Are you a fan of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups but looking for a way to make them at home? Look no further! This recipe for homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups is not only delicious, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and create your own personal version of this classic candy. In this recipe, we will walk you through the steps on how to make your own homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Table of Contents
Ingredients For Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Milk chocolate chips
- Peanut butter
- Powder sugar
- Baking cups
History of Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut butter cups were first created by Hershey’s in 1928. The company’s founder, Milton Hershey, was looking to expand his product line and began experimenting with different confections. He discovered that combining chocolate and peanut butter created a delicious flavor combination.
The original Hershey’s Peanut Butter Cups were sold in two-packs, and the peanut butter was not as smooth as it is today, instead it had a grainier texture. They quickly became a popular treat, and Hershey’s began to mass-produce them.
In the 1940s, a man named Harry Reese, who was working for Hershey’s at the time, started making his own version of peanut butter cups in his own kitchen. He eventually started his own candy company, Reese’s, and began to mass-produce his own peanut butter cups. Reese’s peanut butter cups have since become one of the most popular candies in America. Both Hershey’s and Reese’s Peanut Butter cups have become iconic American candies and are enjoyed by many people. Many other companies also started to produce their own version of peanut butter cups. Today, you can find a wide variety of peanut butter cups, from different brands, flavors and sizes.
Peanut Butter Cups vs Buckeyes
Buckeyes are a traditional candy from Ohio, and they are made by mixing together peanut butter, butter and powdered sugar to create a dough-like consistency. This mixture is then formed into small balls and dipped in melted chocolate. Buckeyes are typically left with a small portion of the peanut butter mixture exposed, which gives them their name, as they resemble the nut of a Buckeye tree.
Peanut butter cups, on the other hand, are made by lining a cup-shaped mold with chocolate, filling it with a mixture of peanut butter and sugar and then covering it with more chocolate. The result is a candy that is fully coated in chocolate, with a peanut butter center. So, while both candies feature a combination of chocolate and peanut butter, the preparation and final product are different. Buckeyes are balls of peanut butter mixture dipped in chocolate, while peanut butter cups are a cup shaped candy with a peanut butter center.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cups
Start by melting the chocolate chips in the microwave or on a double boiler. If using the microwave, heat the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. If using a double boiler, place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the chocolate chips until fully melted.

Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Pour a small amount of melted chocolate into each liner, about 1 tablespoon. Use a spoon or a small spatula to spread the chocolate evenly across the bottom of the liner. An alternative is to tap the muffin tin on the counter or move it in circles until the chocolate spreads. Place in refrigerator until chocolate hardens.

In a separate bowl, mix together the peanut butter and powdered sugar until well combined and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Take a small spoonful of the peanut butter mixture and place it on top of the melted chocolate in each liner. Use your fingers or a small spatula to flatten the peanut butter mixture.

Pour more melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter mixture to create a top layer. Use a butter knife or a small spatula to spread the chocolate evenly and smooth out the surface.
Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator to let the cups cool and harden. Once cooled and hardened, take the peanut butter cups out of the liners and enjoy!

Tips and Variations of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- One of the best things about making your own version of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups is that you have control over the ingredients. Instead of using store-bought peanut butter, you can opt for natural or homemade peanut butter. This not only makes the recipe healthier, but it also allows you to control the amount of sugar and additives in the recipe. Homemade peanut butter is also easy to make, you can use roasted peanuts and a food processor, add some salt and sweetener if desired, blend until you reach your desired consistency.
- If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can also use other types of nut butter such as almond or hazelnut butter. This will give the cups a unique twist and make them even more delicious.
- For an added touch of salty and sweet, you can sprinkle some sea salt on top of the cups before refrigerating. Sea salt brings out the sweetness in chocolate and provides a nice contrast in flavor.
- To make the recipe even more fun, you can add some crushed peanuts or cookie crumbs on top of the peanut butter mixture before adding the top layer of chocolate. This will give the peanut butter cups a crunchy texture and make them even more irresistible.
- In addition to traditional chocolate, you can also experiment with different types of chocolate such as semi-sweet, dark or white chocolate for the recipe. This will give the peanut butter cups a distinct taste and make them even more delicious. You can also mix and match the chocolate by using one type for the top layer and another type for the bottom layer, to create new and unique flavor combinations.
Is it Worth it to Make Your Own Peanut Butter Cups?
Absolutely! Whether you’re making them for a party or just a fun activity with friends and family, these homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are sure to be a hit.
So, the next time you’re craving something sweet and chocolatey, give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Don’t forget to share your creations with us, we can’t wait to see your delicious homemade peanut butter cups!
OTHER RECIPES TO TRY:
- Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – Easy 3 Ingredient Recipe
- Small Batch Strawberry Jam Recipe without Pectin
- The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – Easy 3 Ingredient Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
Ingredients
18 ounces of milk chocolate chips (or 1 1/2 12oz bags)
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar
12 baking cups
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler or by using the microwave.
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Using a tablespoon or a #60 cookie scoop (1 tbs) pour a small amount into each liner. Spread evenly on the bottom of the liners.
- Refrigerate until hardended – about 15 minutes.
- Using a tablespoon or a #60 cookie scoop (1 tbs) scoop peanut butter mixture and flatten with hand or fingers. Place on top of the chocolate layers.
- Using a tablespoon or a #60 cookie scoop (1 tbs) pour chocolate on top of the peanut butter. Use a knife or small spatula to spread evenly.
- Refrigerate until hardened – about 15 minutes.
- Remove from the refrigerator and enjoy!
Notes
Once they are hardened in the refrigerator, you can take them out and allow them to come to room temperature without fear of melting, unless the room is particularly hot or humid.
This recipe provides enough for those peanut butter lovers who love a thick layer of peanut butter in the Reese’s peanut butter cups. If you end up with extra peanut butter, then you can freeze it for future peanut butter cups!
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Keywords: homemade reese’s peanut butter cups