These peanut butter cup Christmas candies are a festive, no-bake holiday treat that combines rich chocolate with a creamy peanut butter filling. Perfect for making with children or gifting to friends and family, these sweet bites are as fun to decorate as they are to eat. Dressed up with colorful holiday sprinkles, they bring a cheerful touch to dessert tables and cookie boxes alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas candies are incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just a few pantry staples and no oven time. With their smooth peanut butter filling and rich chocolate shell, they’re a delicious take on classic peanut butter cups with a holiday twist. Kids can easily help with mixing, assembling, and decorating—making them a great seasonal activity. Ideal for edible gifts, cookie exchanges, or holiday parties, these treats are festive, fun, and irresistibly good.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles or decorations
Directions
- Line a mini muffin pan with paper liners to prepare for assembling the candies.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the melted chocolate into the bottom of each muffin liner. Tap the pan gently to spread the chocolate evenly. Place in the freezer for 5 minutes to set.
- While the chocolate sets, mix together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture, shape it into a small disc, and place it over the set chocolate layer in each cup.
- Cover each peanut butter disc with another spoonful of melted chocolate and smooth the tops with a spoon.
- Immediately top each candy with holiday sprinkles or decorative sugar before the chocolate sets.
- Chill the candies in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes until firm.
- Store in an airtight container either in the fridge or at room temperature, depending on preference.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12 candies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: 170 kcal
Variations
- Different Nut Butters: Substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.
- Chocolate Choices: Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate for a varied look and taste.
- Flavor Add-ins: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of peppermint extract to the peanut butter mixture for a festive flavor twist.
- Texture Boost: Mix in crushed graham crackers or rice cereal to the peanut butter for a crunchy bite.
- Holiday Themes: Swap sprinkles for edible gold stars, crushed candy canes, or red and green sugar for a variety of seasonal looks.
Storage/Reheating
Store these peanut butter cup candies in an airtight container.
They can be kept:
- At room temperature for up to 5 days in a cool, dry area.
- In the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Avoid reheating, as they are meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If storing long-term, they can be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these candies ahead of time?
Yes, they store very well in the refrigerator or freezer, making them ideal for preparing ahead of the holiday rush.
What kind of peanut butter works best?
Creamy peanut butter works best for smooth texture, but natural peanut butter can also be used if it’s well mixed and not too oily.
Can I use cupcake liners instead of mini muffin liners?
Mini muffin liners work best for bite-sized portions, but you can use standard liners for larger candies—just adjust filling amounts accordingly.
Are these candies gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use silicone molds instead of paper liners?
Yes, silicone candy or mini muffin molds work well and make it easy to release the candies once set.
Can I use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely. White chocolate adds a creamy, sweeter flavor and contrasts nicely with the peanut butter filling.
How can I prevent the chocolate from seizing while melting?
Be sure to melt the chocolate slowly in short intervals and stir frequently. Avoid getting any water in the bowl.
Can I make these candies vegan?
Yes, by using dairy-free chocolate, plant-based butter, and a vegan peanut butter, this recipe can be adapted for a vegan diet.
Can I add a crunchy texture?
Add crushed pretzels, chopped nuts, or crisped rice to the peanut butter mixture for a satisfying crunch.
Do I need to temper the chocolate?
Tempering isn’t necessary for this no-bake recipe, but using a bit of coconut oil helps give the chocolate a smooth, glossy finish.
Conclusion
Peanut butter cup Christmas candies are a joyful, festive treat that brings together creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and cheerful holiday sprinkles. They’re easy enough for kids to help with and make a perfect addition to any holiday dessert spread. Whether for gifting or indulging, these no-bake delights are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Candies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 candies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These no-bake Peanut Butter Cup Christmas Candies are the perfect festive treat to make with kids! A creamy peanut butter filling is tucked into rich chocolate shells, then topped with colorful holiday sprinkles. Ideal for gifting, cookie trays, or a fun family kitchen project during the holidays.
Ingredients
-
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
-
1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
-
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
-
1/4 cup powdered sugar
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
-
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Holiday sprinkles or decorations
Instructions
-
Line a mini muffin pan with paper liners.
-
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
-
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into each liner and tap gently to spread. Freeze for 5 minutes.
-
In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
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Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the filling, form into a disc, and place on top of the set chocolate.
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Spoon another layer of melted chocolate over each candy to cover the filling and smooth the tops.
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Immediately decorate with holiday sprinkles or festive toppings.
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Chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes until set. Store in the fridge or at room temperature.
Notes
-
Use white chocolate or milk chocolate for variation.
-
Great for edible gifts in holiday tins or treat bags.
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Let kids help decorate with sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or candy stars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
