Go Back

Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees

Delightful festive confections combining rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, perfect for holiday gatherings and gifting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 24 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Peanut Butter Mixture
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter Ensure it is creamy for easier mixing
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating
  • 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips can substitute with a combination of semi and milk chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons shortening
  • 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips or pieces
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or pieces
  • 1 teaspoon shortening divided in half

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Line a jelly roll or half sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, beat together melted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until velvety.
  3. Press the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan, spreading to 1/2 inch thickness.
  4. Freeze for 15 minutes until firm.
  5. Lift to release the chilled peanut butter layer from the pan. Place a new sheet of parchment on the pan.
  6. Cut out 1/2 inch thick Christmas tree shapes from the chilled layer using a cookie cutter.
  7. Place cutouts on a parchment-lined sheet pan and return to the freezer for 30 minutes.
Chocolate Coating
  1. Gather leftover peanut butter mixture, press down to 1/2 inch thickness to create more shapes.
  2. After cutouts have chilled, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of shortening in a heatproof bowl, stirring until smooth.
  3. Coat each peanut butter cutout with melted chocolate, using a fork to tap off excess. Return to the cookie sheet.
  4. Allow chocolate to harden.
  5. For an elegant touch, melt the remaining chocolate chips and shortening in the microwave, drizzle over chocolate-coated trees and let set for 5 minutes.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Refrigerate for prolonged freshness. Ensure peanut butter is creamy for easy mixing.