Christmas Peanut Butter Chocolate
Chocolate and peanut butter are already one of the best dessert combinations, but add festive Christmas decorations and suddenly you’ve got an easy holiday treat that looks perfect on a cookie tray.
These Christmas Peanut Butter Chocolate Treats start with a smooth peanut butter filling made with butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar.
The mixture is rolled into bite-size pieces, chilled until firm, then dipped in melted chocolate.
Before the chocolate sets, decorate each piece with:
- Red and green sprinkles
- White nonpareils
- Crushed candy
- Holiday sugar decorations
The finished treats are creamy in the center, rich and chocolatey outside, and just the right size for snacking.
Best of all, there’s no complicated baking required.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Treat
No oven required. Perfect when your oven is already full of Christmas cookies.
Easy to make ahead. Prepare them several days before your gathering.
Great for gifting. Pack them into small holiday boxes or tins.
Simple ingredients. Peanut butter, butter, sugar, vanilla, and chocolate do most of the work.
Easy to decorate. Sprinkles instantly make them festive.
Kid-friendly. Children can help dip or decorate the treats.
Freezer-friendly. Make a large batch before the holiday rush.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Chocolate Coating
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate
- 8 ounces milk chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening, optional
Christmas Decorations
- Red sprinkles
- Green sprinkles
- White nonpareils
- Holiday confetti sprinkles
- Crushed peppermint candy, optional
- White chocolate drizzle, optional
Best Peanut Butter to Use
For the smoothest filling, use a regular creamy peanut butter.
Natural peanut butter can sometimes separate because of its higher oil content, which may make the filling softer.
If using natural peanut butter, stir it extremely well first and be prepared to add a little extra powdered sugar.
Crunchy peanut butter also works if you want more texture.
How to Make Christmas Peanut Butter Chocolate Treats
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
Place the softened butter and peanut butter in a large mixing bowl.
Beat until smooth and creamy.
Add:
- Vanilla
- Salt
Mix again.
Gradually add the powdered sugar.
The mixture will become thick.
Continue mixing until it can easily hold its shape.
Step 2: Adjust the Texture
The mixture should be soft but rollable.
If it’s too sticky, add another:
2–4 tablespoons powdered sugar
If it’s too dry, add:
1 tablespoon peanut butter
at a time.
Step 3: Roll Into Balls
Scoop approximately:
1 tablespoon mixture
for each piece.
Roll between your palms until smooth.
Arrange the peanut butter balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
You should get approximately 30–36 pieces depending on size.
Step 4: Chill
Refrigerate for approximately:
30–45 minutes
or freeze for:
15–20 minutes
The centers should be firm before dipping.
This makes them much easier to coat with chocolate.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
Place the semisweet and milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
Heat in 20–30 second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval.
Stop once the chocolate is smooth.
Do not continue microwaving after the chocolate has melted.
If you want a thinner coating, stir in:
1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening.
Step 6: Dip the Peanut Butter Centers
Drop one chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate.
Use a fork to turn it until completely covered.
Lift it from the chocolate.
Tap the fork gently against the side of the bowl to remove excess coating.
Place the candy back onto parchment paper.
Step 7: Decorate Immediately
Before the chocolate sets, add:
- Red sprinkles
- Green sprinkles
- White sprinkles
Don’t wait until you’ve dipped the whole batch.
Chocolate can set quickly, and the decorations won’t stick once it hardens.
Step 8: Let the Chocolate Set
Allow the treats to sit at room temperature until firm.
Or refrigerate them for about:
15–20 minutes
to speed things up.
Step 9: Add White Chocolate Drizzle
For a more festive finish, melt a small amount of white chocolate.
Drizzle it over the coated candies.
Immediately add a few red and green sprinkles.
This creates a bakery-style Christmas look with very little extra work.
The Secret to Smooth Chocolate Coating
Chill the Peanut Butter Centers
Warm filling can soften or break apart while dipping.
Don’t Freeze Them Rock Solid
Extremely frozen centers can sometimes cause chocolate coatings to crack as the candy warms.
Firm and chilled is ideal.
Melt Chocolate Slowly
Chocolate can scorch easily.
Short microwave intervals are safer than one long heating cycle.
Keep Water Away
Even a small amount of water can make melted chocolate seize.
Use completely dry bowls and utensils.
Christmas Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls
The easiest presentation is the classic round candy.
Roll the filling into smooth balls and dip completely in chocolate.
Decorate with Christmas sprinkles.
These are perfect for:
- Cookie trays
- Dessert boards
- Christmas parties
- Gift boxes
Christmas Peanut Butter Chocolate Buckeye-Style Treats
For a slightly different look, don’t completely cover the peanut butter center.
Insert a toothpick into each chilled ball.
Dip approximately three-quarters of the candy into chocolate.
Leave a small circle of peanut butter visible at the top.
Remove the toothpick and smooth the hole.
Finish with holiday sprinkles around the chocolate.
Christmas Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
You can also turn the same flavors into bars.
Press the peanut butter mixture firmly into a parchment-lined square pan.
Pour melted chocolate over the top.
Add red and green sprinkles.
Refrigerate until firm.
Cut into small squares.
This is faster than dipping individual candies.
Christmas Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
For an even richer variation, make a two-layer fudge.
Use:
Bottom layer: peanut butter fudge.
Top layer: chocolate fudge.
Decorate with festive sprinkles before chilling.
Cut into small squares because the finished candy will be very rich.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Christmas Trees
Press the filling into a pan.
Chill.
Cut into small triangle shapes.
Dip the triangles in chocolate.
Decorate with:
- Green drizzle
- Red sprinkles
- White nonpareils
Insert a small pretzel piece at the bottom as a tree trunk if desired.
Christmas Peanut Butter Chocolate Truffles
For a softer truffle-style center, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
Chill thoroughly before dipping.
Top with:
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate drizzle
- Crushed peanuts
This creates a more sophisticated holiday candy.
White Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Treats
Instead of regular chocolate, dip part of the batch in white chocolate.
Decorate with red and green sprinkles.
A mixed tray of:
- Dark chocolate
- Milk chocolate
- White chocolate
looks especially attractive at Christmas.
Peanut Butter Chocolate With Peppermint
Chocolate and peppermint are classic Christmas flavors.
Sprinkle a small amount of crushed peppermint candy over the chocolate coating before it sets.
Use only a little because you still want the peanut butter flavor to come through.
Peanut Butter Pretzel Christmas Bites
Add crushed pretzels to the peanut butter filling.
The salty crunch balances the sweetness.
Or place a small peanut butter filling portion between two mini pretzels.
Dip the whole sandwich halfway in chocolate.
Finish with holiday sprinkles.
Rice Cereal Peanut Butter Chocolate Bites
Mix crispy rice cereal into the peanut butter filling.
This creates a lighter, crunchy center.
Use about:
1–1½ cups crispy rice cereal
and gently fold it into the peanut butter mixture before forming the candies.
Christmas Peanut Butter Chocolate With Peanuts
Add:
½ cup finely chopped roasted peanuts
to the filling.
You can also sprinkle chopped peanuts over the wet chocolate coating.
For a salty-sweet version, use lightly salted peanuts.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Treats
Replace the milk chocolate with dark chocolate.
The bitterness of dark chocolate balances the sweet peanut butter center.
This is one of my favorite variations for adults.
Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Treats
For a sweeter, softer flavor, use all milk chocolate.
This is usually the most kid-friendly option.
Christmas Candy Tray Ideas
These peanut butter chocolates work beautifully with:
- Sugar cookies
- Gingerbread cookies
- Chocolate fudge
- Peanut butter fudge
- Peppermint bark
- Chocolate-covered pretzels
- Truffles
- Mini cheesecakes
Try using different shapes and colors so the tray doesn’t look repetitive.
Christmas Dessert Board
For a large holiday dessert board, place the peanut butter chocolates around small bowls containing:
- Pretzels
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate candies
- Nuts
Then fill empty spaces with:
- Cookies
- Candy canes
- Brownie bites
The red, green, white, and chocolate colors create an easy Christmas presentation.
Homemade Christmas Gift
These candies are excellent for edible gifts.
After the chocolate has completely set, place each piece into a small paper candy liner.
Arrange them in:
- Christmas tins
- Small gift boxes
- Holiday treat bags
Separate layers with parchment or wax paper.
Add a ribbon and gift tag.
Make-Ahead Christmas Candy
Holiday cooking gets busy, so make these ahead.
Prepare them approximately:
3–4 days before serving
and keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
Wait until they’re fully set before stacking.
How to Store Christmas Peanut Butter Chocolate
Place finished candies in an airtight container.
Separate layers with parchment paper.
You can keep them refrigerated for the firmest texture.
Allow them to sit at room temperature for several minutes before serving if you prefer a softer peanut butter center.
Can You Freeze Peanut Butter Chocolate Treats?
Yes.
These freeze very well.
Place completely set candies in a freezer-safe container.
Separate the layers with parchment.
Freeze.
When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Then bring closer to room temperature before eating if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without baking?
Yes. This is a no-bake candy recipe.
Why is my peanut butter filling sticky?
Add more powdered sugar a little at a time.
Why is my filling crumbly?
It may contain too much powdered sugar. Mix in a small amount of peanut butter.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely.
Can I use dark chocolate?
Yes. Dark chocolate is excellent with peanut butter.
Can I use white chocolate?
Yes. White chocolate creates a beautiful Christmas variation.
Why did my chocolate become thick?
It may have overheated. Stir in a small amount of coconut oil to thin it.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes. They’re ideal for make-ahead holiday baking.
Can children help?
Definitely. Let adults handle melted chocolate while children add the sprinkles.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. This recipe scales very easily for Christmas parties and gift boxes.
Easy Christmas Peanut Butter Chocolate Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 45 minutes
Servings: About 30–36 pieces
Ingredients
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate
- 8 ounces milk chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, optional
- Red, green, and white Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Beat peanut butter and butter until smooth.
- Add vanilla and salt.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar.
- Roll into 1-inch balls.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill for 30–45 minutes.
- Melt semisweet and milk chocolate gently.
- Stir in optional coconut oil.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate.
- Let excess chocolate drip away.
- Return to parchment.
- Immediately add Christmas sprinkles.
- Repeat with remaining candies.
- Refrigerate until chocolate sets.
- Serve chilled or slightly softened.
Delicious Variations
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Treats: Use dark chocolate.
White Chocolate Christmas Bites: Dip in white chocolate.
Peppermint Peanut Butter Chocolates: Add crushed peppermint.
Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites: Add crushed pretzels.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Chocolates: Use crunchy peanut butter.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars: Press into a pan instead of rolling.
Peanut Butter Christmas Trees: Cut the chilled mixture into triangles and decorate.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge: Make it into layered holiday fudge.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Peanut Butter Chocolate is exactly the kind of recipe that works during the busiest part of the holiday season.
You get creamy peanut butter centers wrapped in rich chocolate and finished with festive red, green, and white decorations—all without turning on the oven.
They’re easy enough for beginners, fun enough for children to help decorate, attractive enough for a Christmas dessert tray, and practical enough to prepare ahead.
They also make an easy homemade gift when packed into a holiday tin or candy box.