Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats that bring warmth, joy, and a bit of fun to the season. One such treat that perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas while satisfying your sweet tooth is the Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees. These delightful little desserts are inspired by the beloved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups but are shaped into festive Christmas trees, making them the ideal holiday treat. With a smooth, creamy peanut butter filling covered in a rich chocolate shell, these Christmas trees are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re preparing a special dessert for the family, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply looking for a festive treat to enjoy, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees will surely become a favorite.

Print

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees

What makes these Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees so irresistible? First and foremost, the combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate is a classic pairing that never fails to delight. The peanut butter filling is smooth, sweet, and just salty enough to balance the sweetness, while the chocolate coating adds a satisfying richness and texture. Together, these flavors create the perfect balance of sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy.

These little treats are also incredibly easy to make, despite their festive appearance. With no baking required, this recipe allows you to create delicious desserts with minimal effort. The process is straightforward, and the results are nothing short of magical. The best part? They’re completely customizable. You can adjust the level of sweetness, choose your preferred type of chocolate, and even experiment with different shapes and sizes, making them a versatile addition to your holiday repertoire.

Not only are these Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees a treat for your taste buds, but they’re also a visual delight. Shaped like Christmas trees, they bring a whimsical, fun touch to your holiday dessert table. Whether you’re making them with the kids or preparing them as gifts for friends and family, these festive treats are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

The Ingredients: Simple, Festive, and Delicious

To make these Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees, you won’t need any special ingredients or equipment. Most of the items you likely already have in your pantry, and the rest are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of this recipe, creamy peanut butter provides the base for the filling, giving these treats their smooth, rich texture. You can use chunky peanut butter for a bit more texture, but creamy peanut butter is the traditional choice.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter adds richness and helps bind the peanut butter mixture together. It gives the filling a soft, smooth texture that is perfect for pressing into the dish.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a touch of warmth and depth to the filling. It complements the peanut butter and gives it a caramel-like sweetness that works beautifully with the chocolate coating.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the peanut butter and chocolate, providing a subtle aromatic sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate. It also brings out the richness of the other ingredients.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the peanut butter filling and helps it hold together when pressed into the dish. It gives the mixture its signature sweetness without being too overwhelming.
• 10–12 oz. chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: You’ll need chocolate for coating the trees. A combination of semi-sweet and milk chocolate provides a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, but you can use all milk chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your personal preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make These Festive Truffles

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by preparing an 8×8 inch dish by lining it with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the peanut butter mixture out later. Set the dish aside while you make the peanut butter filling.

Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the creamy peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything together until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth and well combined. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, stirring until it’s fully incorporated. You should have a thick, soft mixture that holds its shape when pressed.

Step 3: Press the Mixture into the Dish

Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the prepared dish and press it down into an even layer, about ½ inch thick. You can use a spatula to smooth out the top or simply use your palms to press it into place. Make sure the layer is even so that all the Christmas trees you cut out will be the same thickness.

Step 4: Freeze the Peanut Butter Layer

Place the dish in the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until the peanut butter mixture is firm enough to cut. The freezing process ensures that the mixture holds its shape when you use the cookie cutter to cut out the Christmas trees.

Step 5: Cut the Christmas Trees

Once the peanut butter mixture has firmed up, line a tray with parchment paper and set it aside. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the shapes from the frozen peanut butter mixture. Carefully press the cookie cutter into the mixture to cut out the trees, then place each tree on the prepared tray. If there are any leftover scraps, don’t waste them! Simply knead and press them together, and you should be able to cut out a few more trees.

Step 6: Freeze the Trees

Place the tray of cut-out Christmas trees back in the freezer for another 45-60 minutes, or until the peanut butter trees are completely firm. This will make them easier to dip in the melted chocolate.

Step 7: Melt the Chocolate

While the trees are freezing, melt the chocolate. You can do this by placing the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heating it in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up and become difficult to work with.

Step 8: Dip the Trees in Chocolate

Once the trees are firm and the chocolate is melted, it’s time to dip each tree into the chocolate. Using a fork, carefully dip each Christmas tree into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s completely covered. Gently tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate. The chocolate coating should be smooth and even, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect—this is a homemade treat, and the imperfections just add to their charm.

Step 9: Chill the Chocolate-Coated Trees

Place the chocolate-covered Christmas trees on a parchment paper-lined tray and refrigerate them until the chocolate has fully set. This usually takes about 30 minutes. The chocolate will harden, giving the trees a smooth, glossy finish.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chocolate has set, your Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees are ready to be enjoyed! They’re perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat to enjoy on a cozy winter evening. Store any leftovers in the fridge or freezer, and they’ll keep fresh for up to two weeks.

Tips and Variations: Customizing Your Holiday Treats

• Chocolate Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. If you prefer dark chocolate, use that instead of milk chocolate for a more intense flavor. You could also use white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier coating that pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter.
• Nut Butter Substitution: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter or have nut allergies, you can substitute it with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Each will provide a slightly different flavor but will still work beautifully in this recipe.
• Add-ins: Want to add a little crunch? Stir in some finely chopped nuts or crushed pretzels into the peanut butter filling before pressing it into the dish. This will give the trees an extra layer of texture that’s sure to please.
• Decorating the Trees: For a more festive touch, decorate the chocolate-covered trees with sprinkles, edible glitter, or small candy stars. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate on top for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
• Make Mini Trees: If you’d prefer smaller treats, use a smaller cookie cutter to make mini Christmas trees. This is a great option for gift-giving or when you want a bite-sized treat that’s easy to eat.

Storing and Freezing Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you’d like to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Simply place the trees in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes, and they’ll be as delicious as ever.

Conclusion: A Sweet and Festive Holiday Treat

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees are the perfect dessert for spreading holiday cheer. They’re fun to make, delicious to eat, and a visually striking addition to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re making them for a Christmas party, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying them at home with loved ones, these treats are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. With their smooth peanut butter filling, rich chocolate coating, and festive shape, they’re a sweet reminder of the joys of the season. So gather your ingredients, put on some holiday music, and get ready to create these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees—because nothing says Christmas quite like a homemade treat filled with love and holiday spirit.