Handle the styrofoam cone gently to avoid breakage, especially when inserting toothpicks.
• If desired, substitute other fresh herbs like thyme or small pine sprigs for rosemary.
• Pomegranate arils can be replaced with small candy ornaments or holly berries for a different festive look.
• Make the tree as tall or short as desired by adjusting the size of the styrofoam cone.
• This is a no-cook recipe, perfect for last-minute holiday arrangement.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas Donut Tree, Holiday Dessert, No-Bake Dessert, Donut Hole Recipe, Festive Treat