Name: Peanut Butter Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural style); ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¾ cup powdered sugar; ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt; 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (or chopped bars); 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate); Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

If you're looking for a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth treat, these Peanut Butter Cups are absolutely irresistible! Silky-smooth chocolate meets creamy, slightly salty peanut butter for a classic combo you'll crave again and again.

These better-than-store-bought bites are incredibly easy and require no baking at all. Whip them up in under an hour using just a few pantry staples-perfect for anytime snacking, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth.

They're a hit at parties, dreamy for after-school snacks, or just a little homemade indulgence. I grew up making these with my mom every holiday season, but honestly, there's no bad time for Peanut Butter Cups!

Chocolatey peanut butter cups with a creamy center

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick, No-Bake Sweet Treat: Skip the oven and have homemade candy in less than an hour.
Only Minimal Ingredients Needed: Uses simple pantry staples you probably already have.
Perfect Balance of Salty & Sweet: Creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in every bite.
Better Than Store-Bought: Customize flavors, quality, and size right at home.

Key Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cups

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Creamy Peanut Butter

This is the star of the show, giving that luscious, nutty filling everyone loves. Opt for regular creamy peanut butter (not the natural varieties that separate easily) for best texture and structure. Crunchy peanut butter also works for added texture, or try almond butter for a twist.

Semi-Sweet or Milk Chocolate

The chocolate shell makes these cups utterly indulgent. Use good-quality semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips or baking bars. For a darker, less sweet treat, use dark chocolate. Mini chips, chopped bars, or even a sugar-free chocolate will work if desired.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar sweetens the peanut butter layer and helps create that classic, doughy consistency. Adjust the amount for more or less sweetness. If you're avoiding refined sugar, try a powdered sugar substitute.

Butter

A little melted butter blended into the peanut butter makes the filling rich and smooth and helps it set to the perfect, creamy texture. For a dairy-free version, coconut oil or vegan butter can be substituted without changing the flavor much.

Fine Sea Salt

A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of both the peanut butter and chocolate. If your peanut butter is already salted, you can reduce or skip the extra salt according to your taste.

Instructions for Peanut Butter Cups

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep Your Muffin Tin

Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. This makes unmolding and cleanup a breeze. If you want smaller cups, use a mini muffin pan instead!

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and shiny-about 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to overheat; chocolate burns easily!

Spoon in the Chocolate Base

Add about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner. Gently spread to cover the base. Place the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes to let the chocolate set.

Make the Peanut Butter Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir until smooth and thick, like play dough. If it seems too sticky, add extra powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time.

Add the Peanut Butter Center

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of peanut butter mixture and gently flatten it into a disk just smaller than your muffin liner. Place the disk on top of the set chocolate base in each cup.

Top & Finish With More Chocolate

Cover each peanut butter round with another 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of melted chocolate, smoothing to completely seal in the peanut butter. Tap the pan to level out the tops.

Chill and Enjoy

Sprinkle tops with flaky sea salt if desired. Return pan to the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes or until firm. Once set, remove Peanut Butter Cups from the liners and store for snacking!

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegan

Simply substitute a plant-based butter (or coconut oil) and use dairy-free chocolate chips for delicious vegan Peanut Butter Cups. They turn out just as rich and satisfying!

Double Chocolate Delight

Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the peanut butter filling for an extra chocolate punch inside and out.

Crunchy Peanut Butter Cups

Use crunchy peanut butter or stir in chopped peanuts, pretzels, or crispy rice cereal to the filling for a fun, textured twist.

Nut-Free Option

Replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for an allergy-friendly treat that's just as creamy and scrumptious.

Flavored Chocolate Shell

Add a drop of peppermint or orange extract to the melted chocolate for a special, holiday-inspired flavor variation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Peanut Butter Cups chilled or at room temperature, stacked on a pretty platter for dessert. Pair them with fresh berries, a glass of milk, or coffee for a delightful treat. Sprinkle extra flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top for an elevated finish.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Peanut Butter Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer and then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. No reheating needed-just let them sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften before enjoying!

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Cups (FAQ)

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

A: It's best to use regular creamy peanut butter, as natural versions tend to separate and make the filling oily or too loose. If you must use natural, add more powdered sugar to thicken the mixture.

Q: How do I keep the chocolate shell from cracking?

A: Chill, but don't freeze for too long. Let the chocolate set in the fridge just until firm for a smooth, stable shell that won't shatter.

Q: Can I make these ahead for a party or gift?

A: Absolutely! Peanut Butter Cups hold up well when stored in the fridge or freezer, making them perfect for gifting, meal prepping, or party trays.

These homemade Peanut Butter Cups are pure chocolate-peanut butter bliss-creamy, dreamy, and so easy! No baking, minimal ingredients, and endlessly customizable. I hope you'll try them, snap a photo, and let me know in the comments or leave a rating. Happy snacking!

★★★★★ 4.90 from 186 ratings