Introduction
The holiday season calls for treats that are both festive and fuss-free. Enter the Salted Peanut Butter No-Bake Christmas Tree—a delightful twist on the classic peanut butter cup, shaped into adorable miniature Christmas trees and dipped in a vibrant green candy coating. This recipe is beloved because it requires zero oven time, making it the perfect activity for busy bakers or a fun project to tackle with children. The secret lies in the balance: a creamy, intensely peanut buttery interior enhanced by a touch of sea salt, contrasting beautifully with the sweet, crisp chocolate shell.
Ingredients
- Creamy Peanut Butter: 1 cup (240 g)
- Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar): 2 cups (250 g)
- Unsalted Butter, softened: 1/2 cup or 1 stick (115 g)
- Fine Sea Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)
- Green Candy Melts (or White Chocolate Wafers + Green Food Coloring): 12 oz (340 g)
- Festive Sprinkles (Stars, Nonpareils, etc.): As needed
Step-by-step Preparation
- **Prepare the Filling Base (10 minutes):** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until light and fluffy. This ensures a smooth texture. Gradually add the powdered sugar and the fine sea salt, mixing on low speed until a thick, uniform dough forms. The dough should be firm enough to handle without sticking excessively.
- **Chill and Shape (30 minutes chilling, 15 minutes shaping):** Cover the peanut butter mixture and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This hardening process is crucial for shaping. Once chilled, scoop out the mixture (about 1.5 tablespoons per tree) and use your hands to roll it into a ball, then pinch and mold it into a small cone or tree shape. Place the shaped trees on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- **Melt the Coating (5 minutes):** Melt the green candy melts according to package directions (usually in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between). If using white chocolate, melt first, then stir in oil-based green food coloring until the desired shade is achieved. Transfer the melted coating to a deep, narrow mug for easier dipping.
- **Dip and Decorate (15 minutes):** Using a fork or a toothpick inserted gently into the base of the tree, dip each peanut butter cone into the green coating, ensuring all sides are covered. Gently tap off the excess chocolate. Immediately place the coated tree back onto the parchment paper and decorate with sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
- **Set (20 minutes):** Allow the trees to set completely at room temperature or speed up the process by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate is firm.
Nutritional Information
As an indulgent holiday treat, these Salted Peanut Butter No-Bake Christmas Trees are calorie-dense. Each average-sized tree (approximately 35g) contains roughly 180–220 calories, depending on the amount of coating used. They are high in carbohydrates and fats but do provide a moderate amount of protein from the peanut butter. Due to the high sugar content, these are best enjoyed in moderation as a special holiday dessert.
Storage
These treats store exceptionally well. Place the Salted Peanut Butter No-Bake Christmas Trees in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper if stacking. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Do not store them at room temperature for extended periods, as the butter filling will soften.
Conclusion
These festive peanut butter trees are the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a fantastic addition to any cookie exchange or dessert platter. For a delicious variation, try adding a half cup of crushed graham crackers to the peanut butter mixture for extra texture. Alternatively, dip some of the cones in dark chocolate and decorate them with white sprinkles to create a ‘snowy night’ effect. Serve them chilled alongside a warm cup of cocoa for the perfect cozy Christmas moment.