Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are a real treat that brings together creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate in the perfect little treat. These cups have that classic combo of…
Tip: save now, cook later.Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are a real treat that brings together creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate in the perfect little treat. These cups have that classic combo of salty and sweet that everyone knows and loves, but with the fun twist of being made right in your own kitchen.
I love making these because you can control just how much peanut butter and chocolate you want, and they come together surprisingly fast. One of my favorite parts is stirring the peanut butter filling until it’s just the right texture—soft and a little crumbly, so it melts beautifully with the chocolate. Plus, making these at home means no preservatives and you can sneak in a bit less sugar if you prefer.
When I serve these, I usually chill them until they’re nice and firm, then pop one in my mouth whenever I need a little pick-me-up. They also make great homemade gifts or party treats—people always ask for the recipe! Honestly, there’s nothing quite like a homemade peanut butter cup to bring a smile to your day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These give that classic chocolate flavor. You can swap for milk chocolate if you want a sweeter cup, or dark chocolate for a richer taste. Chocolate melting wafers work great too as they melt smoothly and set nicely.
Creamy peanut butter: I prefer natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils for a fresher taste. If you’re allergic to peanuts, sunflower seed butter or almond butter can be good alternatives, though flavor will vary.
Powdered sugar: This sweetens and thickens the peanut butter layer. If you want to skip powdered sugar, try a bit of honey or maple syrup but the texture may change compared to classic cups.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter helps create a smooth, rich filling. If you only have salted butter, you can leave out the added salt in the recipe.
How Do I Get Smooth, Firm Chocolate Layers That Don’t Melt?
Here’s the secret to great chocolate cups: melt the chocolate slowly and cool it properly to set firm and shiny.
- Melt chocolate in short bursts in the microwave (about 30 seconds), stirring in between to avoid overheating.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly in the liners and chill in the fridge or freezer first. This gives a firm base.
- After adding the peanut butter, cover fully with more melted chocolate and chill again until firm. Cold helps the chocolate harden nicely.
- Try to avoid handling the cups too much with warm hands to keep the chocolate from melting before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Muffin tin – holds your paper liners perfectly to shape each peanut butter cup.
- Paper cupcake liners – make removing and serving the cups easy and mess-free.
- Microwave-safe bowl – great for melting chocolate quickly without fuss.
- Spoon or small spatula – helps spread chocolate layers evenly and smooth out peanut butter filling.
- Mixing bowl – handy for blending the peanut butter filling smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free or different nutty flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of peppermint extract to the peanut butter for a fun twist.
- Use milk or white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter, creamier cup.
- Mix in crushed pretzels or mini toffee bits into the peanut butter for extra crunch.
Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chocolate melting wafers)
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted peanut butter)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to chill in the fridge until fully set. So, you’ll have delicious homemade peanut butter cups ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cupcake Liners and Chocolate Base:
Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until smooth. Spoon about 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner and spread it evenly. Pop the tin into the fridge or freezer to let the chocolate firm up while you make the filling.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, salt, and vanilla extract if using. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Cups and Chill:
Take the muffin tin out of the fridge. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of peanut butter filling on top of the set chocolate layer in each liner. Press it down gently to flatten. Melt the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips the same way you did before. Spoon the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, fully covering it. Return the tin to the fridge or freezer and chill for at least 30 minutes until the cups are firm.
4. Enjoy Your Treats:
When set, peel off the paper liners and enjoy your homemade peanut butter cups! Store these in the fridge for best results. They can also be kept at room temperature for a short time but may soften.
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter for This Recipe?
Yes, natural peanut butter works great! Just make sure to stir it well before measuring, as the oil may separate. This will help achieve a smooth filling.
How Should I Store Homemade Peanut Butter Cups?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you prefer, they can be stored at room temperature for a day or two, but they may soften.
Can I Substitute the Chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate or dark chocolate can be used instead of semi-sweet. Just choose your favorite and melt it the same way for delicious results.
Is It Possible to Make These Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the peanut butter mixture and even assemble the cups a day ahead. Just keep them covered in the fridge and chill until serving to keep them fresh and firm.
