Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment and lightly brush with olive oil.

Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Cut the dough: Unroll pizza dough and cut into 24–30 equal squares. Aim for about 2-inch pieces so they wrap neatly around the cheese.

Add the cheese: Place a mozzarella cube in the center of each dough square. Pull the corners up and pinch to seal, forming a tight ball so the cheese doesn’t leak.

Form the tree: Arrange the balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in a Christmas tree shape: start with one at the top, then two beneath it, then three, and so on, finishing with a short “trunk” of 2–3 balls.

Brush and sprinkle: Brush the dough generously with the garlic butter. Sprinkle Parmesan over the entire tree. Reserve a little butter for after baking.

Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Rotate the pan once for even color.

Finish and garnish: Brush with remaining garlic butter. Add extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like.

Serve warm: Transfer to a platter and serve with warm marinara or pesto for dipping.