The Puffed Pastry Cherry Christmas Star is one of the most stunning yet incredibly easy Christmas desserts you can make at home. With its golden, flaky layers and sweet cherry filling, this festive pastry looks like a bakery-quality centerpiece, but requires only a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, attending a Christmas gathering, or simply want a cozy homemade treat to enjoy with tea or coffee, this cherry pastry star is guaranteed to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets of ready-rolled puff pastry
- ¼ cup cherry jam or cherry filling
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
(You may double the ingredients if you want to make a larger star.)
How to Make the Puffed Pastry Cherry Christmas Star
1. Prepare the Pastry Circles
Unroll both puff pastry sheets. Place a large round plate over each sheet and cut out two identical circles. Keep the pastry scraps if you want to cut out extra small stars for decoration.
2. Add the Cherry Filling
Place one pastry circle on a parchment-lined baking tray. Spread the cherry jam evenly on top. Avoid adding too much filling, as it can leak while baking.
3. Cover with the Second Pastry Circle
Lay the second pastry circle on top to sandwich the cherry filling inside.
4. Create the Star Shape
Place a small cup or bowl in the center of the pastry.
Cut the pastry into 16 equal strips around the cup:
- First, cut into 4 quarters
- Then cut each quarter in half (8 strips)
- Then cut each strip in half again (16 strips)
Carefully take two strips at a time, twist them outward twice, and pinch the ends together to create a point. Repeat all around until a star shape forms.
5. Brush with Egg Wash
Beat the egg and brush it lightly over the entire pastry for a golden, glossy finish.
6. Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (360°F) for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, flaky, and beautifully golden.
7. Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once slightly cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a snowy Christmas effect.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for the Holidays
⭐ Festive and Eye-Catching
The star shape immediately gives this pastry a Christmas feel. It looks elegant on a dessert table and adds a magical touch to your holiday celebrations.
⭐ Very Easy to Make
You only need puff pastry, cherry filling, and an egg for the glaze. With just a few cuts and twists, the dough transforms into a gorgeous star.
⭐ Ready in Under 30 Minutes
From start to finish, this pastry requires about 15 minutes of prep and around 20 minutes of baking.
⭐ Versatile Filling
While cherry jam is classic, you can easily switch to strawberry, raspberry, cranberry, apricot, or chocolate-hazelnut spread.
⭐ Perfect for Sharing
The star shape makes it easy to pull apart and enjoy with family and friends.
Tips for Success
✔ Don’t Overfill
Too much jam can cause the pastry to open while baking.
✔ Twist Evenly
Twisting the strips in pairs helps maintain a perfect star symmetry.
✔ Serve Fresh
This pastry tastes best warm from the oven.
If you have leftovers, reheat slightly before serving.
✔ Add Extra Decorations
You can use the leftover pastry scraps to cut out mini stars and place them on top before baking.
Flavor Variations
You can easily customize the filling:
- Cranberry jam (very festive)
- Raspberry or strawberry jam
- Chocolate spread
- Apple-cinnamon compote
- Mixed berry jam
You can also drizzle melted white chocolate on top for an elegant finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pastry with:
- Hot chocolate
- Coffee or latte
- Spiced tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
It also makes a beautiful edible gift when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a ribbon.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Pastry
This recipe brings together everything we love about holiday baking: beautiful presentation, comforting flavors, and minimal effort. The star shape makes it memorable, the cherry filling adds a sweet and slightly tangy note, and the puff pastry turns perfectly flaky in the oven.
If you need a dessert that looks impressive but requires almost no baking experience, the Puffed Pastry Cherry Christmas Star will become your new Christmas favorite.