Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees

Peanut Butter Christmas Trees are the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, and rich chocolate, creating a delightful treat that’s as festive as it is delicious. Their adorable tree shape, topped with vibrant holiday sprinkles, makes them a showstopper for any holiday dessert table.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, baking with family, or gifting homemade goodies, these Peanut Butter Christmas Trees are a guaranteed hit. With simple ingredients and easy steps, they’re a fun and creative way to spread holiday cheer and enjoy a moment of sweet indulgence.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Holiday sprinkles for decoration

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs, mixing until fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick and moldable.
3. Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness between two sheets of parchment paper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out tree shapes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1 hour.
5. Melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
6. Dip each frozen tree into the melted chocolate using a fork, ensuring it is fully coated. Tap off excess chocolate and place it back on the parchment-lined sheet.
7. Decorate with holiday sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster results.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 20 trees

History and Inspiration

Peanut Butter Christmas Trees are inspired by the nostalgia of holiday baking and the beloved combination of peanut butter and chocolate. This recipe takes a classic flavor duo and transforms it into a festive shape that celebrates the holiday season. The tree design adds a whimsical touch, making these treats perfect for Christmas parties, gift exchanges, or family baking traditions. Originating from simple homemade candy concepts, these treats are a modern twist on peanut butter buckeyes, but with added holiday cheer.

Tips for Success

• Perfect Texture: Ensure the peanut butter mixture is firm enough to hold its shape. If it’s too soft, refrigerate for a few extra minutes before cutting out the trees.
• Chilling is Key: Freezing the cutouts before dipping them in chocolate is crucial to prevent them from breaking apart.
• Smooth Chocolate Coating: To achieve a shiny and smooth chocolate coating, use high-quality chocolate chips and mix in vegetable oil to thin the chocolate for easier dipping.
• Decoration Ideas: Holiday sprinkles are classic, but you can get creative with edible glitter, mini candy canes, or even drizzle white chocolate over the top for a snowy effect.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store the peanut butter Christmas trees in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: These treats freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper, and they’ll last up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Customization Options

• Nut-Free Version: Substitute sunflower seed butter or almond butter for peanut butter to accommodate allergies or preferences.
• Flavors: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a drop of peppermint extract to the peanut butter mixture for a festive flavor twist.
• Shape Variations: While trees are perfect for Christmas, you can use other cookie cutters to make stars, snowflakes, or reindeer shapes for variety.

Pairing Suggestions

Peanut Butter Christmas Trees pair wonderfully with:

• A warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy holiday snack.
• A festive holiday punch or eggnog at parties.
• A scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Fun Facts

• Kid-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for kids to help with, especially when cutting out shapes and decorating with sprinkles.
• No-Bake Recipe: It’s a great option for those looking to skip the oven during busy holiday cooking.
• Versatile Treat: These Christmas trees double as edible gifts! Package them in clear bags with holiday ribbons for a thoughtful and delicious present.

Background of the Recipe

Peanut Butter Christmas Trees are a modern take on a classic holiday favorite, combining the creamy richness of peanut butter with the indulgence of chocolate. The tree-shaped treats are inspired by traditional holiday cookie shapes, bringing a festive and playful element to your dessert table. These treats are perfect for Christmas celebrations, whether you’re hosting a party, gifting homemade goodies, or baking with the family.

The recipe reflects a growing trend in no-bake desserts, offering a quick and easy option for holiday sweets that don’t require oven space, which can be precious during busy cooking days.

Why This Recipe Works

• No-Bake Convenience: Perfect for when your oven is tied up with other dishes or desserts.
• Festive Appeal: The tree shapes and holiday decorations make them eye-catching and fun, especially for kids.
• Balanced Flavors: The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate is enhanced by the slight crunch of graham cracker crumbs, creating a texture that’s as satisfying as the taste.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Use Parchment Paper: Rolling the peanut butter mixture between two sheets of parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures an even thickness.
• Chocolate Consistency: If the chocolate starts to thicken while dipping, microwave it briefly to keep it smooth and easy to work with.
• Work in Batches: Only take a few trees out of the freezer at a time to prevent them from softening while you coat them in chocolate.
• Perfect Decorations: For precise sprinkle placement, use tweezers or a small spoon to apply decorations before the chocolate sets.

Creative Twists to Try

• Colorful Chocolate Coating: Use colored candy melts (green for trees, white for snow) to make them even more festive.
• Peanut Butter Variations: Try crunchy peanut butter for added texture or a flavored peanut butter like honey or chocolate for a unique twist.
• Extra Crunch: Add crushed pretzels, chopped nuts, or mini marshmallows to the peanut butter mixture for an interesting flavor and texture combination.

Serving Ideas

• Holiday Dessert Platters: Arrange these trees alongside cookies, fudge, and other treats for a beautiful holiday spread.
• Individual Gifts: Wrap each tree in cellophane and tie with a holiday ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.
• Pair with Beverages: Serve with hot cocoa, spiced tea, or coffee for the ultimate holiday snack.

Recipe Benefits

• Family-Friendly: This recipe is a great activity to involve kids in, from cutting out tree shapes to adding sprinkles.
• Customizable: With so many decoration and flavor options, you can tailor this recipe to fit any holiday theme or preference.
• Great for Beginners: Even novice bakers can achieve professional-looking results with this simple, no-fail method.

Additional Fun Facts

• Holiday Nostalgia: The tree shapes and chocolate coating evoke the joy of decorating Christmas trees, bringing back memories of childhood holiday traditions.
• Perfect for Sharing: These treats are bite-sized and easy to share, making them ideal for holiday potlucks and parties.
• Budget-Friendly: Using simple pantry ingredients, this recipe offers a festive dessert without breaking the bank.