I’m thrilled to share a homemade recipe that captures the magic of Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs. This isn’t just about recreating a seasonal favorite; it’s about adding a personal touch to our celebrations, and perhaps making our festivities a tad sweeter.
Table of Contents
How to make Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs
Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs are a seasonal candy made by The Hershey Company, typically available around Easter. They consist of a thick, creamy peanut butter filling coated in smooth milk chocolate, shaped like an egg instead of the traditional Reese’s cup.
🍫Check out Irresistible Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs on Amazon🍫 (Ad)Ingredients:
To make homemade Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (choose your favorite brand for the best flavor)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar (also known as confectioner’s sugar or icing sugar)
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract (to enrich the peanut butter flavor)
- Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips (for coating the eggs; you could also use high-quality milk chocolate bars, broken into pieces)
- 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil (this helps thin out the chocolate for a smoother coating)
Instructions:
Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter, unsalted butter, and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the ingredients are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually stir in the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes thick and dough-like.
Shape the Eggs:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Using a spoon or your hands, portion the dough into small, egg-like ovals. Place each egg on the prepared baking sheet.
- Once all the eggs are shaped, place the baking sheet in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm them up.
Melt the Chocolate:
- While the eggs are chilling, melt the milk chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil) together. You can do this either in a double boiler on the stove or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in-between until smooth and fully melted.
Coat the Eggs:
- After the peanut butter eggs have firmed in the freezer, dip them one at a time into the melted chocolate, ensuring each one is fully coated.
- Using a fork, lift each egg out of the chocolate and gently tap off any excess.
- Return the coated eggs to the baking sheet and allow them to rest until the chocolate sets. You can place them back in the refrigerator to hasten this process if necessary.
Finishing Touches:
- For a professional touch, you can drizzle additional chocolate over the set eggs or decorate them with festive Easter sprinkles.
Tips:
- If the peanut butter mixture is too sticky when shaping, lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Ensure the eggs are very cold before dipping them in the chocolate. This will help the chocolate set faster and avoid melting the peanut butter filling.
- If your chocolate becomes too thick during dipping, you can gently reheat it or add a touch more shortening or coconut oil to achieve the desired consistency.
- If your room temperature allows, store the finished eggs in a cool, dry place, or keep them refrigerated if it’s warm to prevent melting.
What to serve with
When serving Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs, pairing them with complementary treats and drinks can elevate your dessert experience and offer a delightful array for your guests or family to enjoy. Here are some ideas on what to serve alongside these decadent eggs:
Drinks:
- Coffee: A cup of coffee pairs wonderfully with chocolate and peanut butter, as its slight bitterness complements the sweet and rich flavors of the eggs. For a chocolate tie-in, opt for a light roast or a mocha blend.
- Milk: Classic cold milk is a no-brainer pair for any chocolate treat. It helps cleanse the palate and enhances the creamy texture of the peanut butter filling.
- Hot Chocolate: If you’re serving these eggs on a cooler day, a warm mug of hot chocolate can double the chocolate indulgence. Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness.
- Dessert Wines: For an adult gathering, consider a sweet dessert wine like Port, which pairs nicely with chocolate, or a Moscato, which is light and sweet enough to complement the dessert without overpowering it.
Sweet Treats:
- Assorted Chocolate Truffles: To provide different chocolate experiences, offer a variety of truffles alongside your peanut butter eggs—think dark chocolate, white chocolate, and ones with different fillings like caramel or mint.
- Mini Cupcakes: Small, bite-sized cupcakes in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or carrot can add variety to your dessert platter without diminishing the Reese’s eggs.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries, apple slices, and bananas can lighten up the palate and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich peanuts and chocolate. Fruits also add a splash of color to your dessert table.
Savory Snacks:
- Salted Nuts: A bowl of assorted salted nuts, such as almonds, pecans, and cashews, can complement the peanut butter’s nutty flavor while adding a crunchy texture to the mix.
- Cheese Platter: Consulting the savory side, a selection of mild cheeses might balance the sweetness. Consider including Brie, Camembert, or creamy goat cheese, which won’t compete but will provide a lovely contrast.
- Pretzels: Offering both mini pretzels and chocolate-dipped pretzels can satisfy the salty-sweet cravings and add a textured snack that pairs well with the smoothness of the eggs.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a homemade version of Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs allows for customization based on dietary preferences, allergies, or simply to work with the ingredients you have on hand.
Peanut Butter
- Almond Butter or Cashew Butter: You can substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a nuttier, slightly different flavour profile. These nut butters offer a similar consistency and richness.
- Sunflower Seed Butter: For those with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative that maintains the creamy texture and rich taste necessary for these treats.
Milk Chocolate
- Dark Chocolate: For a less sweet and more intense chocolate flavor, dark chocolate can be used in place of milk chocolate. It’s also a good option for those looking to reduce sugar intake.
- White Chocolate: While it will significantly change the flavor profile, white chocolate is an option for a sweeter, creamier coating.
- Dairy-Free Chocolate: Excellent dairy-free chocolate alternatives are available on the market for lactose intolerant or vegans. They’re typically made from cocoa butter and a variety of plant-based milk alternatives.
Butter
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil can be a good substitute for butter to help bind the peanut butter filling. It works well for dairy-free or vegans.
- Vegan Butter: There are several brands of vegan butter that can mimic the texture and richness of real butter without any dairy products.
Powdered Sugar
- Coconut Sugar: Ground coconut sugar can be used instead of powdered sugar for a less processed, more natural sweetener. It has a lower glycemic index but will result in a darker, less smooth filling.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a lower-calorie option, powdered stevia or monk fruit sweeteners are great substitutes. They are much sweeter than powdered sugar, so you’ll need to adjust the quantity based on taste.
Vanilla Extract
- Vanilla Bean Paste: For a more intense vanilla flavor, you can use vanilla bean paste instead of extract. Since it’s more concentrated, use half the amount of paste compared to extract.
- Almond Extract: For a different flavor profile, almond extract can replace vanilla extract. However, as almond extract is stronger, use sparingly.
Final Thoughts
By following these steps and tips, you’ll have a batch of delightful Reese’s Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs that might just rival the store-bought version. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones and infusing your Easter with homemade charm!
More Reese’s Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil
Instructions
Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter, unsalted butter, and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the ingredients are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually stir in the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes thick and dough-like.
Shape the Eggs:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Using a spoon or your hands, portion the dough into small, egg-like ovals. Place each egg on the prepared baking sheet.
- Once all the eggs are shaped, place the baking sheet in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm them up.
Melt the Chocolate:
- While the eggs are chilling, melt the milk chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil) together. You can do this either in a double boiler on the stove or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in-between until smooth and fully melted.
Coat the Eggs:
- After the peanut butter eggs have firmed in the freezer, dip them one at a time into the melted chocolate, ensuring each one is fully coated.
- Using a fork, lift each egg out of the chocolate and gently tap off any excess.
- Return the coated eggs to the baking sheet and allow them to rest until the chocolate sets. You can place them back in the refrigerator to hasten this process if necessary.
Finishing Touches:
- For a professional touch, you can drizzle additional chocolate over the set eggs or decorate them with festive Easter sprinkles.
