Homemade Reese’s Cups with Chocolate Shell

Name: Homemade Reese’s Cups with Chocolate Shell
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Highlighted under: Easy Desserts Collection

I absolutely love making my own Reese’s Cups at home. There's something incredibly satisfying about whipping up a batch of these delicious treats in my kitchen. With a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, these cups are sure to impress anyone who tries them. The best part? You get to customize the chocolate shell to your liking, making them even more special. Trust me, once you taste these homemade delights, you'll never want the store-bought version again!

Created by

Prudence Whitby

Last updated on 2026-01-11T16:41:34.995Z

When I first set out to create my own version of Reese’s Cups, I was determined to perfect the creamy peanut butter filling. I experimented with different ratios of peanut butter and confectioners’ sugar until I found the ideal blend that didn’t get too gooey or too crumbly. Trust me, making this filling from scratch is what elevates the flavor to new heights!

As for the chocolate shell, I discovered that melting high-quality chocolate and adding a touch of coconut oil gives it that glossy finish we all love. This ensures the chocolate isn’t too thick while maintaining its delightful crunch. Each bite is a heavenly combination of flavors that totally beat the store-bought kind!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy peanut butter
Customizable chocolate shell thickness for everyone’s preference
Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own

Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Filling

The key to achieving a smooth and creamy peanut butter filling is to use room temperature, softened butter. Cold butter can result in a lumpy texture that won’t blend well with the peanut butter and confectioners’ sugar. If you’re in a hurry, you can cut the butter into small pieces and microwave it briefly for no more than 10 seconds—just until softened, not melted.

For a richer flavor, consider using natural peanut butter instead of the processed kind. Just be aware that natural peanut butter may be a bit more oily, so you might need to adjust the sugar ratio slightly. Start with 1/2 cup of sugar, mix, and taste; you can always add a bit more to reach your desired sweetness.

Perfecting the Chocolate Shell

When melting your chocolate chips, make sure to stop heating as soon as they start to soften. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize up, becoming grainy rather than smooth. If this happens, try adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to help bring it back to a glossy state, as the oil can help re-emulsify it.

For a more intense chocolate flavor, you can mix in a small amount of cocoa powder or even use dark chocolate chips. If you prefer a sweeter chocolate shell, opt for milk chocolate chips instead. Knowing the balance you want will help you personalize the chocolate shell to your taste.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to start making your homemade Reese’s Cups:

For the Peanut Butter Filling

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Chocolate Shell

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil

With these ingredients ready, let’s move on to the fun part – creating these delicious cups!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your own Reese’s Cups:

Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, and softened butter. Mix until smooth and well combined. Chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to firm up.

Make the Chocolate Shell

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until completely smooth.

Assemble the Cups

Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Pour a tablespoon of melted chocolate into each liner and coat the bottom. Then, add a spoonful of peanut butter filling on top, followed by another tablespoon of melted chocolate to cover the filling.

Chill and Set

Refrigerate the muffin tin for at least 20 minutes or until the chocolate is set. Carefully remove the cups from the liners before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Reese’s Cups and feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets for a sweet and salty combo!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These homemade Reese’s Cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and they can last for about 2-3 months. When ready to eat, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before enjoying.

If you plan to make these ahead of time for an event, consider preparing the filling and chocolate shells separately a day before. This allows the flavors to meld, and assembling them right before serving is quick and easy. The chocolate will set nicely, allowing you to serve these cups fresh and ready to impress your guests.

Variations to Try

These Reese’s Cups are highly versatile. For a fun twist, consider incorporating additional ingredients like crushed pretzels or toffee bits into the peanut butter filling for added texture and flavor. Alternatively, you might choose to mix in some chopped nuts or even shredded coconut for a tropical vibe.

For a unique flavor profile, try swapping the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate or adding a hint of sea salt on top before it sets, creating a delightful contrast to the sweetness. Each variation offers a new way to enjoy these classic treats, making it fun to experiment and find your favorite combination.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to the filling!

→ How should I store the Reese’s Cups?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

→ Can I use milk chocolate for the shell?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give a sweeter taste compared to semi-sweet.

→ What can I do if the chocolate is too thick?

You can add a little more coconut oil to thin it out. Just melt it again if needed.