Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees Recipe: A Sweet and Salty Holiday Treat
As the holiday season draws near and kitchens begin to fill with the comforting scent of baked goods, there’s one festive treat that never fails to delight both kids and adults. Salted peanut butter Christmas trees are a delicious combination of nostalgic flavor, fun presentation, and that irresistible mix of salty and sweet. This recipe, inspired by my grandmother’s tradition, takes a simple peanut butter base and transforms it into a winter wonderland snack that’s perfect for Christmas gatherings, gifting, or cozy evenings at home.
I can still remember standing on tiptoes beside my Nonna as she mixed her dough with a wooden spoon and a wink. She had a way of turning even the simplest ingredients into magic. Salted peanut butter Christmas trees were her go-to cookie for the season. I’ve updated her classic with a smooth chocolate coating, flaky sea salt, and plenty of ways to decorate them just the way you like.
Let’s bring that joy to your kitchen today.
Why Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees Are a Must
These cookies are more than just cute. Salted peanut butter Christmas trees hit all the right notes.
- They are packed with peanut butter flavor that feels rich and indulgent.
- The sweet and salty balance satisfies every kind of craving.
- They’re shaped into adorable trees, perfect for your Christmas cookie platter.
- You can customize them with toppings, dips, and sprinkles.
- They store well and can be made in advance, saving you time during the busy holiday rush.
Whether you’re serving them at a party or wrapping them up as gifts, salted peanut butter Christmas trees will always stand out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Base
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (no-stir, not natural)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
For Dipping and Decorating
- 300g dark or milk chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional for glossy finish)
- Holiday-themed sprinkles
- Flaky sea salt
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Cookie sheet lined with parchment paper
- Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutters or silicone molds
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler for melting chocolate
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine peanut butter and softened butter. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add the brown sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt. Mix until a thick dough forms. It should be pliable but not sticky. If it feels too soft, place it in the fridge for 15 minutes before shaping.
This dough is the heart of your salted peanut butter Christmas trees, so don’t rush. Mixing thoroughly ensures the perfect texture.
Shape the Trees
Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper until it’s about half an inch thick. Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out shapes. If you’re using silicone molds, press the dough firmly into each cavity, smoothing the tops.
Place the shaped trees on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during dipping.
Melt the Chocolate
While the trees chill, melt your chocolate. Use a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or melt gently over a double boiler. Add the coconut oil if using to keep the chocolate smooth.
Dip and Decorate
Remove the frozen trees and dip each one in the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Lay them on the parchment-lined tray. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and holiday decorations of your choice.
The contrast of rich chocolate with the salty-sweet peanut butter makes these salted peanut butter Christmas trees incredibly satisfying.
Place the tray in the fridge to set for about 10 minutes.
Storage Tips
Salted peanut butter Christmas trees are easy to store and make ahead.
- In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- In the freezer: Keep frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
These cookies are ideal for preparing before a holiday rush or for mailing in festive tins.
Variations to Try
Want to add your own flair to your salted peanut butter Christmas trees? Try these twists.
- Add crunch: Stir in chopped peanuts or mini pretzels for texture.
- White chocolate coating: Use white chocolate for a snow-covered look.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes: Give your trees a peppermint pop.
- Add spice: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough.
No matter how you customize them, salted peanut butter Christmas trees are endlessly adaptable.
How to Serve
Salted peanut butter Christmas trees are versatile enough for nearly any winter event. Serve them:
- At cookie swaps or holiday parties
- On festive dessert platters
- Wrapped in cellophane bags as edible gifts
- Alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or mulled wine
They’re a beautiful centerpiece on any holiday dessert table and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Makes 6)
Each tree offers a rich and satisfying treat.
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 160mg
These values may vary based on the chocolate and toppings used.
Troubleshooting: What to Do if Something Goes Wrong
Even the most seasoned holiday bakers occasionally run into kitchen hiccups. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them when making salted peanut butter Christmas trees.
The dough is too sticky
This can happen if the butter is too warm or if your peanut butter is too oily. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before shaping. If it’s still soft, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time until it firms up.
The chocolate isn’t sticking to the trees
Ensure your trees are very cold when you dip them. Cold surfaces help the chocolate set faster and cling better. You can also lightly pat the surface dry with a paper towel if there’s any condensation from the freezer.
The chocolate coating looks dull or streaky
Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to your melted chocolate helps create a shiny, smooth finish. Also, avoid overheating the chocolate, as it can seize or burn.
The trees break when removed from molds
Freeze them a bit longer. If you’re using cookie cutters, make sure the dough is well-chilled and handle them gently when transferring to the tray.
Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives
If you’re working with dietary needs or ingredient limitations, you can still enjoy salted peanut butter Christmas trees. Here’s how to adapt the recipe.
Nut-free version
Use sunflower seed butter as a 1:1 substitute for peanut butter. It has a similar texture and works well for those with nut allergies.
Vegan-friendly
Swap out butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil. Make sure your chocolate and decorations are dairy-free.
Low-sugar option
Use powdered erythritol or a monk fruit sweetener instead of regular powdered sugar. Choose a sugar-free chocolate or dark chocolate with a high cacao content.
Different chocolate coatings
Milk chocolate is classic, but you can use white chocolate for a sweeter tree or even ruby chocolate for a pink and festive touch.
Read more : https://chefnip.com/candied-orange-slices/
Creative Ways to Use Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees
These cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be part of larger holiday presentations.
Holiday cookie box
Combine salted peanut butter Christmas trees with sugar cookies, biscotti, and peppermint bark for a colorful and crowd-pleasing gift box.
Dessert charcuterie board
Create a board with cookies, chocolate-covered pretzels, caramels, and mini marshmallows. These trees add a playful shape and burst of flavor.
Cupcake toppers
Use small cookie cutters to create mini versions and place them atop frosted cupcakes for a show-stopping holiday display.
Party favors
Wrap one or two trees in clear bags with ribbon and a gift tag for guests at your Christmas dinner or office party.
Pairings That Work Beautifully
Salted peanut butter Christmas trees are rich and flavorful, so they go best with drinks and treats that complement their profile.
Drinks:
- Hot chocolate with whipped cream
- Spiced chai latte
- Eggnog, warm or cold
- Irish coffee or espresso
Other treats:
- Dark chocolate truffles
- Candied pecans
- Citrus shortbread cookies
- Homemade fudge
These pairings bring out the best in your salted peanut butter Christmas trees and create a harmonious holiday dessert experience.
Make It a Family Activity
This recipe is ideal for a family baking night. Kids love cutting out tree shapes, adding sprinkles, and dipping cookies into melted chocolate. Adults can handle the more delicate steps like melting and coating.
Create a holiday tradition by assigning everyone a job, from dough rolling to decoration. Play festive music, light a few candles, and turn the kitchen into your very own Christmas cookie workshop.
Children can even personalize trees with initials, candy pieces, or colorful icing. This makes the salted peanut butter Christmas trees even more special and memory-filled.
Gift-Wrapping Tips for Edible Presents
Salted peanut butter Christmas trees are perfect for gift-giving. Here are a few tips for making them extra special.
- Use festive cookie tins lined with tissue paper or wax paper.
- Place in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon or twine. Add a handwritten tag for a personal touch.
- Layer in mason jars for a rustic, homey presentation.
- Create a tree ornament tag that doubles as a keepsake.
Be sure to keep them chilled before gifting to maintain the integrity of the chocolate and peanut butter base.
Why These Cookies Are So Loved
The texture is soft but sturdy, the flavor is rich but not overpowering, and the combination of salt and sweetness makes them dangerously addictive. The Christmas tree shape turns an everyday flavor into something magical, and their simplicity makes them accessible to all skill levels.
The charm of salted peanut butter Christmas trees lies in their ability to bring people together. They’re the kind of cookie that disappears quickly from holiday platters. They spark conversation and prompt recipe requests.
Every year, they find their way into my home, whether I’m making them for guests or sneaking one as a midnight snack with a glass of milk. They’re part of my Christmas, and I hope they become part of yours too.
FAQs
Is peanut butter with salt healthy?
Salted peanut butter can be part of a healthy diet if consumed in moderation. It provides protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. However, too much added salt may increase sodium intake, which can be a concern for people with high blood pressure or heart issues. Choosing natural peanut butter with just peanuts and a small amount of salt is generally a healthier option.
Is salted peanut butter a thing?
Yes, salted peanut butter is widely available. Many brands sell both salted and unsalted varieties to suit different preferences.
Is peanut butter better, salted or unsalted?
It depends on your taste and health goals. Salted peanut butter has a richer flavor because of the salt, while unsalted peanut butter is better if you want to control sodium intake. Some people prefer unsalted when using it in recipes, while others enjoy salted as a spread.
Is Jif peanut butter salted or unsalted?
Most Jif peanut butter products are salted. However, Jif also offers a natural creamy peanut butter spread that contains only peanuts and a bit of salt, and sometimes they have unsalted options in their natural line.
Is salted peanut butter good for you?
Salted peanut butter is good for you when eaten in moderation. It is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The only downside is the extra sodium. If you are watching your salt intake, unsalted peanut butter is the better choice.
Is Jello no bake peanut butter cup dessert discontinued?
Yes, Jello No Bake Peanut Butter Cup Dessert has been discontinued and can be difficult to find in stores. Sometimes discontinued mixes show up online through third-party sellers, but they are no longer in regular production.
How do you make peanut butter dark chocolate dates?
To make peanut butter dark chocolate dates:
- Slice Medjool dates open and remove the pits.
- Fill the center with peanut butter.
- Dip or drizzle the stuffed dates with melted dark chocolate.
- Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
- Chill until the chocolate hardens before serving.
What peanut butter only has peanuts and salt?
Several natural peanut butter brands only use peanuts and salt. Examples include Smucker’s Natural, Teddie Natural, Adams Natural, and Trader Joe’s Organic Peanut Butter. Always check the ingredient label to make sure no sugar, oils, or preservatives are added.
