Chocolate Trees

Chocolate Trees are a fun, festive, and simple dessert I love making during the holidays. Whether I’m decorating cakes, topping cupcakes, or just creating edible table décor, these sweet little chocolate shapes add a whimsical and elegant touch. They’re easy to customize, quick to prepare, and always bring a little extra magic to dessert spreads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I enjoy most about making chocolate trees is how creative and versatile the process is. I don’t need any special tools—just melted chocolate, parchment paper, and a steady hand. I can keep them simple with just chocolate or dress them up with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter. They’re the perfect finishing touch for festive treats or charming little gifts.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Dark, milk, or white chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bars)
• Optional: coconut oil or shortening (to thin the chocolate if needed)
• Optional toppings: sprinkles, crushed peppermint, edible glitter, chopped nuts
• Parchment paper
• Piping bag or zip-top bag
• Toothpick or skewer (optional, for shaping or detailing)

Directions

I start by melting the chocolate in a heatproof bowl, using the microwave in 20-second bursts or a double boiler on the stove. I stir until smooth. If the chocolate is too thick, I mix in a tiny bit of coconut oil to thin it out.

I transfer the melted chocolate into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off.

On a parchment-lined baking sheet, I pipe triangle-shaped tree outlines or zigzag patterns that look like stylized trees. If I want to place them on cakes or cupcakes, I add a chocolate trunk at the base or insert a small lollipop stick before the chocolate sets.

While the chocolate is still wet, I decorate with sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or whatever toppings I feel like using.

I refrigerate the sheet for 15–20 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set and firm.

Once they’re set, I gently peel them off the parchment paper and store them in a cool place until I’m ready to use or serve them.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–15 chocolate trees depending on size.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Set time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swirl white and dark chocolate together for a marbled tree effect.

For a peppermint twist, I stir in peppermint extract before piping and top with crushed candy canes.

When I want a gold or silver shimmer, I dust them lightly with edible glitter once set.

I occasionally use green-colored candy melts for more vibrant “evergreen” trees.

For a nutty crunch, I sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or almonds on top before the chocolate hardens.

Storage/Reheating

I store chocolate trees in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. I keep them away from heat and moisture to avoid melting or bloom.

There’s no reheating necessary—they’re ready to go as soon as they’re firm. If I’m transporting them, I layer parchment paper between them to prevent breakage.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate melts instead of real chocolate?

Yes, candy melts are a great option—they melt easily, come in many colors, and set quickly, making them perfect for decorative chocolate trees.

How do I keep the chocolate from getting too thick?

If my melted chocolate feels too thick to pipe, I add a tiny bit of coconut oil or shortening to loosen it up. Just a little goes a long way.

Do I need to temper the chocolate?

Not for simple decorations like this, especially if I store them in the fridge. But if I want a glossy finish that stays firm at room temp, tempering helps.

How do I get even tree shapes?

I sometimes draw triangle outlines on parchment paper as a guide, then flip it over before piping the chocolate on the blank side.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes. I usually make them several days ahead and store them in a cool place until I’m ready to decorate with them or serve.

Conclusion

Chocolate Trees are one of my favorite edible decorations—easy to make, fun to customize, and always a hit during the holidays. Whether I’m dressing up a dessert or handing them out as little gifts, they bring a festive touch that’s both beautiful and delicious.

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