Home Made Reese Cups are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. There’s something magical about the combination of smooth chocolate and creamy peanut butter that makes Reese’s Pieces Cookies and other Reese-inspired treats so irresistible. Today, I’m sharing my perfected recipe for creating these delectable cups right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re planning to make them for a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet tooth craving, these homemade versions offer a fresher, customizable alternative to store-bought options.
Introduction
Nothing compares to biting into a freshly made Home Made Reese Cup with its perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter. While the classic store-bought versions are undeniably delicious, making your own allows you to control the ingredients, adjust sweetness levels, and even experiment with different types of chocolate or nut butters. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating Reese’s Pieces Cookies and other peanut butter cup variations from scratch. This recipe will guide you through creating professional-looking and tasting peanut butter cups that might just become your new favorite homemade treat.
Nutritional Benefits
When made with high-quality ingredients, these homemade treats can actually offer some nutritional advantages over commercial versions:
| Nutrition | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 12g |
Peanut butter provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and vitamin E. Dark chocolate (if used) contains antioxidants and minerals like iron and magnesium. While these are still treats, they can be made with more nutritious ingredients than commercial versions.
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet) | Creates the chocolate shell | Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or dairy-free chocolate chips |
| 1 cup smooth peanut butter | Provides the creamy filling | Almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter (for nut allergies) |
| ¼ cup powdered sugar | Sweetens and firms the peanut butter filling | Honey, maple syrup, or powdered monk fruit sweetener |
| 2 tablespoons butter, softened | Improves texture and richness | Coconut oil or vegan butter |
| ½ teaspoon vanilla extract | Enhances flavor | Almond extract or omit entirely |
| ¼ teaspoon salt (if using unsalted peanut butter) | Balances sweetness | Omit if using salted peanut butter |
Equipment Needed
– 12-cup muffin tin
– Paper cupcake liners
– Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
– Mixing bowl
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Spoon for mixing
– Small offset spatula (optional)
– Refrigerator
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare your workspace: Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Melt the chocolate: Place 1½ cups of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted and smooth. Reserve the remaining ½ cup for the tops.
3. Create chocolate bases: Spoon approximately 1-1½ teaspoons of melted chocolate into the bottom of each muffin liner. Using the back of the spoon or a small brush, push the chocolate slightly up the sides of the liner to create a cup shape. This creates the foundation for your Home Made Reese Cups.
4. Chill the bases: Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes until the chocolate has completely hardened.
5. Prepare the peanut butter 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 filling should be firm enough to hold its shape but still spreadable.
6. Fill the cups: Remove the muffin tin from the refrigerator. Add approximately 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture to each chocolate cup. Gently flatten the top of each with the back of a spoon, leaving a small border around the edges for the top layer of chocolate.
7. Add the top chocolate layer: Melt the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips as before. Spoon about 1-1½ teaspoons of melted chocolate on top of each peanut butter filling, making sure to completely cover the filling and seal the edges.
8. Finish and chill: If desired, make decorative swirls on top with a toothpick to create patterns similar to those found on Reese’s Pieces Cookies. Refrigerate the cups for at least 30 minutes until completely set.
9. Serve: Peel off the paper liners and enjoy your homemade peanut butter cups!
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Chocolate is too thick? Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to thin it out for easier spreading.
– Peanut butter filling too runny? Add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time.
– Filling too sweet? Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar and reduce the powdered sugar.
– Chocolate cracking when removed from liners? Let the cups sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before attempting to remove the liners.
– Want a professional finish? Use a kitchen thermometer to temper your chocolate properly (heat to 115°F, cool to 80°F, then reheat to 88-90°F) for a shiny appearance that won’t melt at room temperature.
– For mini cups: Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the amounts accordingly.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
– Freezer: These cups freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Place in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers.
– Make ahead: Prepare these up to a week before a party or gathering and store in the refrigerator.
– Room temperature: They can be left at room temperature for a few hours during serving, but store any leftovers in the refrigerator, especially during warmer months.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of Home Made Reese Cups gives you a delicious skill that’s sure to impress friends and family. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability—you can easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary needs or personal preferences. From creating larger cups for special occasions to making miniature versions for parties, these homemade treats offer endless possibilities. The next time you’re craving that iconic chocolate-peanut butter combination found in Reese’s Pieces Cookies or the classic cups, skip the store-bought version and treat yourself to these freshly made delights instead.
FAQ
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
How do I prevent the chocolate from blooming (getting white streaks)?
Properly tempering the chocolate or adding a small amount of coconut oil can help prevent blooming.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your cups a delightful texture contrast.
Why did my peanut butter filling leak through the chocolate?
Your bottom chocolate layer might have been too thin or had holes. Make sure the bottom layer completely seals the cup.
Can I make these with less sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the powdered sugar or use a sugar alternative. Just note that this may affect the texture of the filling.
How do I know when my chocolate is properly melted?
Properly melted chocolate should be smooth and glossy with no lumps. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the chocolate to seize.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! Try adding crushed graham crackers, rice crispy cereal, chopped nuts, or a dash of cinnamon for interesting variations.
Follow me on Pinterest for more Home Made Reese Cups. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love my Reese’s Pieces Cookies that bring another dimension to your dessert repertoire!
