Homemade Reese’s Cups with Honey

Name: Homemade Reese’s Cups with Honey
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter; 1/4 cup honey; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making these Homemade Reese's Cups with Honey because they truly elevate the classic treat into something extraordinary. The sweetness of honey perfectly complements the rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Watching friends and family enjoy these delectable bites is incredibly satisfying. Plus, knowing that I made them from scratch adds a special touch to every indulgent moment. Whether it's for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, these cups are always a hit!

Created by

Delilah Spencer

Last updated on 2026-01-10T12:07:05.303Z

When I first attempted to make Homemade Reese's Cups with Honey, I was amazed at how simple the process was yet how impressive the final product turned out. The secret to achieving that perfect texture lies in using smooth peanut butter and allowing the chocolate to cool slightly before baking. This technique not only enhances the overall flavor but also gives the chocolate a beautiful sheen.

What I discovered after several batches is that using high-quality dark chocolate adds a rich depth to the cups that really shines through. I also like to sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before they set, which beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the honey and brings everything together in a delightful way.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with the natural sweetness of honey
Creamy peanut butter filling that’s irresistible
Quick and easy, perfect for a sweet fix any time

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredients in these Homemade Reese’s Cups are the dark chocolate chips and the smooth peanut butter, both of which play crucial roles. Dark chocolate not only provides a rich flavor but also adds a deeper dimension to the sweetness of the honey. Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for the best results. Conversely, opting for crunchy peanut butter can introduce a delightful texture, contrasting against the smooth chocolate.

Honey serves as a natural sweetener, harmonizing beautifully with the chocolate and peanut butter. Besides enhancing sweetness, honey adds a unique floral note that elevates the flavor profile. If you need a vegan version, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Keep in mind that these alternatives might alter the taste and texture slightly, but they still create a delicious result.

Tips for Perfectly Layered Cups

Creating layers in your Reese’s Cups is essential for achieving that signature taste and texture. When melting chocolate, ensure the heat is gentle; a double boiler works best to prevent any burning. The chocolate should melt until it’s glossy and smooth. If it becomes too thick, you can add a teaspoon of coconut oil to loosen it. Be careful not to overheat; chocolate that’s overheated may seize and become unusable.

Making uniform layers is key to the consistency of each bite. When you spoon the peanut butter mixture into the chocolate-lined cups, leave a little space at the top to accommodate the final layer of chocolate. This not only prevents spillage but also ensures the chocolate covers the peanut butter completely, creating a beautiful seal. I recommend using a small cookie scoop; it helps in portioning the filling accurately.

Ingredients

For the Cups

1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.

Prepare the Muffin Tin

Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Pour a tablespoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner and use a brush or the back of a spoon to spread it up the sides.

Make the Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt until well mixed.

Add the Filling

Spoon the peanut butter mixture into the center of each chocolate-lined cup, leaving some space at the top.

Seal with Chocolate

Top each cup with another tablespoon of melted chocolate, covering the peanut butter filling completely.

Chill and Set

Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set before removing from the liners.

Pro Tips

For an added twist, try using almond butter or a sprinkle of crushed nuts in the filling for extra flavor and texture.

Storing and Serving Tips

Once your Homemade Reese’s Cups are set, it's important to store them properly to keep them fresh. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to layer parchment paper between each cup to prevent sticking. They can last up to three months in the freezer, and you can enjoy them straight from there or let them thaw for a bit before indulging.

Serving these Homemade Reese’s Cups is versatile; they're perfect for parties or simply as an afternoon snack. You can garnish them with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch. If you're feeling adventurous, try mixing in chopped nuts or dried fruit into the peanut butter filling for a unique twist. My favorite variation is adding a sprinkle of cayenne for a subtle heat that complements the chocolate.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the chocolate doesn’t coat your cups smoothly, it may be due to moisture during melting or the chocolate cooling too much before being used. To fix this, return it to low heat and stir until it’s smooth again. Additionally, if your peanut butter filling is too runny, you can add more peanut butter or a bit of powdered sugar to thicken it without sacrificing flavor. This adjustment will help maintain the desired texture within the cups.

Sometimes, when the cups are chilled, the chocolate might crack while removing them from the liners. To minimize this, ensure that the chocolate layers are thick enough, about 1/8 inch, to support the structure. As a tip, let the cups sit at room temperature for a few minutes before peeling off the liners to make the removal process easier.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor, but the dark chocolate adds a rich depth.

→ How long do these Reese's Cups last?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Yes, you can use dairy-free chocolate and a plant-based sweetener instead of honey.

→ Is there a way to make these lower in sugar?

You can reduce the amount of honey or use a sugar-free alternative like stevia or erythritol.