Our new family tradition! This delicious donut hole tree is created easily with a craft store cone and toothpicks. Perfect for a fun holiday brunch or family gathering. Make it extra beautiful with berries and a dusting of powdered sugar snow!
Christmas Donut Tree
When the hustle-bustle of holiday preparations slows to a sizzle, I look forward to enjoying a long, lazy Christmas morning breakfast.
I love to set out a big spread of pastries, eggs, bacon and sausage, fruits – the works! But, since we are all donut lovers in this house, I decided to switch it up a bit this year. I could not resist building a towering tree bursting with squishy, sweet donut holes! Let’s be honest, who could resist plucking off a plate (or two) of this tempting donut tree?
This donut tree is simply made using a craft store styrofoam cone (links for finding these below), donut holes and toothpicks. Time consuming? A little. Super easy to make ahead? Yes! Tuck in a bit of fresh rosemary and cranberries in the empty spots, and your delicious donut feast is ready for Christmas morning.
Let’s jump into the recipe!
Ready to make your own Christmas Donut Tree?
• Place styrofoam cone on a stable surface. Wrap cone in a layer of plastic wrap, so that the styrofoam does not transfer onto the donuts.
• Poke a toothpick through each donut hole. Press into the sytrofoam, starting around the bottom perimeter. If needed, use a soft rubber mallet to lightly hammer each donut hole into the styrofoam.
• Continue around the bottom, placing donut holes close together, working in straight lines until you reach the top.
• Fill any empty gaps with fresh rosemary and pomegranate arils or fresh cranberries.
• Sprinkle with sifted powdered sugar, just before serving.
Keep reading for full ingredient list + recipe, below
Craving more Christmassy breakfast recipes? Try these!
• Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
• Twisted Puff Pastry Cinnamon Buns
• Bacon + Eggs Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
• Easy Super Soft Cinnamon Rolls
• 4-Ingredient Cinnamon Twist Wreath
• Glazed Cranberry Orange Donuts
• Glazed Cranberry Orange Donuts
• 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Where to buy your donuts: I got mine in a large pack (about six of them!) at Wal-Mart’s bakery, but you can try your grocery store, local bakery, or donut shop. Or, make your own donut holes from scratch!
How did you make this? I purchased an 11-inch tall styrofoam cone (found at Michael’s, JoAnn Fabrics, Amazon, or your local craft store). First, I wrapped the cone in a layer of plastic wrap, so that the styrofoam didn’t transfer onto the donuts. I put a toothpick through each donut hole, then stuck it into the sytrofoam. I used a soft rubber mallet to lightly hammer each donut hole into the styrofoam – easy, but time consuming! I recommend getting the 8-inch to 11-inch tall cones for your donut tree, depending on how many people you are feeding. Then, I filled any empty gaps with fresh rosemary and pomegranate arils. A little dusting of powdered sugar “snow”, and you’re good to go!
You should have seen the looks on the kids’ faces. 😃 Pure joy!
For making ahead: I would recommend making this 1 day ahead of the morning you’re serving. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate to keep fresh. Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.
I hope you enjoy this with your friends and family this holiday season. It is just the loveliest little extra for holiday parties and family gatherings – so unexpected, delicious and fun to make. Who doesn’t love a tower of donuts?!
Please feel free to leave a comment and a star rating, if you give this beautiful Christmas Donut Tree a try.
Christmas Donut Tree
Our new family tradition! This delicious donut hole tree is created easily with a craft store cone and toothpicks. Perfect for a fun holiday brunch or family gathering. Make it extra beautiful with berries and a dusting of powdered sugar snow!
Ingredients
- 1 (8 to 11-inch tall) styrofoam cone found at any 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
Place styrofoam cone on a stable surface. Wrap cone in a layer of plastic wrap, so that the styrofoam does not transfer onto the donuts.
Poke a toothpick through each donut hole. Press into the sytrofoam, starting around the bottom perimeter. If needed, use a soft rubber mallet to lightly hammer each donut hole into the styrofoam.
Continue around the bottom, placing donut holes close together, working in straight lines until you reach the top.
Fill any empty gaps with fresh rosemary and pomegranate arils or fresh cranberries.
Sprinkle with sifted powdered sugar, just before serving.
Enjoy!
Notes
Size of styrofoam cone: I recommend getting the 8-inch to 11-inch tall cones for your donut tree, depending on how many people you are feeding. You will need to adjust how many donuts you need, based on the size. Get more donuts for a larger cone, less for a smaller cone. I needed so many more than I realize
For making ahead: I would recommend making this 1 day ahead of the morning you're serving. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate to keep fresh. Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.
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