St. Nick’s Dove Sticks: A Festive Holiday Treat

The scent of peanut butter always takes me back to childhood Christmases. My grandmother, a whirlwind of holiday cheer, always had a tray of assorted goodies on the coffee table. Amongst the fudge and peanut brittle, there were always peanut butter bars with chocolate, a simple but irresistible treat that vanished within minutes. These St. Nick’s Dove Sticks capture that same nostalgic magic, combining the creamy peanut butter with the rich chocolate and festive colors that define the season. They are an easy and fun no-bake dessert to add to your holiday baking!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1.5 minutes (microwave time)
• Total Time: 47 minutes (including refrigeration)
• Servings: 48
• Yield: 4 dozen bars
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• ¾ cup butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter, reduced fat
• 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 ¾ cups Dove dark chocolate miniatures or 1 ¾ cups Dove milk chocolate miniatures
• 1 cup M&M chocolate-covered peanuts (red and green)

Equipment Needed

• 15x10x1-inch pan
• Mixing bowl
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix thoroughly until a well-combined mixture forms. It should resemble slightly damp sand.
2. Grease a 15x10x1-inch pan.
3. Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a smooth, compact layer. This forms the base of your St. Nick’s Dove Sticks.
4. Unwrap the Dove chocolate miniatures (either dark or milk chocolate). Place them in a microwave-safe bowl.
5. Melt the Dove chocolate in the microwave for 90 seconds. It might take a little less or more depending on your microwave. Stir after 60 seconds to prevent burning. Continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
6. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the pressed peanut butter layer.
7. Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate smoothly and uniformly across the entire surface. Ensure the peanut butter base is fully covered.
8. Immediately sprinkle the red and green M&M peanut chocolate candies over the layer of melted chocolate. Press them lightly into the chocolate to ensure they adhere as the chocolate sets.
9. Refrigerate the pan to set the chocolate for approximately 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial for the chocolate to firm up, making it easier to cut into bars.
10. Once the chocolate is set, remove the pan from the refrigerator. Cut the mixture into bars or squares using a sharp knife.
11. Serve and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. This will help the ingredients combine smoothly and prevent a greasy texture.
• Microwave Chocolate Carefully: Microwave chocolate in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent burning. Burnt chocolate can ruin the entire recipe.
• Even Layering: For a professional look, use an offset spatula to create a perfectly smooth chocolate layer.
• Press M&Ms Gently: Pressing the M&Ms into the melted chocolate ensures they stay put when the bars are cut and served.
• Line the Pan: For easy removal, line the pan with parchment paper before pressing in the peanut butter mixture. This will allow you to lift the whole slab out and cut it on a cutting board.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar slightly.
• Salted Butter: A little salted butter can enhance the overall flavor, creating a delightful sweet-and-salty combination.
• Chopped Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the peanut butter mixture for added texture and flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these St. Nick’s Dove Sticks chilled or at room temperature. They look especially festive arranged on a holiday platter amongst other cookies and candies.

To store: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	91 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	54 kcal	60%
Total Fat	6.1 g	9%
Saturated Fat	2.7 g	13%
Cholesterol	7.9 mg	2%
Sodium	52.3 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	8.5 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	6.9 g	27%
Protein	1.6 g	3%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Different Chocolate: Experiment with other types of chocolate, such as white chocolate or peanut butter chips.
• Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini in place of the peanut butter for a nut-free alternative.
• Festive Sprinkles: Instead of M&Ms, use festive holiday sprinkles for a different look.
• Peppermint Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate for a refreshing holiday flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Delight: Use all dark chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor.
• Espresso Kick: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the melted chocolate for a mocha-inspired treat.
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the peanut butter mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Q: Can I use regular peanut butter instead of reduced fat?
A: Yes, you can use regular peanut butter, but the bars will be slightly richer and have a slightly different texture.

Q: What if my chocolate seizes when melting it?
A: If your chocolate seizes, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening. This can sometimes help to smooth it out.

Q: Can I use a different size pan?
A: You can use a different size pan, but the thickness of the bars will vary. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q: How do I prevent the M&Ms from falling off when cutting the bars?
A: Press the M&Ms gently into the melted chocolate while it’s still soft. This will help them adhere as the chocolate sets.

Final Thoughts

These St. Nick’s Dove Sticks are a simple yet delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holidays. The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and festive M&Ms is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make them your own! I encourage you to gather your ingredients, get into the kitchen, and create a batch of these festive bars. I know you will be happy with the final result, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback! Enjoy!