No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees
These chocolate peanut butter Christmas trees have a thick, sweet peanut butter center tucked inside a chocolate coating. A little vanilla rounds out the filling, while a combination of semisweet and milk chocolate gives you the option of a balanced, creamy chocolate shell. Their tree shape makes them a natural fit for Christmas dessert trays and holiday gatherings.
Equipment
- 8 × 8-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Christmas tree cookie cutter
- Tray or baking sheet
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Fork
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 10 –12 oz chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate using half semi-sweet and half milk chocolate if desired
Instructions
- Line an 8 × 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Stir together the peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Gradually work in the powdered sugar to form a thick dough.
- Press into the dish in an even layer, approximately ½ inch thick. Smooth the top.
- Freeze until firm enough to cut cleanly. Lift out onto a cutting board.
- Cut out trees and transfer to a parchment-lined tray. Gently knead the scraps together, flatten to the same thickness, and cut more trees.
- Freeze the cutouts for 45–60 minutes, until completely firm.
- Melt the chocolate in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring after each until smooth. Let it cool slightly if hot, keeping it fluid.
- Dip a few frozen trees at a time using a fork. Coat completely and gently tap off excess chocolate. Keep the remaining cutouts frozen.
- Place on a fresh parchment-lined tray and refrigerate until the coating sets.
Notes
Optional Decoration: Add sprinkles before the coating sets or drizzle with extra melted chocolate afterward.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or freeze for longer storage. Separate layers with parchment paper.