Name: Homemade Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces chocolate chips (divided, about 2½ cups); 3 teaspoons coconut oil (divided, optional); ½ cup creamy peanut butter (shelf-stable recommended); ¼ cup powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon table salt

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Introduction

Homemade peanut butter cups are a delightful treat that combines creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate. Making them at home is surprisingly simple and allows you to customize the sweetness and texture to your liking. They’re perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth or gifting to friends and family.

A close-up image shows a small rectangular chocolate treat held by a woman's hand with light pink nails. The treat has three layers: a thick, smooth dark brown chocolate outer layer that fully covers the sides, top, and bottom, an inner medium brown, smooth and creamy peanut butter layer at the center, and a thin, slightly darker chocolate base supporting the peanut butter center. The background shows blurred similar chocolates on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 ounces chocolate chips (divided, approximately 2½ cups of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate)
3 teaspoons coconut oil (divided, optional)
½ cup creamy peanut butter (shelf-stable is best)
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon table salt

Instructions

Step 1: Line a 6-cup muffin tin with silicone or paper liners. Alternatively, use a 12-cup mini cupcake liner tin.
Step 2: Place 1 cup of chocolate chips into a small heat-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until almost melted. Stir to melt remaining chunks, then add 1 teaspoon coconut oil and stir until glossy.
Step 3: Spoon about ½ tablespoon of melted chocolate into each muffin cup. Spread it evenly with the back of a spoon. Chill in the fridge or freezer for 5 minutes until firm.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, beat together peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt with a handheld mixer until well combined. If using natural peanut butter, add 1-2 tablespoons more powdered sugar to thicken.
Step 5: Remove the muffin tin from the fridge. Shape about 1 tablespoon of peanut butter mixture into small discs slightly smaller than the chocolate base. Place each disc into the muffin cups.
Step 6: Melt the remaining 1½ cups chocolate chips as before, adding the last 2 teaspoons coconut oil once melted and stirring until smooth.
Step 7: Pour about 2 teaspoons of melted chocolate over each peanut butter disc, smooth it out, and ensure the peanut butter center is fully covered.
Step 8: Chill the filled muffin tin in the fridge for about an hour or the freezer for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
Step 9: Once set, remove the peanut butter cups from the tin and liners if desired. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

Use shelf-stable peanut butter for easier shaping; natural peanut butter requires extra powdered sugar to thicken.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the peanut butter mixture for a spicy twist.
Substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different nutty flavor or to accommodate allergies.
Use dark, milk, or white chocolate according to your preference; adjusting powdered sugar can balance sweetness.

Storage

Store your peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture and flavor, let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating. They can be frozen for longer storage and thawed in the fridge overnight.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a small rectangular treat held by a woman's hand with light pink painted nails. The treat has three visible layers: a thick, soft light brown center, surrounded by a smooth, thin dark brown chocolate layer, and a slightly thicker bottom layer of dark chocolate with a firm texture. In the softly blurred background, there are more similar treats stacked together on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but natural peanut butter is more runny, so add 1-2 tablespoons extra powdered sugar to thicken the mixture for shaping.

Can I melt chocolate without a microwave?

Absolutely. Use a double boiler on the stovetop, stirring frequently until the chocolate is mostly melted, then remove from heat and stir to finish melting.