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This year, I’ve found the perfect recipe to add to your festive menu: homemade Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Trees. These delightful confections combine the classic, beloved flavors of Reese’s creamy peanut butter and smooth milk chocolate into adorable, tree-shaped candies.
Table of Contents
How to make Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Trees
Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Trees are a seasonal holiday candy from Reese’s, usually released around Christmas.
Ingredients
For the peanut butter filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (use a smooth variety for the best texture).
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
- 1 cup powdered sugar.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor).
For the chocolate coating:
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips (or your favorite milk chocolate bar, finely chopped).
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, to help the chocolate melt smoothly).
For shaping:
- Tree-shaped cookie cutters (various sizes, depending on preference).
- Wax paper or parchment paper.
- A rolling pin and baking sheet.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and melted butter. Stir until smooth and fully mixed.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition, until a thick, dough-like consistency is formed. If using, add the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Cover the peanut butter filling with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll and shape.
2. Shape the Trees
- Once the peanut butter filling has chilled, place a sheet of wax paper on the countertop or a baking sheet.
- Roll out the filling to about 1/4 inch thickness using a rolling pin. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the surface to prevent sticking.
- Use tree-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the peanut butter filling into festive shapes. Carefully transfer these shapes onto another sheet of wax paper and place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up.
3. Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the milk chocolate chips and coconut oil or shortening (if desired). Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring frequently, until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop for controlled heating.
- Allow the chocolate to cool slightly (but not harden) before dipping. This will prevent the melting of the peanut butter shapes during coating.
4. Dip the Trees
- Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each peanut butter tree into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is evenly coated. Tap off the excess chocolate by gently tapping the fork against the edge of the bowl.
- Place the coated trees onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. If desired, top the trees with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or festive decorations for an extra holiday flair.
- Allow the chocolate to set fully by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature ingredients for the filling: This ensures the butter and peanut butter combine smoothly.
- Chill the filling before shaping: Cold peanut butter filling is much easier to handle and cut into neat shapes.
- Add texture if desired: For a twist on the classic recipe, mix crushed graham crackers or rice cereal into the peanut butter filling for added crunch.
- Customize your decorations: Drizzle white chocolate over the finished trees for contrast, or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch.
- Store properly: Keep the finished candies chilled in an airtight container for up to 1-2 weeks. They’re perfect for holiday parties or as last-minute edible gifts!
What to serve with
Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Trees are a decadent and festive treat on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with other complementary desserts, snacks, and beverages.
- Hot Chocolate: A classic cup of creamy hot cocoa is the perfect pairing for Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Trees. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes to enhance the holiday vibe.
- Coffee: Pair your Reese’s trees with a warm mug of coffee or a latte. The chocolatey richness of the treat complements the slight bitterness of coffee wonderfully. Bonus points for adding a splash of hazelnut or caramel syrup to your coffee for a festive twist.
- Chai Latte: The spicy and warm flavors of chai tea add a nice contrast to the smooth sweetness of the treats. It’s a comforting pairing for winter evenings.
- Milk: Of course, you can’t go wrong with a cold glass of milk—it’s a natural match for anything peanut-buttery!
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Trees at home allows for a lot of flexibility.
1. Peanut Butter Filling Substitutes
A. Nut Butters
If you or your guests have a peanut allergy or prefer other nut flavors, you can use:
- Almond Butter: A creamy and slightly sweet alternative to peanut butter.
- Cashew Butter: Offers a rich and buttery flavor, though it may be slightly more expensive.
- Hazelnut Butter: Adds a distinctive, almost chocolate-like flavor that pairs nicely with milk chocolate.
B. Seed Butters and Other Options
For nut-free alternatives, try:
- Sunflower Seed Butter: A great option for those with nut allergies; it’s creamy and has a slightly nutty flavor.
- Tahini: Made from sesame seeds, tahini provides a unique, slightly savory twist to the classic filling.
- Soy Nut Butter: A suitable nut-free substitute that mimics the texture and flavor of peanut butter.
C. Dairy Substitutes
If avoiding dairy, replace the unsalted butter with:
- Vegan Butter or Margarine: Use a dairy-free alternative to achieve the same creamy texture in the filling.
- Coconut Oil: Offers a mild coconut flavor and is solid at room temperature, making it a good binding agent.
2. Sweeteners
Adjust the sweetness or opt for a different sweetener:
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Use one of these liquid sweeteners instead of powdered sugar. Note that you’ll need to adjust the consistency by adding more almond flour or ground oats to thicken the mixture.
- Coconut Sugar: A lower-glycemic alternative to powdered sugar, though you might need to blend or process it to achieve a fine texture.
- Stevia or Erythritol: For a low-calorie option, consider these sugar substitutes. Ensure to use the powdered form to maintain texture.
- Agave Nectar: A liquid sweetener that requires the same thickening adjustment as maple syrup or honey.
3. Milk Chocolate Coating Substitutes
A. Alternative Chocolates
Depending on dietary needs or preferences, consider:
- Dark Chocolate: For a less sweet and more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate. Choose varieties with at least 60% cocoa for good melting.
- White Chocolate: Offers a creamy and sweet alternative, though it lacks the classic chocolate flavor.
- Vegan Chocolate: Made with non-dairy ingredients, this is perfect for vegan or dairy-sensitive diets.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate: Ideal for those monitoring their sugar intake, available in both dark and milk variants.
B. Fat Substitutes for Melting
The chocolate melting process can be aided using:
- Vegetable Oil: A common and accessible option that helps smoothen melted chocolate.
- Butter: Yes, regular butter works fine if dairy isn’t an issue.
- Ghee: Clarified butter that adds a rich flavor (contains dairy but is often tolerated better by people with lactose issues).
- Plant-Based Oils: Coconut oil is a top choice, but others like avocado oil can be used in smaller amounts.
Final Thoughts
Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Trees are versatile treats that pair wonderfully with a wide range of foods and drinks, from fresh fruit and ice cream to hot cocoa and savory cheese boards.
More Chocolate Recipes:
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