Home Made Reese Cups are the perfect weekend project for any peanut butter and chocolate lover. There’s something magical about the combination of creamy peanut butter encased in rich chocolate that makes Reese’s Pieces Cookies and other Reese-inspired treats so irresistible. But making them at home elevates the experience—you control the ingredients, customize the size, and enjoy them fresher than any store-bought version.
These homemade cups capture all the nostalgic flavor of the classic candy but with the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into them. Perfect for special occasions, holiday gifting, or simply satisfying those intense chocolate-peanut butter cravings that we all get from time to time.
Nutritional Benefits
While these homemade treats are certainly indulgent, they do offer some nutritional advantages over store-bought versions. The peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats, especially when you choose natural varieties. Dark chocolate offers antioxidants, and by making them yourself, you eliminate preservatives and artificial ingredients.
| Nutrition | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 12g |
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips | Creates the chocolate shell | Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or dairy-free chocolate chips |
| 1 cup creamy peanut butter | Provides the signature filling | Almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cookie butter |
| ¼ cup powdered sugar | Sweetens and firms up the filling | Powdered erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or coconut sugar (pulverized) |
| 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened | Adds creaminess and helps with texture | Coconut oil, vegan butter, or ghee |
| ½ tsp vanilla extract | Enhances flavor | Almond extract or omit completely |
| ¼ tsp salt (if using unsalted PB) | Balances sweetness | Sea salt or omit if using salted peanut butter |
Equipment Needed
– 12-cup muffin tin (standard size) or 24-cup mini muffin tin
– Cupcake liners (paper or silicone)
– Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
– Mixing bowls
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Spoon or small offset spatula for spreading chocolate
– Refrigerator for setting
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Muffin Tin: Line a muffin tin with paper liners. For the authentic Reese’s Pieces Cookies look when making Home Made Reese Cups, use slightly fluted paper liners.
2. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt half of the chocolate chips (6 oz) in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
3. Create the Base Layer: Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of melted chocolate into each liner (less for mini cups). Using the back of a spoon or a small brush, push the chocolate slightly up the sides of the liner. This creates the cup shape.
4. First Chill: Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes until the chocolate is set.
5. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt (if using). Mix until smooth and well incorporated. The mixture should be thick but still spreadable.
6. Add the Filling: Remove the muffin tin from the refrigerator. Add about 1-2 teaspoons of the peanut butter mixture to each cup (less for mini cups). Gently press down to flatten, leaving some space around the edges for the top chocolate layer.
7. Melt Remaining Chocolate: Melt the remaining 6 oz of chocolate chips as you did in step 2.
8. Add the Top Layer: Spoon the remaining melted chocolate over each cup, ensuring the peanut butter filling is completely covered. Gently tap the muffin tin on the counter to even out the chocolate.
9. Final Set: Return the muffin tin to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until completely set.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Once set, carefully peel away the paper liners and enjoy your homemade peanut butter cups!
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Chocolate Seizing: If your chocolate becomes grainy or stiff, you’ve likely overheated it or introduced water. Start fresh with new chocolate and be careful not to overheat.
– Runny Filling: If your peanut butter filling is too soft, add more powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches desired consistency.
– Chocolate Cracking: If your chocolate cracks when you bite into the cups, you may have refrigerated them too long. Let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before enjoying.
– Pro Tip: For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cup before the chocolate sets.
– Customization: Add mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or chopped nuts to the peanut butter filling for extra texture and flavor complexity.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Room Temperature: These cups can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The cold environment keeps the chocolate firm and prevents melting.
– Freezer: These freeze beautifully! Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
– Make-Ahead: These are perfect for making ahead for parties or holidays. Make a double batch and freeze half for later.
Conclusion
Creating Home Made Reese Cups is not only satisfying but also allows you to customize this beloved treat to your preferences. The perfect balance of sweet chocolate and savory-sweet peanut butter makes these cups irresistible, and they rival any store-bought version. Whether you’re making them alongside Reese’s Pieces Cookies for a dessert spread or preparing them as gifts, these homemade treats are sure to impress.
The beauty of making these at home is the ability to adjust ingredients to your taste preferences—use darker chocolate for less sweetness, natural peanut butter for a more authentic flavor, or add your own creative twists. These homemade cups are perfect for special occasions or anytime you’re craving that iconic chocolate-peanut butter combination.
FAQ
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter for these cups?
A: Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works well but may result in a slightly softer filling. You might need to add a bit more powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency.
Q: How do I get the ridged edges like the original Reese’s cups?
A: Use fluted paper liners and when adding the chocolate base, make sure to brush it up the sides. The fluted edges will create that classic look.
Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate chips, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan (some brands use bone char in processing).
Q: Why did my peanut butter filling turn out too sweet?
A: Different brands of peanut butter have varying sweetness levels. Next time, start with half the powdered sugar and add more to taste.
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
A: Definitely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your cups a nice texture contrast. Just ensure it’s well-mixed with the other filling ingredients.
Follow me on Pinterest for more Home Made Reese Cups. If you enjoy these, you’ll also love my recipe for Reese’s Pieces Cookies that pairs perfectly with these homemade treats!
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