Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Ingredients:

• 24 ounces melting chocolate, divided
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Tin
Line a mini muffin tin with mini liners and set it aside.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt half of the chocolate. Heat for 1 minute, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

Step 3: Create the Chocolate Base
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each mini liner, using all of the first batch of chocolate. Let the chocolate cool and set while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a medium saucepan, heat the peanut butter and unsalted butter over medium-low heat until melted and combined. Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture thickens.

Step 5: Add the Filling
Place about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture onto the set chocolate layer in each liner. Repeat until all cups have been filled with peanut butter.

Step 6: Top with Chocolate
Melt the remaining chocolate as before. Spoon 1 to 1½ teaspoons of the melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling, ensuring it covers the top completely. Tap the muffin tin gently on the counter to smooth the tops.

Step 7: Cool and Set
Let the peanut butter cups sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator until fully cooled and set, about 30 minutes.

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.