Save There's something magical about the simplicity of these chocolate trees—I discovered them by accident one December while hunting through the cupboard for something quick to bring to a neighbor's holiday party. I grabbed a handful of Kinder bars, thinking maybe I could arrange them into something festive, and within minutes I had these charming little stacks that looked like they belonged under a Christmas tree themselves. The beauty is in how little you actually have to do; the chocolate bars already have that perfect shape, and a drizzle of melted chocolate transforms them into something that feels intentional and celebratory.
I remember my daughter's face the first time she saw the finished trees lined up on the tray—she immediately wanted to help decorate them, and suddenly what was meant to be a quick dessert turned into an afternoon project. We laughed when the chocolate drizzle pooled unevenly on one, making it look like it had melted in a snowstorm, and that became her favorite. Those imperfect trees are the ones people remember and ask for year after year.
Ingredients
- Mini Kinder chocolate bars: You need 24 total—three per tree—and their individual wrapping makes them feel special and easy to portion. If you can't find Kinder bars, any small chocolate bar with a similar size works beautifully.
- Dark or milk chocolate for drizzling: The choice here changes everything; dark chocolate gives you that sophisticated edge, while milk chocolate keeps things sweeter and more kid-friendly. Chop it roughly so it melts evenly.
- Coconut oil: This is optional but genuinely worth having on hand—it makes the melted chocolate flow like silk and sets with a glossy finish that looks professionally done.
- Festive sprinkles or edible glitter: The moment these hit the warm chocolate, they stick immediately, so have them ready before you start drizzling.
- Mini chocolate or candy stars: These crown each tree and give you that finishing touch that says you actually planned this.
Instructions
- Line your tray:
- Use parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is basically nonexistent.
- Unwrap and stack:
- Unwrap all your Kinder bars first—this takes a minute but keeps you in flow. Stack three bars per tree, with the bottom whole, the middle broken and overlapped into a triangle shape, and the top one perched for height; think of it like building a wobbly chocolate cairn that actually works.
- Space them out:
- Leave a few inches between each stack so they have room to show off once they're dressed up.
- Melt your chocolate:
- Use a heatproof bowl over simmering water—this gentle method prevents scorching—or microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each one, until you have glossy, pourable chocolate. Add the coconut oil if you're using it and stir until it disappears.
- Drizzle generously:
- Use a spoon or piping bag to create those branch-like patterns, letting the chocolate pool slightly at the base. This is where the trees actually start looking intentional.
- Decorate immediately:
- Sprinkles stick best when the chocolate is still warm, so work quickly and scatter them like you mean it, then crown each tree with a star before everything sets.
- Chill until set:
- Ten to fifteen minutes in the fridge is usually enough, but you can also leave them out at room temperature if you're short on time.
Pin it What really got me about these trees is how they transformed a simple afternoon into something festive without any fuss. My partner came home to a kitchen that smelled like melted chocolate and a counter lined with these charming little creations, and suddenly we were planning which friends to bring them to instead of stressing about what dessert to serve.
Why Chocolate Works Better Than You Think
Chocolate is forgiving in a way that other desserts aren't—if your drizzle pools in the wrong place, it becomes a design choice rather than a mistake. The richness of the chocolate also means a little goes a long way, so even though these look indulgent, they're actually perfectly portioned. I've found that letting the chocolate set slowly at room temperature sometimes gives you better color and texture than rushing it in the fridge.
Making This Recipe Your Own
Once you understand the basic structure, you can play with almost everything here—white chocolate drizzle instead of dark, crushed candy canes mixed into the chocolate, or even a different type of mini chocolate bar that you find at the store. The fun part is that there's no wrong answer; these trees are forgiving enough to handle experimentation. I've made versions with peppermint bark scattered on top, caramel drizzle instead of plain chocolate, and even a salted version that turned out surprisingly sophisticated.
Storage and Serving Tips
These trees keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week, which means you can make them a day or two ahead if you're hosting. They're honestly good served straight from the fridge—there's something satisfying about that cold chocolate snap—but they're equally fine at room temperature. Here are the last-minute thoughts that make the difference:
- If you're transporting them, line the bottom of your container with parchment so they don't stick together.
- Double-check that everyone who's eating them is okay with the allergens, especially if kids are involved.
- Make a few extra for yourself, because at least one will disappear before you even get to the party.
Pin it These trees remind me that some of the best things in the kitchen happen when you stop overthinking and just play a little. They're festive without being precious, simple enough that anyone can make them, and memorable enough that people will ask for them again.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of chocolate works best for the drizzle?
Milk or dark chocolate can be used depending on your preference; adding a bit of coconut oil helps achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
- → Can I substitute the mini Kinder bars?
Yes, any similar sized mini chocolate bars can be stacked to form the tree shapes with equally delicious results.
- → How can kids participate in making these treats?
Kids can help unwrap bars, stack them into shapes, sprinkle decorations, and assist with drizzling the melted chocolate under supervision.
- → What’s the best way to melt the chocolate?
Use a heatproof bowl over simmering water or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy.
- → How should these chocolate trees be stored?
Store in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerator; they can last up to a week while maintaining freshness.