Looking for a ridiculously easy yet impressive dessert to wow your guests this holiday season? Look no further! These adorable Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Trees are the perfect combination of festive fun and delicious indulgence. They require minimal baking and are guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. Prepare for a flurry of compliments – and maybe a few extra helping hands reaching for these sweet little trees!
Ingredients:
- 12 large Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (the standard size, not miniatures)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- Green food coloring (gel is best)
- Small pretzels, crushed (for tree trunks)
- Red and green M&Ms or sprinkles (for ornaments)
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Small zip-top bag or piping bag
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely smooth. If using a double boiler, follow the same gentle heating process until smooth.
Step 2: Assemble the Trees
Place 12 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups upright on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Create the Tree Shape
Spoon or pipe melted chocolate onto each peanut butter cup, creating a triangular shape resembling a Christmas tree. Start with a wider base and taper towards the top. Work quickly before the chocolate sets.
Step 4: Add the Trunk
While the chocolate is still wet, gently attach a small amount of crushed pretzels to the bottom of each tree to form the tree trunk.
Step 5: Decorate Your Trees
Melt the white chocolate chips in the same way as the semi-sweet chocolate. Add a tiny drop of green food coloring and mix thoroughly. Transfer the green chocolate to a zip-top bag or piping bag and snip a small corner. Pipe a zig-zag pattern onto each tree to resemble pine branches.
Step 6: Add the Ornaments
Once the green chocolate sets slightly, add your red and green M&Ms or sprinkles as ornaments. Get creative!
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely. Remove from the refrigerator, carefully peel the trees from the parchment paper, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success:
- Use good quality chocolate: This will significantly impact the taste and texture of your trees.
- Don't overheat the chocolate: Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize (become grainy).
- Work quickly: The chocolate will set quickly, so work efficiently to create your tree shapes.
- Chill thoroughly: This ensures the chocolate sets properly and prevents the trees from melting.
Variations:
- Different candies: Use other candies like mini marshmallows or colorful candies for ornaments.
- Sprinkles: Get creative with sprinkles – use different colors and shapes.
- Drizzle with white chocolate: After adding ornaments, drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra flair.
- Add a star: Use a small star-shaped candy or a piped star made from white chocolate to top each tree.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 200-250 Fat: Approximately 15-20g Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
These delightful Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Trees are a perfect addition to any holiday gathering. Easy to make and undeniably delicious, they are sure to be a festive favourite. Enjoy!