There’s something truly magical about the combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. It’s a timeless duo that has been delighting taste buds for generations. If you’ve ever unwrapped a store-bought peanut butter cup and thought, I could eat a hundred of these, then this recipe is for you.

Making peanut butter cups at home is easier than you might think, and the results? Absolutely irresistible. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of decadent, melt-in-your-mouth treats that taste even better than the ones from the store. Plus, you get to control the quality of ingredients—no preservatives or additives, just pure, delicious goodness.

Whether you’re making these for a special occasion, gifting them to a friend, or just indulging in a well-earned treat, these homemade peanut butter cups are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – No baking required, just a few simple steps!
• Better than store-bought – Fresh ingredients, no preservatives, and a richer flavor.
• Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, use different types of chocolate, or make them mini or jumbo-sized!
• Perfect for gifting – Wrap them up for holidays, birthdays, or just because.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
• 2 cups chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet)
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil (or vegetable oil)

How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Making peanut butter cups at home is a fun and rewarding process. You only need a handful of ingredients and a little patience while they set in the fridge. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, melted butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, stirring continuously until the mixture forms a thick dough-like consistency. The filling should be firm enough to hold its shape but still soft and creamy.

If it feels too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to make it easier to work with.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Be careful not to overheat—it should be warm and silky, not scorched.

Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop for more control over the heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Peanut Butter Cups

Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. Spoon about a teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner, using the back of the spoon to spread it evenly.

Take small portions of the peanut butter mixture, roll them into discs slightly smaller than the muffin cups, and place them on top of the chocolate layer.

Cover each peanut butter disc with another teaspoon of melted chocolate, spreading it to fully enclose the filling. Gently tap the muffin tin on the counter to smooth out the tops.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set. Once firm, remove the peanut butter cups from the tin and peel off the liners.

Now comes the best part—take a bite and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Use high-quality chocolate – Since chocolate is a key ingredient, using good-quality chocolate chips or a chopped chocolate bar makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
• Chill between layers – If you want extra neat layers, pop the first layer of chocolate in the fridge for 5 minutes before adding the peanut butter filling.
• Make them crunchy – For a little texture, mix in some crushed graham crackers or rice cereal into the peanut butter filling.
• Store properly – Keep your peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent melting.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 mini peanut butter cups
• Category: Dessert, Candy
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• If you prefer a saltier contrast, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets.
• These can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values per mini peanut butter cup

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 11g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes! Just make sure to stir it well before using, as natural peanut butter tends to separate. It may also create a softer filling, so you might need to add a bit more powdered sugar.

Can I use almond or sunflower butter instead?
Absolutely! You can swap peanut butter for any nut or seed butter of your choice. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

What’s the best chocolate to use?
Milk chocolate gives you that classic peanut butter cup flavor, while dark chocolate adds a rich, slightly bitter contrast. Semi-sweet chocolate is a great in-between option.

Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?
Yes, but they’ll be larger! You may need to adjust the chocolate and peanut butter filling amounts accordingly.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store homemade peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months! Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

Related Recipes

If you loved these homemade peanut butter cups, here are a few other sweet treats you might enjoy:

• Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
• Butterfinger Peanut Butter Bombs: A Sweet Explosion of Peanut Butter & Crunchy Goodness
• Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
• Fudgy, Chewy Brookies (Brownie + Cookie Combo!)

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making your own peanut butter cups from scratch. Not only do they taste fresher and richer than store-bought versions, but you can also tweak them exactly to your liking. Whether you love extra chocolate, a hint of sea salt, or a crunchy twist, this recipe is endlessly customizable.

Print