The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with festive and delicious treats? This year, step up your holiday game with candy-filled chocolate Christmas trees—a delightful combination of rich chocolate and a burst of colorful candies that will surely bring joy to your gatherings.
Several years ago, I made these as place settings for Christmas dinner for each of my nieces and nephews. They were a hit and the excitement that came when they found out that they were filled with candy was almost more than they could take when told they had to wait until after the meal to crack into them.
Ingredients You'll Need:
Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white, based on your preferences and the flavor profile you desire.
Silicone Christmas tree mold: The flexibility of this silicone mold makes it easy to protect the trees when you are removing. I purchased this one from a local craft store but you can also find on Amazon.
Assorted Candies: Embrace the season with various Christmas themed miniature candies; we used mini M&Ms because they are always a hit with the kiddos!
Tools:
Microwave for melting chocolate.
Silicone spatula for easy stirring
Wax paper or parchment paper
Luster Dust in color of choice
Fluffy paint brush
Cotton gloves
Instructions:
Choose Your Chocolate: Begin by selecting the type of chocolate you prefer for your trees.
Dark chocolate offers a rich and intense flavor, while milk and white chocolate provide a sweeter taste. You can also combine different types for a more diverse experience. When I do molds, I always use a combination of milk and dark chocolate.
Prepare the mold, making sure that it is clean and dry. Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, ensuring a smooth and glossy consistency. If using the microwave, melt slowly in 15 second intervals stirring in between each one. Chocolate that has gotten too hot will "bloom" leaving white streaks once set. Once melted, pour the chocolate into each cavity of the tree mold. Take a spoon and spread up the sides of the mold. Tap the mold against the counter to eliminate air bubbles.
To make the trees more stable, apply a second layer of chocolate once the first layer has completely hardened. This not only enhances the structural integrity but also adds an extra layer of indulgence. Using the same method, pour chocolate into the open tree cavity then using the back of a spoon spread the chocolate to the top of each tree. Allow each layer to set before adding the next.
Once the second layer has hardened, carefully pull away the silicone from the chocolate and gently work the silicone to release the tree. The best part about silicone molds is that you can easily stretch and manipulate to protect the chocolate shape.
Stand an empty tree on a piece of wax or parchment paper and trace around base. Repeat for the number of trees that you have. Flip the paper over and, using the tracing as a pattern, spoon and smooth chocolate to form a thin circle, this will be the base of the tree after you fill it.
Using a fluffy brush, dip into the luster dust and tap excess onto parchment paper. Then, with gloved hands so as not to leave fingerprints on the chocolate, "paint" the trees. Repeat as necessary until color saturation is reached. Luster Dust comes in a variety of colors and blends well so don't be afraid to opt for the colored light option on your trees!
Still wearing the cotton glove, gently hold the tree and fill with candy. Spoon a thin line of chocolate around the edge of each chocolate circle and place on the base of the candy-filled tree. Using a paintbrush, fill any holes between base and tree with chocolate; place on wax paper to harden. Once firm, using a sharp knife, trim any jagged edges.
When ready to enjoy, smash open for a treat that’s both fun and delicious!
This holiday season, elevate your celebrations with the enchanting combination of chocolate and candies. Christmas Tree Smashes not only bring a touch of whimsy to your festivities but also offer a delectable treat that captures the magic of the season. Share the joy with friends and family as you savor the delightful experience of biting into a festive tree filled with sweet surprises. Surprise them with a handmade creation that is tailored to their specific tastes for a thoughtful gift this year!
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