If you’re a fan of all things chocolate and peanut butter, Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies are about to become your new favorite homemade treat! These irresistible bite-sized delights bring together creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in the perfect ratio, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s far beyond anything you’ll find in a store-bought box. Effortless to make and impossible to stop at just one, these candies are my go-to for gifting, sharing, or simply indulging when only the ultimate sweet-and-savory combo will do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is refreshingly simple, using pantry staples that shine in every bite. Each ingredient plays a starring role, either enhancing the flavor, contributing to the silky texture, or helping your candies set up just right.
- Peanut Butter (1 cup creamy): The star of the show—use creamy for classic smooth centers, or swap for crunchy for extra texture.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps the filling come together beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a splash boosts the flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups): The secret to that iconic candy shop texture, binding the filling while adding gentle sweetness.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): Melts into a luscious shell that complements the nutty filling without overwhelming it.
- Coconut Oil or Shortening (1 tablespoon, optional): A little goes a long way for a glossy, easy-to-bite chocolate coating.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies
Step 1: Cream the Filling
Start by mixing together the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. A hand mixer works wonders here, but a sturdy spatula does the trick too! Blend until everything’s smooth and silky—a preview of the creamy centers in your Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies.
Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, mixing as you go. The mixture will seem crumbly at first but keep working it; you’ll be rewarded with a thick, dough-like filling that’s easy to shape. If it feels a little too sticky, dust your hands with powdered sugar to help with rolling.
Step 3: Shape the Candies
Now for the fun part! Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and line them up on a parchment-lined baking sheet like a row of sweet little soldiers. Once you’ve rolled them all out, pop the tray into the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up—this step ensures they’ll hold their shape during dunking.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
While your filling chills, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil or shortening (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until the chocolate is smooth and glossy. The coconut oil is optional but makes dunking a dream.
Step 5: Dip and Set
Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Place each coated candy back on the parchment and repeat until every piece is covered in chocolate. Chill again until the chocolate shell is firm—about 15 to 20 minutes—and you’re done!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each candy before the chocolate sets is pure magic, bringing out the best in both the peanut butter and the chocolate. Or try a light dusting of crushed peanuts for an extra nutty flourish. For the holidays, colorful sprinkles or edible glitter will make your Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies almost too pretty to eat.
Side Dishes
These candies are right at home on a dessert platter alongside fresh berries, fruit skewers, or marshmallows for a sweet-and-salty spread. If you’re serving them at a party, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel for an unforgettable treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, arrange your Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies in cute paper cups or stack them in a decorative gift tin. Layering them in a mason jar with a ribbon makes a sweet homemade gift, or create a candy tower centerpiece at your next gathering—trust me, it’ll be the talk of the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies will stay fresh and fabulous in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Keep them chilled if your kitchen runs warm, and they’ll retain that perfect snap and creamy center every time you sneak one.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later (or practice serious self-restraint), these candies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between the layers, and they’ll last for up to three months without losing their magic.
Reheating
No reheating required! Simply let your Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies sit at room temperature for five to ten minutes to soften slightly—perfect for capturing that melt-in-your-mouth experience. Enjoy them straight from the fridge or freezer if you like a firmer texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a lovely texture and little pops of peanut throughout each candy. It’s a fun twist and a great way to mix things up.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips with another type Dessert
Yes, dark or milk chocolate both work well, depending on your sweetness preference. You can even use a blend of chocolates for a more complex flavor—just make sure to keep the total amount at about two cups for proper coating.
What if I don’t have coconut oil or shortening?
No worries! The coating will still work with just chocolate chips; the candy shell might set up a bit thicker and less glossy, but it’ll taste just as delicious.
Can I make these candies dairy-free?
Yes, just use a dairy-free butter substitute and check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well. Coconut oil is naturally dairy-free and makes a great addition for smooth coating.
How far in advance can I make Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies?
These candies are the perfect make-ahead treat and will stay fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge, or even longer in the freezer. You can make them several days (or weeks!) before you need them, and they’ll taste as good as the day you made them.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something extra special about sharing a homemade batch of Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies with friends and family. Whether you’re gifting a box or sneaking a treat for yourself, this recipe delivers every single time. Give it a try and watch these little bites of happiness disappear faster than you can make them!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 30 candies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge your sweet tooth with these irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies. Creamy peanut butter centers are coated in rich chocolate for a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother coating)
Peanut Butter Filling:
Chocolate Coating:
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until a thick, dough-like consistency forms.
- Shape into Balls: Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until firm.
- Melt Chocolate: Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Coat Peanut Butter Balls: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place dipped candies back onto the parchment-lined sheet.
- Chill: Chill until chocolate is set, about 15–20 minutes.
Notes
- Store candies in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture if desired.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (melting chocolate)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
