Your new family tradition! This festive donut hole tree comes together easily with a craft-store foam cone and toothpicks. It’s an eye-catching addition to a holiday brunch or family gathering — tuck in fresh berries and herbs and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Christmas Donut Tree
When the holiday bustle slows and the house finally settles, I love a long, relaxed Christmas morning breakfast. I usually lay out a big spread of pastries, eggs, bacon, sausage and fruit, but this year I wanted something playful and simple: a towering donut hole tree. It’s irresistible — everyone reaches for a few before the meal even starts.
The tree is built from a craft-store styrofoam cone, donut holes and toothpicks. It takes a bit of time to assemble, but you can make it ahead. Fill gaps with fresh rosemary and pomegranate arils or cranberries, then dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a festive finish.
Here’s how to make one for your holiday table.
Ready to make your own Christmas Donut Tree?
• Place a styrofoam cone on a stable surface and wrap it in plastic wrap so styrofoam won’t rub on the donuts.
• Push a toothpick through each donut hole and press it into the cone, beginning around the bottom perimeter. If needed, use a soft rubber mallet to gently tap each donut into place.
• Work in rows, placing donut holes close together and moving upward until you reach the top.
• Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs and pomegranate arils or fresh cranberries into any gaps for color and texture.
• Just before serving, sift a light dusting of powdered sugar over the tree to create a snowy effect.
Full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions follow below.
Where to buy donuts
Large packs from supermarket bakeries work well, as do local donut shops or bakeries. You can also make donut holes from scratch if you prefer. Choose plain or glazed holes so the tree looks cohesive; colorful or decorated donut holes can be added for a more playful display.
Tips and notes
Cone size: I recommend an 8- to 11-inch-tall styrofoam cone depending on how many people you plan to feed. A larger cone requires more donut holes.
Make-ahead: Assemble the tree up to one day in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. Add the powdered sugar just before serving to preserve the fresh appearance.
Using a layer of plastic wrap between the cone and the donuts prevents any styrofoam residue from transferring to the pastries. Work patiently when inserting the toothpicks — it’s straightforward but a bit time consuming. The result is a festive centerpiece that doubles as an easy grab-and-go treat.
Christmas Donut Tree
Ingredients
- 1 8 to 11-inch tall styrofoam cone (craft store)
- 80-90 donut holes
- 90 wooden toothpicks
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils and/or fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
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Place the styrofoam cone on a stable surface. Wrap it in plastic wrap to prevent styrofoam residue from contacting the donuts.
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Push a toothpick through each donut hole and press it into the cone, starting along the bottom perimeter. Use a soft rubber mallet if needed to secure the donuts.
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Work in straight rows, placing donut holes close together and moving upward until the cone is covered.
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Fill any gaps with fresh rosemary sprigs and pomegranate arils or fresh cranberries for color.
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Sift powdered sugar over the tree just before serving to create a light “snow” effect.
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Enjoy!
Notes
Make-ahead: Assemble up to one day in advance, cover tightly and refrigerate. Add powdered sugar just before serving.
Did you make this recipe?
If you try this donut tree, please leave feedback and a star rating. I’d love to see photos — tag @comfortcookingblog on Instagram. Thank you!
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