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Donut Tree Recipe

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3.8 from 22 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 donut tree serving approximately 10-12 people

Description

Create a festive and eye-catching Donut Tree centerpiece perfect for holiday breakfasts or dessert tables. This fun and easy no-cook recipe uses assorted donut holes, fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and a star-shaped cookie topper arranged beautifully on a styrofoam cone to mimic a Christmas tree. Adorned with optional edible gold dust for a shimmering effect, this edible decoration is both a delight to the eyes and the taste buds.

Ingredients

Donut Tree Base

  • 75-100 assorted donut holes (store-bought or bakery fresh)
  • 1 styrofoam cone
  • Plastic wrap (enough to fully wrap the styrofoam cone)
  • Approximately 100 toothpicks

Decorations

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (about 10-15 small sprigs)
  • 1 snickerdoodle or sugar cookie
  • Gold edible dust (optional, for shimmering effect)

Tools

  • Star-shaped cookie cutter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cone Base: Begin by wrapping the styrofoam cone tightly with plastic wrap. Secure the plastic wrap in place by inserting toothpicks into the cone to hold it firmly. This will prevent damage to the styrofoam and provide a cleaner surface for attaching the donuts.
  2. Attach Donut Holes: Starting from the bottom of the wrapped cone, insert a toothpick halfway into the styrofoam, then carefully place a donut hole onto the exposed end of the toothpick. Be sure that toothpicks do not pierce through the ends of the donut holes for neat presentation. Continue this process, moving in rows from bottom to top, layering donut holes evenly around the cone until it is fully covered. Finish by securing a single donut hole at the very tip of the cone.
  3. Create the Star Topper: Using the star-shaped cookie cutter, cut the snickerdoodle or sugar cookie into a star shape. Insert a toothpick gently through the bottom center of the cookie star, leaving enough toothpick length exposed to anchor the star firmly at the top of the donut tree.
  4. Add the Star to the Tree: Place the cookie star on top of the donut tree by pushing the exposed toothpick tip into the styrofoam cone, ensuring it sits securely.
  5. Add Shine with Edible Dust: If using, lightly spray or dust the entire donut tree from top to bottom with gold edible dust to give the centerpiece a festive shimmer and enhance its visual appeal.
  6. Decorate with Cranberries and Rosemary: Fill any visible gaps or bare spots on the donut tree with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs. Secure cranberries with toothpicks as needed to prevent them from shifting and to keep rosemary in place, adding color and a fresh, pine-like scent.
  7. Serve and Display: Place your completed Donut Tree on a serving platter or cake stand and use it as an edible centerpiece for breakfast or as a fun party dessert display. Enjoy the festive presentation and delicious flavors!

Notes

  • Choose fresh, firm donut holes to ensure they hold well on the toothpicks and do not crumble.
  • If gold edible dust is unavailable, edible glitter or spray can be substituted for a similar effect.
  • Be gentle when inserting toothpicks to avoid piercing through donut holes or breaking the cookie star.
  • The styrofoam cone can be purchased at craft stores in various sizes to customize tree height.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free donut holes and cookies.
  • Use fresh rosemary for aroma and a natural festive green color; alternatives include small pine or fir sprigs if available.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Breakfast Centerpiece
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://aminabakes.com/donut-tree-recipe/