Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

🍫 Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Ingredients

For the chocolate shell:

• 2 cups (340 g) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
• 12–16 small paper cupcake liners

For the peanut butter filling:

• 1 cup (250 g) creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the tray:
   Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
2. Melt the chocolate:
   Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring after each, until completely smooth.
3. Make the filling:
   Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth and thick.
4. Make the bottom layer:
   Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate into each liner. Spread it slightly toward the sides.
5. Add peanut butter:
   Place about 1–2 teaspoons of the peanut butter mixture in the center of each chocolate layer. Flatten it gently, keeping it away from the edges.
6. Cover with chocolate:
   Spoon enough melted chocolate over each cup to completely cover the peanut butter filling.
7. Chill:
   Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm.
8. Serve:
   Remove the paper liners and enjoy. For the best texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before eating.

🥜 Tips

• Use smooth, creamy peanut butter for a filling like the one shown.
• For a thicker filling, add a little extra powdered sugar.
• Milk chocolate gives a sweeter candy-bar flavor; dark chocolate gives a richer flavor.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks.