If you are a fan of the classic peanut butter and chocolate combo, you are going to absolutely love this Copycat Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs Recipe. These little treasures capture the nostalgic flavor and creamy texture of the original Reese’s treats, but with the comfort and satisfaction that comes from making them yourself at home. Perfect for sharing with friends, gifting during the holidays, or sneaking an extra one when no one’s looking, this recipe blends rich peanut butter filling and silky chocolate coating into irresistible bites of sweet heaven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating these heavenly peanut butter eggs. The pantry staples here are simple but essential, each playing its own role to achieve the perfect taste, texture, and luscious color.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds rich creaminess that smooths out the peanut butter.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The star ingredient providing that classic, nutty flavor and soft texture.
- Confectioner’s sugar (2 3/4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the mixture for easy shaping.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances flavor depth and adds a subtle aromatic note.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): For coating, delivering a perfect bittersweet contrast to the filling.
- Coconut oil (2 Tbsp): Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and creates a shiny finish.
How to Make Copycat Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your eggs from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. This sets you up for a neat and enjoyable crafting session.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until it’s incredibly creamy and smooth. Add the creamy peanut butter and blend until fully combined. This mixture is the heart of your eggs — silky and rich.
Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor
Gradually add in the confectioner’s sugar, stirring well to incorporate it completely. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until the filling is smooth and holds together, ready for shaping.
Step 4: Shape the Eggs
Take about two tablespoons of the peanut butter mixture and form it into egg shapes using your hands. Place each egg carefully onto the prepared baking sheet. Don’t worry about perfection; the homemade look is part of the charm!
Step 5: Firm Up the Filling
Chill the shaped peanut butter eggs in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is crucial, as it firms up the filling, making dipping into the chocolate easier and cleaner.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is thoroughly melted and silky smooth.
Step 7: Coat the Eggs in Chocolate
Dip each chilled peanut butter egg into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully covered. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. This chocolate shell adds a perfect snap and balances the sweet and salty filling.
Step 8: Chill Until Set
Refrigerate the chocolate-coated eggs for another 30 minutes to let the coating firm up completely. Once set, these bites of bliss are ready to enjoy or gift!
How to Serve Copycat Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs Recipe
Garnishes
While these peanut butter eggs are delightful as-is, you can add a little personal flair by sprinkling crushed peanuts, sea salt flakes, or even a drizzle of white chocolate over the top before the final chill. It lends a visually appealing texture and an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these eggs alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a rich hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk. The creamy beverages complement the peanut butter and chocolate combo perfectly, making the indulgence feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap a few eggs in colorful cellophane tied with a festive ribbon for instant homemade gifts. For parties, arrange them on a decorative platter surrounded by spring flowers or pastel-colored napkins to bring that joyful, seasonal vibe to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These peanut butter eggs stay fresh for up to a week if kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cool environment keeps both the chocolate shell crisp and the peanut butter filling soft and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to prepare them ahead of time, freezing works wonderfully. Place the eggs in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to two months frozen without flavor loss.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen eggs, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the chocolate unevenly. These eggs are best served cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You absolutely can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to the filling, though it will be less smooth than the classic version. It’s a tasty variation if you love a bit of extra crunch.
Is it necessary to use coconut oil when melting the chocolate?
While not mandatory, adding coconut oil helps the chocolate melt neatly, creating a smooth coating with a beautiful shine. Without it, the chocolate may be thicker and less glossy.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or shortening?
Butter adds richness and flavor that’s hard to replicate with margarine or shortening. If you must substitute, choose a high-quality margarine, but keep in mind the taste and texture might slightly differ.
How do I make sure the peanut butter eggs don’t crack after dipping in chocolate?
Firmly chilling the shaped peanut butter eggs before dipping is key. That firmness prevents cracking by stabilizing the filling against the warm chocolate. Also, allow excess chocolate to drip off to avoid a heavy coating that could snap.
Can this recipe be doubled easily for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling or even tripling works perfectly. Just keep the proportions the same and ensure you have enough space in your fridge for proper chilling between steps. Making a large batch is great for parties or gift giving.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating your own copy of a beloved candy, and this Copycat Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs Recipe delivers that joy in every bite. Whether you make them for a holiday celebration or a casual treat, these eggs are bound to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Give this recipe a try, and watch it quickly become a treasured classic in your kitchen too!
Print
Copycat Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious homemade Copycat Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs featuring a creamy peanut butter and butter filling coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for Easter or any peanut butter lover’s treat, these no-bake peanut butter eggs are easy to make and ready in just over half an hour.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 3/4 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Make Filling Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and fluffy. Add the creamy peanut butter and mix well until completely combined.
- Add Sugar & Flavor: Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar to the mixture, stirring continuously. Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and forms a dough-like consistency.
- Shape Eggs: Using about two tablespoons of the mixture for each, shape into egg-like shapes by hand and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Chill Filling: Refrigerate the shaped peanut butter eggs for 30 minutes to firm them up and make them easier to dip.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Coat Eggs: Dip each chilled peanut butter egg into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before returning the egg to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated eggs again for 30 minutes to let the chocolate harden and set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond or other nut butters if preferred.
- If the chocolate thickens while dipping, gently reheat it to keep it smooth.
- Store finished peanut butter eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
