Name: From-scratch Peanut Butter Cups
Yield: 20

from-scratch Peanut Butter Cups are even better than Reese’s! Creamy peanut butter filling with a rich chocolate coating.

author’s note

My Kids’ Favorite from-scratch Treat!

I’m a huge chocolate peanut butter fan. It’s a reliable combo! You can tell from all the chocolate peanut butter treats on my site, like chocolate peanut butter muffins and chocolate peanut butter pie. My kids know that after trick-or-treating, they have to share at least one of their Reese’s with me. But as a lifelong fan, I’m telling you, from-scratch is even better than anything you can get on the shelves.

When you make your own, you get to pick the chocolate, adjust the peanut butter-to-chocolate ratio, and add a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of white chocolate.

My kids are obsessed with these. They even brag to their friends, “Guess what? My mom makes Reese’s that are even better!” So cute!

All the ingredients in this recipe prepped out for straightforward assembly.

Ingredients In from-scratch Peanut Butter Cups

Creamy Peanut Butter: For a creamy filling, use smooth peanut butter. If you’re using natural peanut butter, be sure to stir it well.
Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted butter to control salt.
Light Brown Sugar: Pack the sugar to get the right amount.
Salt: A small pinch brings out more flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds extra flavor.
Powdered Sugar: If your sugar is lumpy, sift it first!
Chocolate Melting Wafers: Use good-quality wafers for smooth chocolate and the best possible flavor.
Coconut Oil: Helps the chocolate stay smooth and creamy.

Variations

Switch It Up

Use a Different Nut Butter: Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter all work great.
Change the Chocolate: Try white or dark chocolate like in these peanut butter meltaways.
Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch on top before the chocolate sets for a salty-sweet combo.

The peanut butter filling being made in a pot for these from-scratch Peanut Butter Cups.

How To Make from-scratch Peanut Butter Cups

Prep Tin: Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
Make Filling: Melt peanut butter, butter, sugar, and salt. mix in vanilla and powdered sugar, then chill.
Melt Chocolate: Microwave chocolate and coconut oil until smooth.
Assemble: Add chocolate to liners, top with pb filling, then cover with more chocolate.
Chill & Enjoy: Refrigerate until set, then remove liners and eat!

Adding the chocolate to each liner and then layering in the peanut butter layer and topping with chocolate.

Recipe Tips

Chill Filling: Chill the peanut butter mixture fully. This makes it easier to scoop and shape.
Tap the Pan: Tap the pan to help chocolate spread evenly and remove air bubbles.
Use Good Chocolate: Choose good-quality chocolate wafers for best flavor.
Don’t Overheat: Heat chocolate in short bursts in the microwave and stir often to avoid burning.