Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
When Kollin and I started dating, I got this idea to make him homemade sweets for Valentine's Day, instead of buying chocolates and candy from the store. It has kind of become a tradition, one that I really look forward to. As soon as the holidays are over, I start planning what I am going to make him. They have been different every year. My most ambitious attempt by far was homemade cereal. Maybe I will tackle that again some year when the kids are older and I have more time on my hands!
This year feels a little extra special because our oldest, Mae, was able to help with the treats! She wanted to make her dad's favorite candy, homemade peanut butter cups! These were so fun for her to make, and pretty easy as well. The hardest part for her was being patient during the chilling time they require between steps!
Details and tips!
We found the silicone heart mold at Walmart. We simply melted chocolate, made a really yummy peanut butter filling, and topped that with chocolate! We melted some white chocolate and added plant-based food coloring to drizzle on top for an extra festive look. You can top these with sprinkles while the chocolate is still melted too!
What you need!
- chocolate - whatever you prefer here. You could do milk chocolate for additional sweetness, dark for more richness, or a mix of whatever you have open in your pantry.
- peanut butter - unsweetened
- powdered sugar
- unsalted butter
- heavy cream
- salt
- white chocolate
- coconut oil - this just is added to make the chocolate drizzle nicely
- food coloring - dye free!
Customize!
I have made these a lot over the years in many different variations and for many different occasions. I have done some half dark chocolate and half white chocolate. I have made them in all different shapes. But the easiest way is just to use a muffin tin with muffin liners to mold them. They turn out just like the traditional peanut butter cup from the store!
You can add sprinkles to the drizzle if you want to add a little flair! You could also work in a cashew butter or your favorite nut butter if you prefer a different kind. You cannot go wrong with these! Unless you add cheese. Don't add cheese.
We hope you have a great Valentine's Day and spoil your loved ones with some extra special homemade treats!
Enjoy!
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Homemade Valentine's Peanut Butter Cups
These are the perfect homemade candy to show your loved one how much you love them!
For the peanut butter hearts
- 16 ounces chocolate chips (I like to do a combination of dark and semi-sweet chocolate)
- 1 cup unsweetened peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream
- salt (a pinch)
For drizzle topping
- 4 ounces white chocolate
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 2-4 drops of food coloring (dye free)
- Melt 8 ounces of chocolate in a heat safe bowl over a small pot of simmering water (double boiler). Spoon chocolate into each mold, spreading it around to coat the bottom and sides. Set the molds in the fridge to set for 30 minutes.
- While the chocolate is setting, mix together the butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, salt, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of cream using a hand mixer or stand mixer. You will want to mix this for a good 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and the mixture is fluffy. If the mixture is not coming together, add in heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until it is fluffy.
- Once the chocolate is set, take the mixture and put about a teaspoon of it on top of the chocolate, using your finger to flatten it. I like to put the mixture into a piping bag and pipe it into the mold, but do whatever is easiest for you. Once you have the peanut butter filling in all of the molds, pop them back in the fridge while you do the next step.
- Melt the remaining 8 ounces of chocolate in a heat safe bowl over a small pot of simmering water. Once it is melted, take the molds out of the fridge and top them with the melted chocolate. Once all are covered, pop them back in the fridge to set for an hour.
- After an hour, pop them out of the molds and serve or top them with drizzled chocolate.
These will store in the fridge for a good couple of weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months. They are great to make ahead and have on hand for your next occasion or for a sweet bite whenever you need one!