Go Back
Donut Hole Christmas Tree

Donut Hole Christmas Tree

The ultimate festive centerpiece for any holiday gathering, the Donut Hole Christmas Tree is a whimsical and sweet delight that will keep everyone smiling. Perfect for brunches, this edible decoration is not just tasty but also fun to assemble. Bring some cheer to your table with this easy and creative treat!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 80

Ingredients
  

  • 3 boxes donut holes about 80-90 donut holes
  • ½ cup mini marshmallows or as desired
  • 6 sprigs fresh rosemary sliced into 1 to 2-inch segments, optional and as desired
  • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar or as necessary

Equipment

  • Glad Cling Wrap – 300 sq ft
  • Round Toothpicks – 800ct – up & up
  • Cuisinart Set of 3 Mesh Strainers
  • Juvale 4 Pack Craft Foam – Foam Cones for Crafts, Trees, Holiday Gnomes, Christmas Decorations, DIY Art Projects (13.5×5.5 In)

Method
 

  1. Unroll a 2 foot sheet of plastic wrap or saran wrap. This will serve as a barrier for the foam core, preventing the donut holes from directly touching it. Don’t worry about perfection; just cover the foam core.
  2. Place the wrapped foam core onto a serving platter or cake stand of your choice. To ensure stability, I recommend taping down the foam core securely with tape underneath it.
  3. Take a toothpick and insert it about ¾-inch above the base of the foam core, pushing it in halfway. This will hold your donut holes in place.
  4. Press a donut hole onto the toothpick, making sure it fits snugly. Repeat this process around the perimeter of the foam core, creating a ring of sweetness.
  5. Continue adding donut holes in a circular pattern as you move up the foam core. This layering effect will help build the height of your tree.
  6. Once you reach the top, ensure the entire foam core is covered with donut holes. If there are any gaps, you can fill them in with additional donut holes.
  7. For added creativity, insert about 12 toothpicks partially into the foam core to hold mini marshmallows. This will create a whimsical look reminiscent of ornaments.
  8. Add a mini marshmallow to each of these toothpicks. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful taste contrast.
  9. Optionally, tuck small segments of fresh rosemary into the tree. This step is great for those who enjoy the aromatic touch of rosemary. However, if you prefer a pure sweet flavor, feel free to skip this.
  10. Using a small sifter or fine mesh sieve, evenly dust the entire tree with confectioners’ sugar until it resembles a snowy wonderland.
  11. Serve your Donut Hole Christmas Tree immediately! Keep in mind that donut holes tend to lose their freshness quickly, so it's best enjoyed within 3 to 4 hours.
  12. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container to preserve their softness for a little while longer.

Notes

  • Tip 1: You can use any type or flavor of donut holes you like, such as plain, vanilla, chocolate, gluten free, etc. However, I recommend that they’re the type coated in powdered sugar already. Even so, due to handling them, you’ll still likely want to dust your finished tree with confectioners’ sugar for a nice and ‘snowy’ look.
  • Tip 2: I recommend buying foam core online for absolute ease and convenience from either Amazon, Target, Walmart or your local craft store.
  • Tip 3: I used a 12-inch green cone but if it’s a couple inches taller or shorter, that’s fine. Your donut hole quantity may increase or decrease as the size of your cone increases or decreases.
  • Tip 4: It does not matter if it’s green or white – it’s getting covered up anyway with the donut holes and dusting of powdered sugar!