Pistachio Christmas Trees are festive mini-cakes shaped like small Christmas trees and coated with white chocolate and crushed pistachios. They are perfect for holiday baking, edible gifts, or a beautiful centerpiece for a Christmas dessert table.
These little trees combine a soft pistachio sponge with a creamy white chocolate coating and a crunchy pistachio crust. They look impressive, but are actually simple to make, and they always bring joy and surprise to anyone who receives them.
If you love pistachios and creative holiday desserts, this recipe will quickly become a new Christmas tradition in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Pistachio Cake Batter
- 100 g soft butter
- 100 g pistachio paste (or very finely ground pistachios)
- 200 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 150 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 100 ml milk
For the Decoration
- 400 g white chocolate
- 150–200 g finely chopped pistachios
- Small chocolate stars or edible star sprinkles
- Sugar pearls or dried red berries (for Christmas decoration effect)
- Powdered sugar (for final dusting effect)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Baking Molds
If you don’t have cone-shaped molds, you can easily make them using parchment paper:
- Cut circles of parchment paper (about 15–18 cm in diameter).
- Make a cut from the edge to the center.
- Roll each into a cone shape and secure with a paperclip or metal-free clip.
- Place them upright in oven-safe cups, jars, or silicone molds so they don’t fall over.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Prepare the Batter
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add pistachio paste and mix until smooth.
- Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients and milk alternately into the batter, mixing gently until smooth and well combined.
3. Fill and Bake
- Fill the paper cones about two-thirds full with batter.
- Place them carefully on a baking tray or inside a muffin tin for stability.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let them cool completely before decorating.
Decoration Process
4. Prepare the Coating
- Melt the white chocolate using a double boiler (bain-marie) until smooth and glossy.
- Finely chop your pistachios and spread them on a plate.
5. Coat the Trees
- Insert a wooden skewer into the base of each tree for easier handling.
- Dip the tree upside down into the melted white chocolate.
- Let excess chocolate drip off.
- Immediately roll or sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the chocolate so the whole surface is covered.
- Place them upright and allow them to dry.
6. Decorate Like Real Christmas Trees
- Use a little melted chocolate to stick the chocolate star on top of each cone.
- Add sugar pearls or dried berries around the sides as little “Christmas ornaments.”
- Let everything set completely.
7. Final Touch
Once dry, lightly dust with powdered sugar.
This will give them a beautiful snowy Christmas effect.
Serving and Storage
Place them in small gift boxes or transparent bags with ribbons for a perfect Christmas present.
These Pistachio Christmas Trees are perfect as edible gifts or festive decorations.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days.