Name: Homemade Peanut Butter Cups for Christmas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups confectioners sugar; 1 pound chocolate almond bark (or vanilla almond bark); Sprinkles (optional)

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Introduction

These homemade peanut butter cups are a delightful treat perfect for Christmas gifting or holiday indulgence. Creamy peanut butter is wrapped in smooth chocolate, creating a classic combination that’s easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these festive sweets in no time.

A white plate holds a pile of round chocolate and white candy treats, each topped with colorful Christmas sprinkles including small green Christmas trees, red Santa faces, and various red, green, yellow, and orange shapes like dots, hearts, and stars. The treats are smooth with some having a dark brown chocolate coating and others coated in white chocolate, all decorated with bright, festive sprinkles. To the upper left, there is a small white bowl filled with more sprinkles in red, green, and yellow. Behind the plate, a clear glass holds milk. Wooden spoons marked with measurements rest near the bottom right of the plate, all placed on a white marbled, lace-edged cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups confectioners sugar

1 pound chocolate almond bark (or vanilla almond bark)
Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Line a muffin pan with 18 cupcake liners to prepare for the peanut butter cups.
Step 2: In a large bowl, use a mixer to blend the creamy peanut butter and room temperature unsalted butter until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add vanilla extract and confectioners sugar to the mixture. Continue mixing until fully combined; the mixture will be crumbly.

Step 4: Melt the chocolate almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
Step 5: Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into the bottom of each cupcake liner, spreading it slightly up the sides to coat the base evenly.
Step 6: Scoop heaping tablespoons of the peanut butter mixture, roll into balls, then flatten each ball into a thick disc shape.

Step 7: Place one peanut butter disc into each chocolate-coated cup, pressing gently.
Step 8: Spoon the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter discs in each cup, covering them completely. Add sprinkles immediately if using.
Step 9: Allow the peanut butter cups to set at room temperature for about one hour or refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try using natural peanut butter without added sugar or salt.
Substitute almond bark with high-quality chocolate chips for a more traditional chocolate taste.
Add a pinch of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets for a sweet-salty contrast.

Use festive cupcake liners and sprinkles to make these treats extra special for the holidays.

Storage

Store the peanut butter cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To enjoy a softer texture, bring them to room temperature before serving. If refrigerated, let them sit out for 10 minutes before eating.

How to Serve

A small round chocolate candy with a smooth dark brown surface decorated with colorful sprinkles sits in a woman's hand. The candy has a detailed Santa Claus face in the center, showing a red hat with white trim, black eyes, an orange face, a red nose, and a fluffy white beard made of icing. Around the Santa face are green, red, and yellow sprinkles in different shapes including dots, lines, a tiny green Christmas tree, and a small red heart on the right edge. The background has blurred festive candies and the scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your peanut butter cups. Just be aware it may change the smoothness of the filling.

What is almond bark and can I substitute regular chocolate?

Almond bark is a type of confection coating that melts smoothly and sets quickly without tempering. You can substitute with regular chocolate chips or bars, but you’ll need to temper the chocolate for the best finish and texture.