Homemade Reese’s cups are my favorite way to recreate a childhood memory in the kitchen. I remember sneaking chocolate and peanut butter when no one was watching, and now I love sharing this simple, quick recipe with my family. These homemade peanut butter cups are easy to make, customizable for mini cups or healthier versions, and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Every bite is chocolatey, creamy, and unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade Reese’s cups are a sweet, irresistible treat that everyone in your family will adore. This peanut butter cups recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or just satisfying a chocolate-and-peanut-butter craving. You’ll love how these homemade peanut butter cups are fully customizable—you can make mini peanut butter cups for snacks, 3-ingredient versions for simplicity, or even healthy Reese’s cup recipes using dark chocolate and natural peanut butter.
The creamy peanut butter filling paired with rich chocolate makes each bite unforgettable, and because you control the ingredients, you can adjust sweetness, chocolate type, or portion size. Whether you’re creating homemade Reese’s cups in a pan for a fun baking activity or making individual mini peanut butter cups as gifts, this recipe is family-friendly, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. It’s a simple way to enjoy chocolatey goodness at home while experimenting with flavors, textures, and even healthier alternatives.
This homemade Reese’s cups recipe proves that making candy at home can be fun, easy, and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients for This Recipe
The ingredients for homemade Reese’s cups are simple, wholesome, and easy to find, yet they come together to create a decadent chocolate-and-peanut-butter treat. The chocolate layer forms a smooth, rich shell, and adding coconut oil ensures it melts perfectly for coating and setting. The peanut butter filling is creamy and lightly sweetened, giving the perfect balance to the chocolate. You can customize this recipe with mini chocolate chips, a sprinkle of sea salt, or crushed nuts for extra flavor and texture. Using dark or milk chocolate allows you to adjust sweetness and richness, while natural peanut butter can make a healthier version. These ingredients are flexible, letting you make mini peanut butter cups, 3-ingredient versions, or a family-friendly batch that everyone will love. Homemade Reese’s cups are quick to assemble, satisfying to eat, and fun to make, perfect for special occasions or just a sweet indulgence at home.
🛒 Ingredients (makes ~12 standard cups):
For the Chocolate Layer:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoothness)
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Variations / Toppings:
Mini chocolate chips, sea salt, or crushed nuts
Use dark or milk chocolate to taste
How to Make This Recipe
Making homemade Reese’s cups is simple, fun, and perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. The process starts with melting chocolate to form a smooth, rich base that will hold the creamy peanut butter filling. The peanut butter mixture is lightly sweetened and layered on top of the chocolate for a perfect balance of flavors. By chilling each layer, you ensure the cups set properly and maintain their shape. You can make mini peanut butter cups for snacks, 3-ingredient peanut butter cups for quick treats, or healthy Reese’s cup recipes using dark chocolate and natural peanut butter. These homemade peanut butter cups are family-friendly, fully customizable, and ideal for busy weeknights, dessert tables, or special occasions. Each step enhances the chocolatey, peanut-butter flavor, making this homemade Reese’s cups recipe a favorite for chocolate lovers everywhere.
🛒 Steps:
Melt 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon coconut oil until smooth.
Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners and spoon chocolate into the bottom of each.
Chill the chocolate base in the fridge for 10 minutes to set.
Mix ½ cup creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
Spoon peanut butter mixture onto chilled chocolate bases.
Top each cup with remaining melted chocolate and smooth the surface.
Chill for at least 30 minutes or until fully set.
Remove homemade Reese’s cups from liners and serve or store in an airtight container.
Expert Cooking Tips
Making homemade Reese’s cups is easier and more delicious when you follow a few expert tips. Choosing high-quality chocolate ensures your peanut butter cups have a rich, smooth taste, while using creamy peanut butter creates a perfectly soft filling. Chill each layer properly to prevent melting or mixing, and consider adding coconut oil to the chocolate for a silky texture. You can also customize this recipe to make mini peanut butter cups, 3-ingredient peanut butter cups, or healthy Reese’s cup recipes using natural peanut butter and dark chocolate. Small adjustments, like sprinkling sea salt or adding crushed nuts, elevate the flavor and make your homemade Reese’s cups extra special. Following these tips guarantees a family-friendly, customizable dessert that’s quick, fun, and irresistibly chocolatey.
💡 Expert Tips:
Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor in your homemade Reese’s cups
Chill chocolate layers before adding the peanut butter filling to maintain shape
Add 1 tablespoon coconut oil to melted chocolate for smoother, shinier cups
Use creamy peanut butter for a soft, balanced filling in every cup
Sprinkle sea salt or crushed nuts on top for added flavor and texture
Try mini peanut butter cups for portion control or fun gifts
Experiment with 3-ingredient peanut butter cups or healthy Reese’s cup recipes for quick or lighter versions
FAQs
What are homemade Reese’s cups and how do I make them?
Homemade Reese’s cups are chocolate cups filled with creamy peanut butter that you can make at home. This peanut butter cups recipe is quick, easy, and family-friendly. You can make mini peanut butter cups, 3-ingredient peanut butter cups, or even healthy Reese’s cup recipes with natural peanut butter and dark chocolate. Chilling each layer ensures perfect shape and smooth texture.
Can I make homemade Reese’s cups without a mold?
Yes, you can make homemade Reese’s cups in a pan or muffin tin lined with cupcake liners. Spread chocolate as the base, add peanut butter filling, then top with chocolate. This method works perfectly for mini peanut butter cups or larger homemade peanut butter cups batches.
What is the best chocolate for homemade Reese’s cups?
High-quality chocolate, either milk, dark, or semi-sweet, gives the best taste and smoothest texture. You can add coconut oil for a glossy finish. Using quality chocolate enhances any homemade Reese’s cups recipe, including mini peanut butter cups and healthy Reese’s cup recipes.
Can I make a healthier version of homemade Reese’s cups?
Yes, substitute natural peanut butter and dark chocolate for a healthier homemade Reese’s cups version. You can also reduce sweeteners to create mini peanut butter cups or 3-ingredient peanut butter cups that are lower in sugar while still delicious.
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Homemade Reese’s cups are a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy chocolate and peanut butter at home. This peanut butter cups recipe is quick, family-friendly, and fully customizable, whether you want mini peanut butter cups for snacks, 3-ingredient peanut butter cups for simplicity, or healthy Reese’s cup recipes using natural peanut butter and dark chocolate. By following this recipe, you can create irresistible homemade Reese’s cups that are perfect for busy weeknights, dessert tables, or special occasions.
These homemade Reese’s cups are not only satisfying to eat but also enjoyable to make, giving you the freedom to experiment with flavors, toppings, and portion sizes. From sprinkling sea salt or crushed nuts to adjusting sweetness and chocolate type, every batch can be tailored to your taste. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and expert tips, this homemade Reese’s cups recipe is a must-try for chocolate and peanut butter lovers everywhere.
Print
Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Total Time: ~1 hour
- Yield: 12 standard cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich chocolate cups filled with creamy peanut butter, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth at home. These homemade treats are customizable, easy to make, and can be mini-sized for snacks or gifts.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (makes ~12 standard cups):
For the Chocolate Layer:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoothness)
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Variations / Toppings:
Mini chocolate chips, sea salt, or crushed nuts
Use dark or milk chocolate to taste
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Chocolate Cups
Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
Spoon ~1 tablespoon melted chocolate into each liner, spreading to cover the bottom evenly. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Make Peanut Butter Filling
In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and slightly thickened.
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture into each chocolate base, pressing gently but keeping the filling centered.
Step 3: Top with Chocolate
Spoon remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter, covering completely.
Tap the pan lightly to smooth the tops and remove air bubbles.
Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or until fully set.
Step 4: Serve
Remove cups from liners.
Optional: sprinkle with sea salt or crushed nuts for extra flavor.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Mini Version: Use mini muffin liners for bite-sized cups.
- Make Ahead: These cups can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- No Coconut Oil: Chocolate will still set but may be slightly less smooth.
- Healthy Option: Use natural peanut butter and dark chocolate for a lower sugar version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Candy
- Method: No-bake / Chilled
- Cuisine: American