These easy, no-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees are the perfect holiday treat! Made with creamy peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and rich milk chocolate, they have a soft, sweet peanut butter center covered in a smooth chocolate shell.
Perfect for Christmas parties, homemade gifts, cookie trays, and festive family gatherings!
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 18 Christmas trees
Difficulty: Easy
🥜 INGREDIENTS
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother dipping)
👩🍳 HOW TO MAKE
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened butter.
Beat until smooth, creamy, and completely combined.
- Add the Sweet Ingredients
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional salt.
Mix until a thick, soft dough forms.
The mixture should hold its shape without sticking excessively to your hands.
- Roll Out the Dough
Place the peanut butter dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
Roll it into an even layer about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut the Christmas Trees
Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out individual trees.
Carefully transfer each tree to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Gather the remaining dough, roll it out again, and continue cutting until all the dough is used.
- Chill the Trees
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until the peanut butter trees become firm.
This helps them maintain their shape during chocolate dipping.
- Melt the Chocolate
Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely melted and smooth.
Stir in the optional coconut oil or shortening for a thinner chocolate coating.
- Dip the Christmas Trees
Using a fork, carefully lower one chilled peanut butter tree into the melted chocolate.
Turn gently until completely coated.
Lift the tree and allow excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
- Arrange on Parchment Paper
Transfer the chocolate-covered tree onto a parchment-lined tray.
Repeat with the remaining peanut butter trees.
- Let the Chocolate Set
Refrigerate the coated trees for 15–20 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely hardened.
- Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the finished Christmas trees on a festive serving plate.
For an extra-special presentation, cut one tree in half to reveal the creamy peanut butter center.
Enjoy these delicious homemade Christmas treats!
⭐ COOKING TIPS
- Use creamy peanut butter: Regular creamy peanut butter provides a firmer filling than many natural varieties.
- Chill before dipping: Cold peanut butter trees are easier to coat without breaking.
- Avoid overheating chocolate: Melt slowly and stir frequently to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Adjust the dough: If the filling feels too soft, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Keep the shapes even: Rolling the dough to a consistent thickness helps every tree look beautiful.
- Decorate for Christmas: Add holiday sprinkles before the chocolate coating hardens.
- Use parchment paper: This prevents the chocolate-covered treats from sticking.
❄️ STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Refrigerator: Store the Christmas trees in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Serving Tip: Allow frozen treats to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
For best results, keep them in a cool place so the chocolate coating stays firm.
📊 NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Servings: 18
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Total Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands, chocolate coating thickness, and portion size.
❤️ FINAL THOUGHTS
These Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees combine everything you love about classic peanut butter cups with a fun holiday shape.
With no oven required and just a few simple ingredients, they’re an easy addition to your Christmas dessert table.
Whether you’re preparing holiday gifts, hosting a party, or making sweet memories with your family, these festive treats are sure to become a Christmas favorite!
❤️ Save this Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees recipe for your holiday baking collection!