The Ultimate Homemade Crunchy Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

For many, the debate between creamy and crunchy peanut butter cups is a classic one. While I often lean towards the smooth indulgence of creamy, these homemade crunchy peanut butter cups are my ultimate declaration of love for “Team Crunchy.” They perfectly capture everything cherished in the iconic chocolate and peanut butter combination, but with an added layer of texture and magic: finely chopped peanuts are thoughtfully mixed directly into the rich, sweet filling, delivering that undeniably perfect, satisfying crunch in every single bite. Finished with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these delectable treats don’t just rival store-bought versions – they taste even better, offering a gourmet twist that elevates the experience. What’s more, they are surprisingly quick, straightforward, and incredibly rewarding to make right in your own kitchen.

5 from 1 vote

Crunchy Reese’s Cups Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

These delightful homemade crunchy Reese’s cups feature a rich peanut butter filling packed with finely chopped peanuts for an irresistible texture. A delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a gourmet touch, making them an impressive yet easy-to-make dessert, ready in under an hour!

Prep:

20 minutes

Cook:

0 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Chill Time:

30 minutes

Yields:

24 peanut butter cups

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Ingredients

• ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter * (ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (for sweetness and texture)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (enhances flavor)
• ¼ cup finely chopped peanuts * (for that signature crunch)
• 8 ounces melting chocolate chopped (or chocolate bark for easy melting)
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (for depth of flavor in the chocolate coating)
• Flaky sea salt optional, for garnish (highly recommended for balancing sweetness)

For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients accurately.

Equipment

• Kitchen Scale (optional, but useful for accuracy)
• Baking Sheet (small, rimmed for easy handling)
• Mini Muffin Tin (for shaping the cups)
• Paper Liners (mini size, essential for easy removal)
• Hand Mixer (or stand mixer with paddle attachment)
• Microwave-Safe Bowl (for melting chocolate)
• Piping Bag or Ziplock Bag (for clean chocolate application)

Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace: Begin by lining a small, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This will be used for setting the peanut butter discs. Next, line a mini-muffin tin with individual paper liners. These liners are crucial for easily removing your finished peanut butter cups. Set both aside, ensuring they are easily accessible.
   
2. Create the crunchy peanut butter filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and pure vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer (or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment), start beating the mixture on a low speed to incorporate the ingredients without making a mess. Gradually increase the speed to medium-high. Continue beating for about 1 minute, or until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and thoroughly combined. The consistency should be thick and pliable.
   ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter,
   ¼ cup powdered sugar,
   1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3. Incorporate the crunch: Gently add the finely chopped peanuts to the peanut butter mixture. Using a spatula, carefully fold the peanuts into the filling until they are evenly distributed throughout. Avoid overmixing, as you want to maintain the distinct crunchy texture of the peanuts. This step is what gives these cups their signature “crunchy” identity!
   ¼ cup finely chopped peanuts
   
4. Form the peanut butter discs: Using a measuring teaspoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the peanut butter mixture into 1-teaspoon-sized balls. Place each ball onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, gently press down on each ball with your thumb or the back of a spoon to flatten it into a uniform ¼-inch thick disc. Aim for consistency in size for aesthetically pleasing and evenly portioned peanut butter cups.
   
5. Melt the chocolate coating: In a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped melting chocolate and dark chocolate chips. Heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals in the microwave. After each interval, remove the bowl and stir the chocolate thoroughly with a spoon or spatula. This prevents hot spots and ensures smooth melting. Continue heating and stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and has a smooth, glossy, pourable consistency. Once melted, carefully transfer the chocolate into a piping bag or a sturdy Ziplock bag with one corner snipped off to create a small opening. This will allow for precise and neat application.
   8 ounces melting chocolate,
   1 cup dark chocolate chips
   
6. Assemble your crunchy peanut butter cups: Take your prepared mini-muffin tin. Pipe a small dollop of the melted chocolate (approximately ½ teaspoon) into the bottom of each paper liner. This forms the base of your peanut butter cup. Carefully center one of the flattened peanut butter discs on top of the chocolate base. Finally, pipe enough additional melted chocolate over the peanut butter disc to completely cover it, creating a smooth, even top layer. Ensure the peanut butter is fully enclosed by the chocolate. Repeat this process for all remaining peanut butter discs until all the cups are assembled.
   
7. Chill to set: Once all your peanut butter cups are assembled in the mini-muffin tin, carefully transfer the entire tin to the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes. This chilling time is essential for the chocolate to fully set and firm up, ensuring perfectly shaped and easy-to-handle cups. You’ll know they’re ready when the chocolate is hard to the touch.
   
8. Serve and enjoy: Once the peanut butter cups are fully set, remove them from the refrigerator. Carefully peel away the paper liners. Just before serving, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of each cup. This final touch not only adds a beautiful visual appeal but also provides a delightful contrast to the sweet chocolate and peanut butter. Now, your gourmet homemade crunchy Reese’s cups are ready to be savored and enjoyed!
   Flaky sea salt

Notes & Expert Tips

*Ingredient Flexibility: For an even simpler approach, you can certainly use chunky peanut butter in place of creamy peanut butter and the separate finely chopped peanuts. Just ensure your chunky peanut butter has a good amount of distinct peanut pieces for that desired crunch.

Additional Tips for Perfection:

• Chocolate Melting Caution: Always pay close attention while melting chocolate in the microwave. It can scorch very easily. Stirring every 30 seconds is crucial to distribute heat evenly and achieve a smooth, unburnt consistency. If you prefer, a double boiler method on the stovetop also works wonderfully for gentle melting.
• Speedy Setting: If you’re short on time or simply eager to enjoy your treats sooner, you can place the peanut butter cups in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes instead of 30 minutes in the fridge. They will harden much faster, but be sure not to leave them in too long to prevent freezer burn.
• Nutritional Information: Please note that the nutritional information provided below does not include the optional flaky sea salt.
• Peanut Butter Consistency: Ensure your peanut butter is truly at room temperature or slightly warmed. This makes it much easier to mix with the powdered sugar and vanilla, creating a smooth, uniform filling without lumps.
• Even Discs: When forming the peanut butter discs, try to make them as uniform as possible. This ensures each cup has an even layer of filling and looks professionally made.

Storage: Store these delicious crunchy Reese’s cups in an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days, or for longer enjoyment, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before indulging to achieve the best texture.

Nutrition Facts

Crunchy Reese’s Cups Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 peanut butter cup)

Calories 124
Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 0.1mg0%

Sodium 25mg1%

Potassium 107mg3%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 1IU0%

Vitamin C 0.04mg0%

Calcium 28mg3%

Iron 0.5mg3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author:
Becky Hardin

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Tips for Making the Best Crunchy Peanut Butter Cups

Achieving the perfect homemade crunchy peanut butter cup is all about attention to a few key details. Follow these tips to ensure your treats are nothing short of spectacular:

• Room Temperature Peanut Butter: This is critical for a smooth, homogenous filling. Cold peanut butter will be stiff and difficult to mix, leading to a lumpy texture. If your peanut butter is straight from the fridge, allow it to sit out for a few hours, or gently microwave it in 10-second bursts until it’s softened and easy to stir.
• Finely Chop Peanuts: For an integrated crunch that doesn’t overpower the creamy filling, ensure your peanuts are finely chopped. You can do this with a sharp knife or a food processor. A consistent, small chop ensures an even distribution of crunch throughout each bite.
• Don’t Skip the Powdered Sugar: While it adds sweetness, powdered sugar also contributes significantly to the smooth, fudgy texture of the peanut butter filling. It helps absorb some of the oil from the peanut butter and gives it structure, making the discs easier to form.
• Melt Chocolate Carefully: Whether using a microwave or a double boiler, gentle heat is crucial. Overheating chocolate, especially in the microwave, can cause it to seize or burn, becoming grainy and unusable. Always heat in short intervals and stir thoroughly in between.
• Use a Piping Bag for Cleanliness: A piping bag (or a Ziplock bag with a corner snipped off) allows for much cleaner and more precise chocolate application. This prevents drips and ensures a professional-looking finish for your cups.
• Uniform Peanut Butter Discs: Try to make your peanut butter discs as consistent in size and thickness as possible. This ensures that each peanut butter cup is uniform, cooks evenly, and has the perfect chocolate-to-peanut butter ratio.
• Chill Time is Essential: Do not rush the chilling process. The peanut butter cups need adequate time in the refrigerator (or freezer) for the chocolate to fully set. This makes them easy to handle, prevents them from melting at room temperature too quickly, and ensures a satisfying snap when bitten into.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Your Secret Weapon: If you enjoy a sophisticated flavor profile, do not skip the flaky sea salt. It’s not just a garnish; it brilliantly enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors, cutting through the sweetness and adding a delightful textural contrast.

Variations & Customizations for Your Crunchy Peanut Butter Cups

One of the joys of making homemade treats is the freedom to experiment and customize them to your heart’s desire. These crunchy peanut butter cups are a fantastic canvas for creativity:

• Chocolate Choices:
  • Milk Chocolate: For a sweeter, classic Reese’s flavor, use all milk chocolate melting wafers instead of dark chocolate chips.
  • White Chocolate: A layer of white chocolate can add a beautiful visual contrast and a creamy, sweet flavor. Consider a swirl or a full layer.
  • Combination: Use dark chocolate for the bottom layer and milk chocolate for the top, or vice versa, to create a two-toned effect.
• Nut Butter Alternatives: While peanut butter is traditional, feel free to substitute with other nut butters for a different flavor profile:
  • Almond Butter: Creates a slightly more refined flavor. Ensure it’s crunchy for added texture.
  • Cashew Butter: Offers a milder, creamier taste. Add chopped cashews for crunch.
  • Sunflower Seed Butter (SunButter): A great option for those with peanut allergies, though check for nut-free certification if allergies are severe. Add roasted sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Add-ins for the Filling: Beyond chopped peanuts, consider these additions for extra flavor and texture:
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Fold them into the peanut butter mixture for triple chocolate goodness.
  • Crushed Pretzels: For an amazing salty-sweet crunch.
  • Toffee Bits: Adds a chewy, buttery caramel note.
  • Espresso Powder: A pinch (¼ teaspoon) in the chocolate or peanut butter can deepen the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
• Creative Toppings:
  • Sprinkles: Add a festive touch for holidays or celebrations.
  • Drizzles: Drizzle contrasting chocolate (e.g., white chocolate over dark chocolate cups) for an elegant finish.
  • Candy Melts: Use colored candy melts for a fun and vibrant look.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions you might have when making these delicious crunchy peanut butter cups:

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

A: It’s generally recommended to use creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for this recipe, as natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and can affect the consistency of the filling, making it too soft. If you do use natural peanut butter, you might need to add a bit more powdered sugar to achieve the desired firmness, and ensure it’s well-stirred to combine any separated oil.

Q: My chocolate seized up! What went wrong?

A: Chocolate seizing usually happens due to even a tiny amount of water or steam getting into the melted chocolate, or due to overheating. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry. If using a microwave, stick to short intervals and stir diligently. If using a double boiler, ensure no steam escapes into the chocolate bowl.

Q: Can I make these without a hand mixer?

A: Yes, you can. You can cream the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together by hand using a sturdy spoon or spatula. It will require a bit more effort and arm strength to get it smooth and well combined, but it’s entirely doable.

Q: How long do these peanut butter cups last?

A: When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these crunchy peanut butter cups will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to let them thaw slightly at room temperature before enjoying them.

Q: Can I use regular-sized muffin tins?

A: You can, but you’ll yield fewer, larger peanut butter cups. You’ll need to adjust the amount of peanut butter filling per cup (likely 2-3 teaspoons per disc) and increase the amount of melted chocolate accordingly. The chilling time might also need to be extended slightly.