Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup salted butter, melted and cooled; 2 cups creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 4 cups powdered sugar; 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons shortening; 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (for drizzle); 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzle); 1 teaspoon shortening, divided

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These Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees are a festive no-bake treat that combines creamy peanut butter, sweet powdered sugar, and rich chocolate into one irresistible holiday dessert. Shaped like little Christmas trees and finished with a decorative chocolate drizzle, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and creative this recipe is — it doesn’t require any baking, and the result looks like something straight from a holiday bakery. The creamy peanut butter center melts in my mouth, while the chocolate coating gives a perfect snap. It’s a great recipe to make with kids or for gifting during the holidays. Plus, it’s simple to customize with different chocolate drizzles or sprinkles.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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 chocolate chips)
2 tablespoons shortening

For the drizzle:

½ cup milk chocolate chips
½ cup white chocolate chips
1 teaspoon shortening, divided in half

Directions

I start by combining the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. I mix until everything is smooth and well blended.
Gradually, I stir in the powdered sugar one cup at a time until the mixture becomes thick like dough.
I roll the dough out on parchment paper and use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out tree shapes. Then I place them on a baking sheet and chill in the fridge for at least an hour so they firm up.
While the trees chill, I melt the chocolate chips and shortening together in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
I dip each peanut butter tree into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. I place them back on the parchment-lined tray.
For the drizzle, I melt the milk and white chocolate chips separately with a bit of shortening and use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the chocolate over the coated trees.
I chill the trees again until the chocolate is set.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 Christmas trees depending on the size of your cookie cutter. It takes around 30 minutes to prepare and 1–2 hours of chilling time, so it’s ready in under 2.5 hours.

Variations

I sometimes add crushed candy canes on top of the drizzle for a peppermint twist.
I swap out the peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.
I like using colored white chocolate for a more festive drizzle — green and red work great.
If I want a crunchier texture, I mix in crushed graham crackers or crisped rice cereal into the dough.
For a sweeter finish, I dust the trees with edible glitter or sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

Storage/Reheating

I store these treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. They also freeze well — I lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a container. I let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. No reheating needed since they’re a chilled treat!

FAQs

How do I keep the peanut butter mixture from sticking when cutting shapes?

I like to lightly dust my cookie cutter with powdered sugar or use a bit of cooking spray. It helps the dough release cleanly.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often make them a week ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just be sure they’re well sealed.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

I recommend using regular creamy peanut butter. Natural versions can separate and make the mixture oily or too soft.

What’s the best way to melt the chocolate without burning it?

I microwave in short intervals (20–30 seconds), stirring between each until smooth. Or I use a double boiler if I want more control.

Can I use candy melts instead of chocolate chips?

Yes, I’ve used candy melts for the coating and drizzle. They’re easy to melt and come in festive colors too.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees are a must-make during the holiday season. They’re fun to craft, packed with flavor, and perfect for gifting or adding to a dessert platter. I love how festive and delicious they are — and they never last long in my kitchen!