Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees

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Introduction

Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees are a fun and festive treat that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the perfect balance of sweetness and a touch of savory salt. These little holiday treats not only look adorable but taste like heaven, making them a go-to dessert for seasonal celebrations. Shaped like Christmas trees and decorated with vibrant sprinkles or icing, they are a charming addition to any holiday spread.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a dash of salt come together to create a creamy base that can be molded into little tree shapes. As they chill, the flavors meld together, resulting in a creamy, slightly salted bite with a satisfyingly sweet finish. I remember making these for the first time at a family gathering, and they were an immediate hit with everyone—young and old alike. There’s something about the combination of peanut butter and salt that’s irresistible, especially when you add a little holiday cheer with their festive decoration!

What I love most about Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees is how they are the perfect mix of easy and impressive. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something that looks fancy and tastes gourmet. They’re an ideal treat for gifting, bringing to holiday parties, or simply enjoying with loved ones at home. Plus, you can get creative with decorations, using different colored sprinkles, icing, or even mini chocolate chips for ornaments. After you try them once, they’ll surely become a holiday staple!

Perfect for:

  • Holiday parties
  • Stocking stuffers
  • Gifting to family and friends
  • School or office holiday events
  • A festive holiday dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and Salty Delight: The blend of peanut butter and salt creates a crave-worthy treat that’s perfectly balanced.
  • Festive and Fun: The cute Christmas tree shape adds a festive touch, making them a great choice for holiday-themed events.
  • Easy to Make: These treats are quick to make, with no baking required!
  • Customizable: You can add sprinkles, drizzle extra chocolate, or use different types of chocolate to make them your own.
  • Kid-Friendly: Kids will love to help make and decorate these trees.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 12-15 trees
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Centers:

  • 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Coating:

  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Peanut Butter: The creamy peanut butter provides a smooth texture and rich flavor, which is the base for the centers.
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds a slight crunch and texture to the peanut butter center.
  • Chocolate: The rich, melty chocolate coating contrasts beautifully with the peanut butter, creating a delightful candy experience.
  • Sea Salt: A touch of sea salt on top enhances the flavor by balancing out the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Peanut Butter Centers:

  1. Mix Peanut Butter and Powdered Sugar: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  2. Shape the Centers: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a small ball, then flatten it slightly into a triangle or tree-like shape using your fingers. Place each peanut butter tree on a parchment-lined tray or baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining peanut butter mixture, forming as many tree shapes as you like.
  3. Chill the Peanut Butter Trees: Place the tray with the shaped peanut butter centers in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm up before dipping in chocolate.

Prepare the Chocolate Coating:

  1. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted and smooth.
  2. Dip the Peanut Butter Trees: Using a fork or a dipping tool, carefully dip each peanut butter tree into the melted chocolate, coating it thoroughly. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the tree back on the parchment paper.
  3. Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each tree to finish the candy.

Chill and Serve:

  1. Chill Until Set: Return the chocolate-coated trees to the fridge to set for 15–20 minutes or until the chocolate hardens completely.
  2. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate is fully set, the salted peanut butter Christmas trees are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve

Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees can be served in several festive ways:

  • Gift-Wrapped: Package them in cute gift boxes or cellophane bags with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful gift.
  • On a Dessert Tray: Serve them on a holiday dessert tray alongside other sweet treats like cookies and candies.
  • With a Hot Drink: Pair with hot chocolate, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk for a classic treat experience.
  • As Stocking Stuffers: Place individual trees in stockings or treat bags as a fun, sweet surprise.

Additional Tips

  • Use Chocolate Melting Disks: If you prefer, you can use chocolate melting discs instead of chips for a smoother coating.
  • Customize the Shape: If you don’t have a tree mold, you can create freeform trees or use cookie cutters for consistent shapes.
  • Chill Thoroughly: Make sure the peanut butter trees are cold enough before dipping to help them hold their shape better.
  • Storage: Store the finished treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Recipe Variations

  1. Milk Chocolate Version:
    • For those who prefer a sweeter and creamier chocolate taste, substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips. Milk chocolate will provide a smoother, more indulgent flavor, making your treat even more dessert-like and appealing to those who enjoy a milder chocolate taste.
  2. White Chocolate:
    • For a lighter and sweeter alternative, swap the semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for white chocolate chips. This variation not only changes the flavor, making it more delicate and creamy, but also provides a visually stunning contrast with the darker peanut butter filling, creating a beautiful and enticing treat.
  3. Add Chopped Nuts:
    • If you’re a fan of crunchy textures, add chopped peanuts to the peanut butter filling. This addition adds a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling, enhancing both flavor and texture. You can use any nuts of your choice—try cashews, almonds, or pecans, for added variety and nuttiness!
  4. Peppermint Flavored:
    • For a festive twist, incorporate ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract into the peanut butter mixture. This will infuse your bars with a fresh, minty flavor, making them a perfect treat for the holidays or winter gatherings. The cooling flavor of peppermint pairs wonderfully with the rich peanut butter and chocolate, giving them a holiday feel that’s both refreshing and comforting.
  5. Dark Chocolate:
    • For a more sophisticated and intense flavor, use dark chocolate instead of the usual milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Dark chocolate’s richness and slight bitterness provide the perfect balance to the sweetness of the peanut butter, making the dessert more complex and satisfying for those who enjoy a more decadent chocolate experience.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: If you want to make these in advance, place the chilled peanut butter trees on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
  • Storage: Keep the salted peanut butter trees in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, ensuring the chocolate coating stays firm and fresh.

Special Equipment

  • Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal and prevents the trees from sticking to the tray.
  • Dipping Tools or Forks: For dipping the peanut butter trees into chocolate smoothly.
  • Small Cookie Cutter (optional): If you prefer perfectly shaped trees, use a small tree-shaped cookie cutter.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
    Yes, crunchy peanut butter can add a nice texture, but it may be a little harder to shape.
  2. Can I make these ahead of time?
    Yes, these can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  3. What can I do if my chocolate doesn’t melt smoothly?
    Ensure you’re melting in short intervals and stirring frequently. You can also add a little coconut oil to smooth it out.
  4. Can I use a different nut butter?
    Yes, almond butter or cashew butter are great alternatives for a different flavor.
  5. Can I make these without the sea salt?
    Yes, you can skip the sea salt for a sweeter treat if preferred, but the salt does enhance the flavor balance.

Conclusion

Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees are a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, making them a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. The rich, creamy peanut butter pairs wonderfully with a sprinkle of sea salt, and their tree shape adds a fun, seasonal touch. These treats are not only easy to make but also offer a great way to involve kids in holiday baking.

They’re a wonderful option for a sweet snack, party appetizer, or even a homemade gift. The best part is how versatile they are—you can add chocolate drizzle, festive sprinkles, or even dip them in melted chocolate for extra flair. Whether enjoyed by themselves or shared with loved ones, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any Christmas gathering.

Bake a batch today, and let the kitchen fill with festive cheer! Capture a photo of your creations and share it online—don’t forget to tag me so we can spread the holiday sweetness together. Happy baking!

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