These Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees are the perfect no-bake holiday treat.
They’re sweet, salty, creamy, and a little crunchy — and they only take a few ingredients.
I love that you can make them ahead, decorate them however you like, and stack them on a big plate for parties or cookie swaps.
If you love peanut butter and sweet-salty combos, this is the one for you.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter (not natural)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
- Holiday sprinkles, optional
Why I Love This Recipe
I grew up making a version of these with my grandma every December. We’d melt, stir, and sneak bites before the chocolate set. It was our little tradition, and now I bring these to every cookie swap — people always ask for the recipe.
- You don’t need to turn on the oven
- They’re festive and fun to decorate
- Perfect sweet-salty combo
- Make-ahead friendly
- Great for gifting
Servings: 24 trees
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time)
Macros (Per Tree, Estimated)
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fat: 10g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar form a firm but creamy base — think buckeye-style. The graham crackers add a little texture and structure, while the coconut oil helps the chocolate coating stay smooth and snappy once chilled. Salt balances all the sweetness, especially on top.
Common Mistakes
- Using natural peanut butter – It separates and makes the base greasy.
- Skipping the chill – Warm dough won’t shape cleanly.
- Overheating the chocolate – It’ll seize or burn.
- Not using enough salt on top – That final salt flake makes a big difference.
What to Serve With
- Hot chocolate or coffee
- A platter of holiday cookies
- Peppermint bark or toffee for a dessert spread
- Fresh fruit or a cheese board to balance the sweetness
FAQ
Can I use almond butter?
You can, but use a no-stir variety, and expect a softer texture.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze in layers with parchment. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I make these vegan?
Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. Works great.
Can I shape them into balls instead?
Absolutely. Roll into 1-inch balls for buckeye-style candies.
Make Ahead Tips
- Make the peanut butter mixture up to 2 days ahead and keep chilled
- You can dip and decorate the trees 1–2 days before serving
- Store finished trees in the fridge in a sealed container
How to Make Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup softened unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Add 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup crushed graham crackers, and ½ teaspoon fine sea salt. Stir and mash until it becomes a thick dough.
Step 3: Shape Into Trees
Take about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough and form into cone shapes with your hands — about 2 inches tall. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Chill the Trees
Place the baking sheet in the fridge for 30 minutes, until the trees are firm and easy to dip.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
In a small saucepan, melt 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon coconut oil over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy.
Step 6: Dip and Decorate
Use a fork or toothpick to dip each chilled peanut butter tree into the melted chocolate. Tap off excess, then place back on the tray. While still wet, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and holiday sprinkles if using.
Step 7: Chill Until Set
Put the tray back in the fridge for 20–30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the trees on a white round plate and serve at room temp or straight from the fridge.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store in the fridge for up to 7 days in an airtight container
- Can freeze for up to 1 month
- Best texture when served slightly chilled
Conclusion
These Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees are a cozy, festive little treat that always disappears fast. Make a batch, share a few, and definitely sneak one for yourself. Let me know how they turn out and drop any questions or fun variations in the comments!
