Budget Christmas Crescent Trees

Featured in: Easy Baking Joys

These budget-friendly crescent roll trees combine flaky dough with a savory blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs. Rolled into charming Christmas tree shapes and adorned with grape tomatoes, they make an inviting appetizer or snack. Preparation and baking take just 30 minutes, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. Variations include adding cooked bacon or spinach, and serving with marinara sauce. Simple tools and common ingredients come together to create a festive treat that's both delicious and easy to make.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:16:00 GMT
Golden-brown Budget Christmas Crescent Roll Trees, a savory appetizer with cheese, perfectly shaped. Pin it
Golden-brown Budget Christmas Crescent Roll Trees, a savory appetizer with cheese, perfectly shaped. | weeknightwhisk.com

Festive, flaky crescent rolls shaped into charming Christmas trees, filled with budget-friendly cheese and herbs—perfect for holiday appetizers or snacks.

This is a fun and festive recipe that my family looks forward to every holiday season. The combination of cheeses and herbs wrapped in flaky dough always delights both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • Filling: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, 2 garlic cloves minced, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley), 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Decoration: 16 grape tomatoes or small cherry tomatoes (for ornaments), 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, combine melted butter minced garlic chopped parsley Italian herbs salt and black pepper.
Step 3:
Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
Step 4:
Brush each triangle lightly with the butter-herb mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over each triangle.
Step 5:
Roll up each triangle from wide end to tip to form a crescent.
Step 6:
Arrange the crescents on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree create a triangle by starting with one roll at the top then two underneath then three and so on ending with a row of five at the base. Position remaining rolls as the trunk beneath the tree shape.
Step 7:
Bake for 13 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 8:
Remove from oven. While warm brush with remaining butter-herb mixture.
Step 9:
Garnish with grape tomatoes as ornaments and sprinkle with additional parsley if desired.
Step 10:
Serve warm.
Warm, flaky Budget Christmas Crescent Roll Trees are filled with herbs and cheese, ready to serve and enjoy. Pin it
Warm, flaky Budget Christmas Crescent Roll Trees are filled with herbs and cheese, ready to serve and enjoy. | weeknightwhisk.com

This recipe brings everyone together to decorate and enjoy the festive shapes, making holiday prep a joyful family tradition.

Additional Tips

Add cooked crumbled bacon or cooked spinach for variety or serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, mixing bowls

Nutritional Information

Calories 185 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 17 g Protein 6 g per serving

Festive Budget Christmas Crescent Roll Trees, garnished with tomatoes and parsley, offer a delicious holiday snack. Pin it
Festive Budget Christmas Crescent Roll Trees, garnished with tomatoes and parsley, offer a delicious holiday snack. | weeknightwhisk.com

This budget-friendly festive appetizer is sure to impress your guests and spread holiday cheer.

Common Questions

What kind of cheese is used in the filling?

The filling includes shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful blend.

Can I prepare these crescent trees ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the crescents in advance and refrigerate them before baking for freshness.

What herbs are included in the butter mixture?

The butter mixture contains minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.

How do I shape the crescent rolls into tree forms?

Arrange the rolled crescents on a baking sheet in rows forming a triangle shape, starting with one at the top and increasing rows below.

Are there recommended garnishes for serving?

Grape or cherry tomatoes are placed as decorative ornaments, with optional parsley sprinkled on top.

Budget Christmas Crescent Trees

Flaky crescent rolls filled with cheese and herbs, shaped as festive Christmas trees for easy holiday snacks.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
15 min
Time Needed
30 min
Created by Ella Thompson

Dish Type Easy Baking Joys

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Dough

01 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough

Filling

01 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
02 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
04 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
06 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
07 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Decoration

01 16 grape or small cherry tomatoes
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Step-by-Step

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare sheet: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine butter and herbs: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.

Step 03

Prepare dough triangles: Unroll crescent dough and separate into individual triangles.

Step 04

Add filling: Lightly brush each dough triangle with the butter-herb mixture, then evenly sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over them.

Step 05

Roll crescents: Roll up each triangle from the wide end to the tip to form crescent shapes.

Step 06

Arrange rolls: Arrange the crescents on the prepared baking sheet forming a Christmas tree shape, beginning with one roll at the top and increasing by one row each layer, finishing with five rolls at the base; place remaining rolls as the trunk beneath.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 08

Brush with butter mixture: Remove from oven and while rolls are warm, brush with the remaining butter-herb mixture.

Step 09

Decorate: Garnish with grape tomatoes as ornaments and sprinkle with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Step 10

Serve warm: Serve the crescent roll trees warm.

Tools Required

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy Notice

Go through every ingredient to identify allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and possibly eggs; verify labels on crescent roll dough.

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Nutrition details are for general reference and shouldn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Caloric Content: 185
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 6 g