Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy these mini pizzas are to prepare while still adding a festive touch to the holiday table. Using store-bought dough speeds things up, and cutting the shapes into trees makes them extra special. They bake quickly, which makes them ideal for busy days or last-minute party prep. I also enjoy how customizable they are—I can get creative with toppings to suit any flavor or theme.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• pizza sauce

• shredded mozzarella cheese

• mini pepperoni

• green bell pepper, finely diced (optional, for decoration)

• flour, for dusting

• olive oil, for brushing

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. On a floured surface, I roll out the pizza dough to about ¼-inch thickness.

3. I use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many tree shapes as I can, gathering and re-rolling any scraps as needed.

4. I place the tree-shaped dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet, brush each one lightly with olive oil, and then spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each, leaving a small border.

5. I sprinkle mozzarella over the sauce, top with mini pepperoni slices to look like ornaments, and add diced green bell pepper for decoration.

6. I bake the pizzas for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the dough are golden brown.

7. I let them cool slightly before serving. They’re always a hit right out of the oven.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 mini pizzas.
Total time: 30–32 minutes

Variations

• I like swapping mozzarella for cheddar or provolone when I want a different flavor profile.

• For a vegetarian version, I leave off the pepperoni and load up on veggies like mushrooms, olives, or diced tomatoes.

• If I want to make them extra festive, I use colorful bell peppers—green, red, and yellow—to decorate the trees.

• I sometimes add a sprinkle of Italian herbs or crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover mini pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. They also reheat well in a toaster oven.

FAQs

Can I make these mini pizzas ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate them, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. I just pop them in the oven when I’m ready to serve.

What if I don’t have a Christmas tree cookie cutter?

No problem. I’ve used other festive shapes like stars or bells, and I’ve even cut trees by hand with a knife when needed. They still turn out cute and tasty.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. I use gluten-free pizza dough from the store, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What other toppings work well?

I’ve tried olives, diced tomatoes, mushrooms, pineapple, and even bits of cooked sausage. It’s a fun way to personalize each little tree.

How can I keep the pizzas from getting soggy?

I avoid adding too much sauce or too many toppings. A light brush of olive oil on the dough helps the crust stay crisp, and I bake them on the middle rack for even browning.

Conclusion

Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas are such a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether I’m making them for a party, a cozy movie night, or just to get into the holiday spirit, they always add cheer to the table. Easy to make, quick to bake, and endlessly customizable—this is a recipe I love coming back to every December.

Print