There’s something about peanut butter at Christmas that just feels right.

Maybe it’s the nostalgia. Maybe it’s the way sweet and salty flavors seem to shine brighter during the holidays. Or maybe it’s just that moment when you sneak one more treat off the tray and hope no one notices.

These salted peanut butter Christmas trees came together on a snowy afternoon when the oven was already full, the to-do list was too long, and I needed a win.

I wanted something festive—but easy. Cute—but not fussy. And definitely rich enough to feel like a real treat.

The smell of melted chocolate, the pinch of flaky salt, the soft peanut butter center… yeah. This was it.

They disappeared faster than any cookie on the table.

Now they’re a non-negotiable holiday tradition. And once you make them, I think they’ll be one of yours too.

Recipe Resume (Why You’ll Love These Instantly)

No baking required.
Sweet-salty perfection.
Perfect for gifting.
Kid-friendly to make.
Freezer-friendly.
Minimal ingredients.
Holiday cute factor: high.
Dangerously snackable.

Why These Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees Are The Only Ones You’ll Ever Need

Cuisine: American Holiday Candy

The first year I made these, my family assumed they were store-bought. That’s always the goal, right?

They look polished, but the process is wonderfully imperfect—pressing shapes, smoothing edges, licking peanut butter off spoons when no one’s watching.

They’ve become the treat people ask for before the holidays even start. That’s when you know you’ve got a keeper.

What You Really Need to Make These Amazing Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees (Simplified)

Creamy peanut butter
Powdered sugar
Butter
Vanilla extract
Chocolate (milk or dark)
Flaky sea salt

That’s it. Simple pantry staples doing festive things.

How to Master the Perfect Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees (My Secret Method)

Start by mixing peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and thick—but still pliable. It should feel like soft play dough, not crumbly.

Line a tray with parchment and shape the mixture into small triangle “trees.” Don’t overthink it. Rustic is charming here.

Chill until firm. This part matters—it keeps everything neat during dipping.

Melt the chocolate gently, then dip each tree, letting excess drip away. Set them back on parchment and immediately sprinkle with flaky salt.

Let the chocolate set fully. Try not to “test” too many while waiting. (No promises.)

Chef’s Notes and Tips For A Flawless Salted Peanut Butter Christmas Trees

Chilling is non-negotiable. Warm peanut butter shapes melt into chaos the second they hit chocolate.

Use flaky salt, not table salt. That gentle crunch and clean finish balances the sweetness perfectly.

Get Creative! Easy Substitutions and Fun Variations

Add crushed pretzels to the filling for extra crunch. Drizzle white chocolate for a snowy effect.

Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter if needed—just adjust powdered sugar slightly for texture.

Lighten It Up! Simple Swaps for a Healthier Version

Use natural peanut butter and dark chocolate for less sugar.

Reduce powdered sugar slightly and rely on salt to boost flavor without extra sweetness.

Closing

And there you have it—homemade peanut butter Christmas trees that feel festive, nostalgic, and a little bit dangerous to leave unattended. Make a batch, share a few, hide the rest. And don’t forget to explore more holiday treats while you’re here

Are You Curious About Anything Else? Take a Look at the Most Frequently Asked Questions We Get About This Recipe

1. Can I make salted peanut butter Christmas trees ahead of time?

Absolutely. These are ideal make-ahead no bake peanut butter holiday treats.

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage. They thaw beautifully and keep their shape.

2. What type of peanut butter works best?

Creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter gives the smoothest texture and easiest shaping.

Natural peanut butter can work, but you may need extra powdered sugar to firm it up.

3. Why is flaky salt important?

Flaky salt adds texture and contrast without overwhelming sweetness.

It’s what transforms these from basic candy into sweet and salty Christmas candy.

4. Can kids help make these?

Yes—and they love it. Shaping the trees is especially fun.

Adults should handle chocolate melting, but everything else is very kid-friendly.

5. How do I prevent cracking in the chocolate?

Let the trees come slightly closer to room temperature before dipping.

Sudden temperature changes can cause chocolate stress lines.

6. Can I make these gluten-free?

They already are, as long as your chocolate is certified gluten-free.

Perfect for mixed-diet holiday platters.

7. Do these travel well for gifting?

Very well. Once set, they’re sturdy and hold shape beautifully.

Layer with parchment in tins for gifting.

8. Can I use cookie cutters instead?

You can, but freehand shaping is faster and more charming.

These treats embrace a handmade holiday look—and that’s part of their magic.