Description
There’s something truly special about homemade peanut butter cups. They bring back childhood memories of trick-or-treating, holiday candy trays, and sneaking a sweet treat after school. The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven. While store-bought peanut butter cups are delicious, nothing compares to the homemade version.
When you make them yourself, you can control the ingredients, adjust the sweetness, and even make them as thick and decadent as you like. Plus, they come together with just a few pantry staples—no fancy equipment required! Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a party, or just a weekend treat, these peanut butter cups are sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. This makes it easier to remove the peanut butter cups once they’ve set. If you don’t have liners, you can lightly grease the muffin tin, but liners are highly recommended for a neater finish.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to make the chocolate extra creamy.
Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into the bottom of each muffin liner, just enough to cover the base. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly. Place the tray in the freezer for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
In a separate bowl, mix the remaining peanut butter, powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
Remove the tray from the freezer and scoop a small amount of the peanut butter mixture onto each chocolate layer. Gently press it down so it forms an even layer but doesn’t touch the edges.
Spoon the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling, making sure to cover it completely. If the chocolate has started to thicken, microwave it for another 15 seconds to make it easier to spread.
Place the tray back in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the chocolate is firm. Once set, remove the peanut butter cups from the liners and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use natural peanut butter, but make sure to stir it well before mixing to prevent separation.
- If you prefer a sweeter filling, add a little extra powdered sugar to taste.
- For a fun twist, try using almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter.