Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Requires only a few basic ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.
- Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can have these peanut butter eggs ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or as a sweet snack anytime.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 8 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, cut into ½-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon shortening
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, beat together the confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter until well blended. If the mixture is too dry, add the milk to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Form Eggs: Divide the peanut butter mixture into two equal portions. Shape each portion into an egg shape and place them on a wax paper-lined plate. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour.
- Melt Chocolate: In a double boiler over low heat, melt the semisweet chocolate squares and shortening until smooth.
- Dip Eggs: Remove the peanut butter eggs from the freezer. Using a fork, dip each egg into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the dipped eggs back onto the wax paper-lined plate.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the chocolate to set completely. Once hardened, the peanut butter eggs are ready to enjoy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 16 peanut butter eggs.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
- Freezing Time: Approximately 1 hour.
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Variations
- Chocolate Coating: For a different flavor, use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate.
- Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, into the peanut butter mixture for added texture.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt to the peanut butter mixture for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the peanut butter eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the peanut butter eggs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. However, ensure the peanut butter mixture is smooth enough to form into egg shapes.
What can I use instead of shortening in the chocolate coating?
You can substitute shortening with an equal amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil to achieve a similar consistency.
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
To prevent cracking, ensure the chocolate is melted gently and not overheated. Allow the dipped eggs to cool at room temperature before refrigerating.
Can I make these without a double boiler?
Yes, you can melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
How do I make the eggs more uniform in size?
Use a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop to portion the peanut butter mixture evenly before shaping into eggs.
Can I add a layer of caramel?
Yes, you can add a thin layer of caramel over the peanut butter mixture before dipping in chocolate for a caramel-peanut butter combination.
How do I prevent the eggs from sticking to the wax paper?
Ensure the wax paper is well-lined and that the chocolate coating is fully set before removing the eggs.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter may be too oily and could affect the consistency of the mixture. It’s best to use creamy, processed peanut butter for this recipe.
How do I make the chocolate coating smoother?
Adding a small amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil to the melted chocolate can help achieve a smoother coating.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Eggs are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with a smooth chocolate coating. Perfect for holidays or as a sweet snack, these candies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Peanut Butter Eggs
Peanut Butter Eggs are a rich and creamy treat that combines smooth peanut butter with a velvety chocolate coating. This simple, homemade candy is perfect for holidays or as a sweet snack, and it’s easy to make in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 peanut butter eggs
- Category: Candy
- Method: Freezing, Melting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 8 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, cut into ½-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon shortening
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, beat together the confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter until smooth. If the mixture is too dry, add the milk to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Form Eggs: Divide the peanut butter mixture into two portions. Shape each portion into an egg shape and place them on a wax paper-lined plate. Freeze for about 1 hour, until firm.
- Melt Chocolate: In a double boiler over low heat, melt the semisweet chocolate squares and shortening until smooth.
- Dip Eggs: Remove the peanut butter eggs from the freezer. Using a fork, dip each egg into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place them back onto the wax paper-lined plate.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the chocolate to set completely. Once hardened, your peanut butter eggs are ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Chocolate Variations: Swap semisweet chocolate for milk or white chocolate for a different taste.
- Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt for enhanced flavor.
