Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Tree Treats

Chocolate peanut butter Christmas trees are an easy, no-bake holiday treat that both kids and adults will love. A soft peanut butter center is pressed into a sheet, cut into tree shapes, and coated in a chocolate shell for a rich, festive bite. These adorable candies are simple to make, transport well on dessert platters, and make charming gifts or party favors.

Want more seasonal inspiration? Try snowman truffles, reindeer pretzels, or Christmas wreath cookies for other fun holiday treats.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees Ingredients

You will need:

• ½ cup salted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 cups creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or a mix of semi-sweet and milk)
• 2 tablespoons shortening

Drizzle

• ½ cup milk chocolate chips or pieces
• ½ cup white chocolate chips or pieces
• 1 teaspoon shortening, divided

Substitutions and Additions

Chocolate coating: Swap the chips for colored candy melts or use different chocolates for variety. Add a few drops of food coloring to white chocolate for colorful drizzles to match your holiday palette.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees

Step 1: Line a jelly roll or half-sheet pan with parchment and set aside.

Step 2: In a bowl, beat together the melted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared sheet pan to about ½-inch thickness.

Step 4: Freeze the pan for 15 minutes to firm the layer.

Step 5: Lift the chilled peanut butter layer out of the pan using the parchment. Replace the pan’s parchment with a fresh sheet.

Step 6: Use a cookie cutter to cut ½-inch-thick Christmas tree shapes from the chilled sheet.

Pro tip: The yield depends on cookie cutter size.

Step 7: Arrange the cutouts on a parchment-lined sheet pan and freeze for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Gather the leftover peanut butter mixture, press it back to ½-inch thickness, and cut additional shapes.

Step 9: Once the cutouts are chilled, prepare the chocolate coating.

Step 10: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons shortening. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth and fully melted.

Pro tip: Adding shortening helps the chocolate coat smoothly and reduces the chance of bloom on the surface.

Step 11: Using a fork, dip each peanut butter tree into the melted chocolate, tapping off excess, then place it back on the parchment-lined sheet.

Pro tip: Reheat the chocolate briefly as needed to keep it workable.

Step 12: Work in small batches to prevent the peanut butter from softening. Keep the pan in the freezer and only remove a few cutouts at a time.

Step 13: Let the chocolate set completely.

Step 14: For the optional drizzle, melt the milk or white chocolate with ½ teaspoon shortening per ½ cup in 30-second intervals until smooth.

Step 15: Place the melted drizzle chocolate into a small plastic bag or piping bag, snip a tiny corner, and drizzle over the coated trees in a zigzag pattern. Let set for about 5 minutes.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees

These treats make a festive addition to dessert platters, holiday parties, or gift baskets. Individually wrap trees in cellophane with a holiday ribbon for favors or stocking stuffers, or arrange them on a platter for guests to enjoy at home.

Storage

Counter: Store covered at room temperature.

Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage; chocolate may discolor slightly. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

These chocolate peanut butter Christmas trees are a delightful, easy no-bake recipe that combines two classic flavors. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or enjoying with family throughout the season.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make these treats using silicone molds?

If you have experience with silicone molds, you can try molding the peanut butter mixture instead of cutting shapes, though results may vary.

What is a jelly roll pan?

A jelly roll pan is a rimmed baking sheet typically about 15 by 10 inches—useful for pressing and chilling the peanut butter layer.

Can I freeze these treats?

Yes. Freeze for up to 3 months but be aware chocolate can discolor. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

• No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Lush
• Peanut Butter Dream Bars
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Fudge
• Peanut Butter Lasagna