Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Christmas Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups! They’re like little bites of holiday magic that just melt in your mouth. Every year, I whip up a batch, and they quickly become the star of any gathering. Seriously, they’re so simple to make—no baking required! Just a handful of ingredients, and you’ll have a treat that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself, I won’t judge!). The creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate combination is simply divine, and they add such a festive touch to my holiday dessert table. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them every Christmas!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Christmas Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Step 1 – Mix Peanut Butter and Sugar
First things first! In a medium bowl, grab that creamy peanut butter and sprinkle in the powdered sugar. Now, stir it all together until it’s nice and smooth—think of it as creating a luscious filling that’s just begging to be devoured!
Step 2 – Melt the Chocolate
Now, let’s get that chocolate melting! You can either pop the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or use a double boiler if you’re feeling fancy. Just be careful not to burn it! We want silky, melted chocolate, not a sad, seized mess. Keep an eye on it, and it should be ready in about 1-2 minutes!
Step 3 – Combine Chocolate with Cocoa and Vanilla
Once your chocolate is all melty and glorious, it’s time to add a little pizzazz! Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder and vanilla extract until everything is well blended. This step is crucial for that deep, rich flavor—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Step 4 – Prepare the Muffin Tin
Next up, let’s prepare for assembly! Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This makes for easy removal later and gives your peanut butter cups that adorable little edge. Plus, it keeps everything tidy—who doesn’t love a clean kitchen?
Step 5 – Layer Chocolate and Peanut Butter
Time to build those layers! Pour a spoonful of your melted chocolate into each liner, just enough to cover the bottom. Then, add a generous dollop of that dreamy peanut butter mixture right on top. Finally, cover it all up with another layer of melted chocolate. Make sure each cup is filled to the brim—no skimping here!
Step 6 – Chill and Serve
Now, the hardest part—waiting! Pop the muffin tin into the refrigerator and let those beauties chill for at least 2 hours. This helps them set up perfectly. When they’re ready, gently peel away the liners, and voilà! You’ve got yourself some irresistible Christmas Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups ready to impress everyone at your holiday gathering (or just yourself, no judgment!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Seriously, if you can mix and melt, you can whip these up!
- Perfect for holiday gatherings: They’re a crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore.
- No-bake recipe: Who wants to fuss with the oven during the busy holidays? Not me!
- Delicious combination of flavors: The blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate is pure bliss.
- Can be made ahead of time: Prep them a few days in advance and simply chill—easy peasy!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Christmas Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to ensure sweet success:
- Use room temperature peanut butter: This makes it much easier to mix with powdered sugar and ensures a smooth filling.
- Don’t rush the chocolate melting: Take your time with the microwave or double boiler—burnt chocolate is a total bummer and can ruin your cups!
- Be generous with the chocolate layers: Make sure there’s enough chocolate to fully cover the peanut butter, or you might end up with some sad, exposed filling.
- Chill them long enough: Two hours is the minimum, but if you can wait longer, it helps them set even firmer, making them easier to handle.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt: Before chilling, a little sea salt on top gives a nice contrast to the sweetness and elevates the flavor!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have some seriously scrumptious treats to share—or keep all to yourself! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in these delightful Christmas Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups? Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data per cup. Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
These little treats might be indulgent, but they’re also packed with that creamy, nutty goodness we love! So, enjoy them in moderation, and don’t forget to share the joy (or keep them all to yourself, I won’t tell!).
FAQ Section
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! If you prefer a richer flavor, feel free to swap in dark chocolate for the milk chocolate. It adds a delicious depth that pairs wonderfully with the creamy peanut butter. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness a bit if you find dark chocolate to be a little less sweet than what you’re used to!
How should I store the peanut butter cups?
To keep your Christmas Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their delightful texture and flavor. They’ll stay good for about a week—if they last that long, that is!
Can I add other ingredients?
Oh, definitely! You can get creative with these cups. A sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness. You can also experiment with different flavorings like a dash of peppermint extract for a festive twist, or even mix in some crushed candies or nuts for added texture. The possibilities are endless!
How long do they last?
These little beauties can last up to a week in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying again!
Can kids help make this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for little hands to help out. They can mix the peanut butter and sugar, pour the chocolate, and even sprinkle on some sea salt if you choose to add that. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that’ll make holiday memories together—and trust me, they’ll love indulging in their creations!
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are delightful on their own, but if you want to elevate your dessert experience, here are a few fun ideas to consider:
- Pair with hot cocoa: Serve them alongside a warm cup of rich hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.
- Festive platter: Create a dessert platter with cookies, fudge, and these cups for a beautiful holiday spread.
- Ice cream topping: Crumble them over a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a deliciously crunchy topping.
- Gift them: Package them up in festive boxes or bags to share with friends and family—everyone loves a homemade gift!
- Fresh fruit: Complement the sweetness with some fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
These cups are versatile and can fit into any holiday gathering, making them just as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the taste buds! Enjoy!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
For tips on making the perfect chocolate, visit Cooking Light for expert advice.
Print
Christmas Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: 5 Sweet Delights
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate peanut butter cups perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler.
- Add cocoa powder and vanilla extract to melted chocolate, mix well.
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Pour a layer of chocolate into each liner.
- Add a spoonful of the peanut butter mixture on top.
- Cover with more chocolate.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Remove from liners and serve.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for freshness.
- Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Christmas Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups