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I started making these peppermint chocolate Christmas trees a few years back, mostly because I needed something quick for a holiday party and didn't feel like fussing with anything complicated. They've been in the rotation ever since.
The mix of dark chocolate, crushed peppermint, and that salty little snap from the pretzel sticks hits all the right notes-familiar like peppermint bark, but more fun. They're the kind of treats that seem to vanish the minute you set them down.
They come together fast, look festive without much effort, and are dangerously easy to snack on while you're "just arranging the platter."
The Gist
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 20 trees
Skill Level: Easy
Dietary Notes: Gluten-free friendly with appropriate pretzels
Why You'll Love It
They store well in an airtight container, making them perfect for prepping ahead of holiday parties.
They have all the nostalgic peppermint bark flavors with a fun holiday shape that makes every platter look festive.
The salty-sweet contrast from the pretzel sticks keeps each bite balanced and not overly sugary.
They come together quickly with simple melted chocolate and crushed peppermint-great for gifting or last-minute dessert tables.
Kitchen Equipment
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Make the Pretzel Trunks
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pipe small dots of melted dark chocolate onto the parchment and place two pretzel sticks over each dot to form the trunks. Let them set while you melt the chocolate layers.
Melt the Semi-Sweet Chocolate
Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds.
Stir and continue heating in short intervals until fully melted and smooth.
Transfer to a piping bag and snip a small opening at the tip.
Create the First Layer
Drizzle the melted chocolate over each set of trunks, starting narrow at the top and widening as you move downward to create the tree shape.
Let the chocolate set for about 10 minutes, or chill briefly to speed things up.
Melt the White Chocolate
Melt the white chocolate chips in the same way as the first batch.
Stir in a splash of peppermint extract.
Transfer to a clean piping bag and snip the tip.
Add the Peppermint Drizzle
Drizzle the peppermint white chocolate over the semi-sweet layer in the same tree pattern.
Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint pieces or candy canes over the tops.
Set Completely
Allow the trees to firm up at room temperature, about 20 minutes, before transferring to a container or platter.
✨ Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe ✨
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Chef's Tips for Peppermint Chocolate Trees
- Add a touch of coconut oil: Helps the melted chocolate drizzle more smoothly.
- Use finely crushed peppermint: It sticks better and looks cleaner on top.
- Keep the parchment flat: Ensures the trees set with a smooth, even shape.
- Work quickly with the toppings: Peppermint candies adhere best while the drizzle is still soft.
- Store between layers of parchment: Prevents sticking and smudging.
My Favorite Storage Containers
Rubbermaid Brilliance Storage Containers
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If holiday treats are your thing, subscribe to my newsletter browse a few more of my Christmas recipes-I'm always adding new favorites to the lineup.
Tried It?
If you make this recipe, tag me on Instagram with #jennifercooks-I'd love to see your version!
More Holiday Sweets to Pile on the Platter
When the peppermint chocolate trees are cooling on the counter, it's the perfect time to fill out the rest of the dessert table with a few more easy holiday sweets. These recipes all lean festive, shareable, and make-ahead friendly, so you can stack a platter high and let everyone pick their favorites.
Soft and Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
Warmly spiced, chewy, and coated in sparkly sugar, these ginger molasses cookies bring that classic holiday flavor and look great tucked alongside peppermint treats on any cookie platter.
Best No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Rich peanut butter centers dipped in smooth melted chocolate make these bite-sized candies ideal for dessert tables, candy tins, and gifting-no oven required, just chill and serve.
Chocolate Coconut Balls
These no-bake chocolate coconut balls taste like a homemade candy bar, with a sweet coconut filling wrapped in glossy chocolate, perfect for rounding out a tray with something rich and chocolatey.
Easy Soft Vanilla Almond Sugar Cookie Cutouts
Soft, buttery cutout sugar cookies that hold their shape and stay tender, made for decorating with icing and sprinkles and starring on Christmas cookie plates.
Classic Spritz Butter Cookies
Buttery, delicate spritz cookies piped or pressed into pretty shapes, ideal for big batches and colorful holiday platters that look like you worked much harder than you did.
Grinch Cookies
Bright green, crinkle-style cake mix cookies dusted in powdered sugar for a fun, whimsical touch that kids and adults both reach for on movie nights and Christmas parties.
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Before You Get Started! If you whip up this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a review and rating to let me know how it turned out. Your feedback helps keep the kitchen running and allows me to keep sharing free recipes with y'all!
Peppermint Christmas Trees
Ingredients
- 40 pretzel sticks
- ½ (11-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ (11-ounce) package white chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4 tablespoons crushed peppermint candy
Instructions
Prepare the Pretzel Trunks
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pipe small dots of melted semi-sweet chocolate onto the parchment to act as glue.½ (11-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Place 2 pretzel sticks over each dot, forming the tree trunks.40 pretzel sticks
Melt the Semi-Sweet Chocolate
- Microwave the semi-sweet chocolate chips for 30 seconds.
- Stir and continue microwaving in 15-30 second intervals until smooth.
- Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag or a zip-top bag and snip a small opening in the tip.
Create the First Chocolate Layer
- Drizzle the melted semi-sweet chocolate over each set of pretzel trunks, starting at the top and working down in a zigzag motion to form the tree shape.
- Let the chocolate set for about 10 minutes, or place the pan in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
Melt the White Chocolate
- Microwave the white chocolate chips for 30 seconds.½ (11-ounce) package white chocolate chips
- Stir and continue microwaving in 15-30 second intervals until smooth.
- Stir in the peppermint extract.½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Transfer the mixture to a piping or zip-top bag and snip the tip.
Add the White Chocolate Layer
- Drizzle the peppermint white chocolate over the set semi-sweet chocolate trees in the same pattern.
Finish and Set
- Immediately sprinkle each tree with crushed peppermint candy.4 tablespoons crushed peppermint candy
- Allow the trees to set completely, about 20 minutes.
Notes
- Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate in place of semi-sweet.
- Replace white chocolate with vanilla almond bark if preferred.
- Use peppermint baking chips or crushed candy canes in place of peppermint candy.
- Package as edible holiday gifts.
- Serve on cookie trays with other seasonal treats.
- Use as a festive garnish for hot cocoa or holiday desserts.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Refrigeration is optional but can extend freshness by several days.
- Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.
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