Peanut butter Christmas trees are fun treats peanut butter chocolate treats full of holiday cheer. They’re even better than Reeses!
These peanut butter Christmas trees are such a fun holiday treat that the entire family will enjoy! Coated in chocolate and decorated with holiday cheer, we like to make these with Christmas bark, snowman brownie bites, and reindeer chow.
Peanut Butter Christmas Trees
Peanut Butter Christmas Trees
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Why you’ll love this recipe!
📌 No baking required!
📌 Just 5 easy ingredients you probably already have.
📌 Decorate these however you like – have a decorating party!
Peanut Butter Christmas Tree Ingredients
- Cream cheese – Softened.
- Butter – Unsalted, softened.
- Peanut butter – Creamy.
- Powdered sugar – Also known as confectioners sugar.
- Chocolate – White chocolate, white candy melts, or almond bark.
- Decoration – Red cookie icing and green sanding sugar.
How do you make peanut butter Christmas trees? (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, cream together the butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peanut butter.
⭐ Next, fill a Christmas tree cookie cutter with peanut butter filling and gently release it onto a lined baking sheet. Repeat until filling is gone and place baking sheet in the freezer.
⭐ Then, when trees are set, melt chocolate and dip each tree. Return them to the baking sheet and sprinkle with sanding sugar.
⭐ Last, pipe on decorations with cookie icing.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can I make peanut butter Christmas trees ahead of time?
Yes, these can be made a day or two in advance. Keep chilled in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to serve.
You can also make the peanut butter trees ahead of time. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store until ready to use. Then remove them from the freezer to dip them in the chocolate and finish decorating before serving.
What kind of chocolate to use for peanut butter Christmas trees?
We recommend white candy melts or almond bark over white chocolate chips as both of those melt smoother than chocolate chips.
You can also use chocolate or chocolate candy melts!
Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is recommended for its fine texture and ability to blend smoothly into the filling. Using regular sugar may result in a grainy texture and may not yield the desired consistency.
Storage and leftovers
How long do peanut butter Christmas trees last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze peanut butter Christmas trees?
Yes, you can freeze these before or after dipping in the chocolate. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips and tricks
✅ Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for an added crunch.
✅ Make sure to chill the trees in the freezer, not the refrigerator, as they will be much easier to dip in the chocolate!
✅ You can make smaller trees by using a smaller cookie cutter or they can be shaped by hand.
✅ Try using other cookie cutter designs to create a whole batch of fun holiday treats!
Frequently asked questions
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
While natural peanut butter can be used, keep in mind that it may alter the texture and consistency of the peanut butter Christmas trees. The oil separation in natural peanut butter may affect the firmness of the dough.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for coating?
Certainly! While white candy melts or almond bark are recommended, you can experiment with milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. Ensure the chocolate is suitable for melting and coating.
What’s the purpose of freezing the peanut butter Christmas trees?
Freezing the trees helps them solidify, making it easier to dip them into the melted chocolate. This step also aids in maintaining the shape and structure of the trees during the coating process.
What to enjoy with peanut butter Christmas trees (serving suggestions)
Peanut butter Christmas trees are one of our favorite holiday traditions for eating and for giving! We like to make these with peppermint truffles, Grinch brownies, and graham cracker toffee.
More fun Christmas inspired recipes
- Christmas sugar cookie bars
- Christmas chocolate bark
- Grinch Oreo truffles
- Melted snowman chocolate bark
- Italian Christmas cookies
- Grinch hot chocolate
Other awesome peanut butter desserts
- Homemade peanut butter cups
- Peanut butter bark
- Peanut butter mousse
- Peanut butter buckeyes
- Peanut butter banana bread
- Peanut butter pie
- See all our delicious peanut butter recipes!
Tools we love
- Baker’s Half Sheet – This is the baking sheet we use in the cooking video. Another favvvvvorite. I have four or maybe six of them.
- Silicon baking mat – Nothing sticks to these, I swear by them!
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How to Make Peanut Butter Christmas Trees
Peanut Butter Christmas Trees
Ingredients
- 1 block cream cheese (8 ounces) softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 jar creamy peanut butter (about 18 ounces)
- 2 pounds powdered sugar
- 2 pounds white melting chocolate (or almond bark or candy melts)
- decorations: cookie icing, colorful sprinkles, sanding sugar
Instructions
- Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth. Add in the peanut butter and continue beating until fully incorporated, then add sugar and beat until fully incorporated.
- Place your Christmas tree cookie cutter on a parchment lined baking sheet and press spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture into it until full. Use the back of the spoon to press the filling to the edges and smooth the top.
- Gently push the peanut butter filling out of the cutter and onto the lined baking sheet. Repeat until you are out of filling. Place baking sheet in the freezer for at least two hours.
- When you're ready to coat the trees, add your melting chocolate to a microwave safe bowl and heat on high power in 20 second increments, stirring between heat cycles, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Carefully dip and coat each tree in the melted chocolate and return them to the lined baking sheet. Make sure to add sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- Use cookie icing for additional decoration as desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
Nutrition
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Peanut Butter Christmas Trees
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Beth says
These look so adorable. They’re almost too cute to eat. But I still will…
Sandray says
These are so cute! Definitely will try making these even the Holidays are over!
Erin says
Looks really cute! Can’t wait to try this one!
Allyson Zea says
My family absolutely love these! Thank you for the easy to follow recipe!
Catalina says
These peanut butter Christmas trees are so adorable! They’re a fun and creative way to enjoy a sweet treat during the holidays.