These Peanut Butter Cups are the perfect little treat for the kiddos after a long day at school!
Wow! Can you believe it’s already Labor Day weekend? If your kids haven’t gone back to school yet, I’m thinking Tuesday of next week may be the dreaded first day of school. The unofficial time to kiss summer goodbye. Wah wah.
I know the first few days of school are tough. It’s usually still pretty warm, so it feels more like summer than school, homework starts, and the hoards of papers to sign that come home in that backpack…UGH! Can you spell “Stress” with a capital S?
So today I’m sharing a treat for the kids AND adults, because face it, school is a lot of work for everyone involved, and chocolate makes all things right in the world, doesn’t it?
I decided on two options for today’s Peanut Butter Cups. A peanut butter and strawberry jam cup, or whatever jam suits your fancy, and some crispy peanut butter cups. I love the pb&j cups, and my son Casey is a huge fan of the crispy ones.
These little cups couldn’t be easier, and they’re the perfect after school or lunch box treat. Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Enjoy!
And to my family, friends and followers in Texas, my heart is breaking for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter softened
- 1/3 cup confectioner's sugar sifted
- 2 Tbsp. light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable shortening
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup crispy rice cereal
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Line two 12 count count mini-muffin pans with paper liners. Set aside. If you don't have two trays, just make one flavor at a time.
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In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, confectioner's sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth and well blended. Place in refrigerator.
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Place the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
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Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam Cups: Spoon one heaping teaspoon melted chocolate into each paper liner. Bang tray on counter so chocolate settles.Top with one teaspoon peanut butter, 1/2 teaspoon strawberry jam, and finally another heaping teaspoon of melted chocolate. Bang tray again on counter. Chill in refrigerator for about one hour.
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Crispy Peanut Butter Cups: Spoon one heaping teaspoon melted chocolate into each paper liner. Bang tray on counter so chocolate settles.Top with one heaping teaspoon peanut butter, sprinkle with some crispy rice cereal, and finally another heaping teaspoon of melted chocolate. Bang tray again on counter, then top each cup with more crispy rice cereal. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
I love this fun twist on the peanut butter cup! I mean is there anything better than peanut butter and jelly? No way. I know my kids would love this after school treat. Happy Labor Day weekend girl!
No there isn’t Karen! Bet your clan would love these! Happy Labor Day weekend to you too! XO
I love these Mary Ann! Such a fun and delicious twist on traditional peanut butter cups :)
They’re quite addictive Chris! Happy holiday weekend!
Love this Mary Ann! These are not only fun, but look like they taste super delish! You can’t go wrong with these and I’m pretty sure I could eat so! Pinned! Have a lovely long weekend, my friend! Enjoy! XO
Who can resist a peanut butter cup, right?!
You know we don’t have any kids, so my plan is to keep on keeping on with summer! Well, for as long as the produce section at the market will let me at least. ;) This post is torture, Mare! Before I developed an allergy to cocoa, I was seriously obsessed with peanut butter cups! They are just SO dang good!!! And yours are over the top delicious! I mean peanut butter AND JELLY cups?! GENIUS! Maybe it’s a good thing I can’t eat these, because I have a feeling I’d eat my weight in these beauties! Pinned! Cheers, friend!
Oh, I wish you could eat them Chey! I’ll eat your share for sure. I think they’d be a hit with Boy!
Peanut Butter & Jelly Cups??? These could be dangerous! I’ll take my chances! ;) I love how you’ve added the crispy cereal….such a clever idea that I really love!! Have a lovely weekend, my friend! Pinned!
Oh, they’re dangerous alright Annie! Casey loved the crispy rice cereal ones! I was all about the pb&j!!
I’m not ready to kiss summer goodbye!!! Peanut butter and chocolate are 2 of my favorite things… and one of my favorite combos! Love these.
Me either Natasha! Let’s drown our sorrows in peanut butter cups!
These look so delicious Mary Ann!! I love how you have two ways to make them. School started this week for us and it’s been crazy!!! I’m hoping next week will settle into more of a schedule. Cross your fingers. I’ve never made these before but I’ve been dying to (I even have the little papers to make them in). Will definitely put these on the list of things to make!! xoxo
The beginning of the school year is always a little tough on everyone. Hopefully after a week or so everyone gets into the routine and things calm down. These are so easy to make Rebecca and ssuch a great little treat. I mean who doesn’t love chocolate and peanut butter right?!
What perfect back-to-school treats and of course, just treats for the rest of us ;) Loving the jelly version. Yum! Have a wonderful long weekend!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend too Jennifer! Yes, my boys are older and not at home anymore, but when they visit I make them. Too dangerous to make when I’m home alone! I’d eat them all!
These look yummy! Any idea how they would hold up for an indoor bake sale? Would they get all melty and messy quickly?
You could keep a large ziploc bag filled with ice under the cups to keep them cool Josette. I think they’d be a hit at the bake sale! So easy to make too!
The PB&J cups are genius, what an incredible after school snack that would make for any lucky kid…or parent!
I LOVE the pb&j ones Sue! I shared so I wouldn’t eat the whole tray solo!
Peanut butter cups are one of my favorite treats ever. I don’t have kids so if I make these they’re allllll for me :). I love the pb and j cups too! Such a perfect idea!
Mine too Kelsie! Hope you enjoy them if you give them a try!
What a fun recipe, Mary Ann. This would be a great afternoon project for kids and their mom – and then they get to eat it! Love the rice crispies and the strawberry jam in there!
Yes! It’s such and easy, fun recipe Geraldine! The kids would love it!
Oh love that you did these! Sometimes the simplest desserts are the BEST!
I agree Sarah! My son Casey and his friends LOVED these!
My kids would be so happy to come home to these!
My son Casey loved them Matt! I made them before he shoved off to Michigan! Happy Labor Day weekend!
If I was going back to school, these peanut butter cups would make that dreaded first day way better.
I’d need these after school or in my lunch box for sure Nicole!
uh oh, Mary Ann, you found my weakness! I LOVE peanut butter cups, so these are for kids of ALL ages, right? Love how you’re spin with jam and crispy rice crunch!
I think they may be a lot of people’s weakness Marissa! I hope you give them a try!
Aaah peanut butter cups are my all-time favourite!! I might make these for my kids but would absolutely end up eating them all myself. SO delicious Mary Ann!!
They’re tough to resist Katherine!
Where there’s peanut butter and chocolate, you can find me. I can already feel myself getting addicted! These look amazeeee
Yay! Then you will absolutely love these Karly!
Hi MaryAnn. I love the blog that you have here and I love your absolutely beautiful peanut butter cups. Very simple and easy to do. Thanks for sharing
Thanks so much Karl! Glad you found the BHK! Yes, these are so simple and so delish. I hope you enjoy them, and thanks so much for following!
love both options! But how can you not? Geeeze! So perfect for those back to school lunches
I know right? Anything chocolate peanut butter is fab. I’ll swap you some for some of your yummy toasted coconut banana muffins?!
This is a peanut butter lovers dream! Happy Labor Day weekend, MaryAnn!
I think so too! Hope you, Matt and the boys have an awesome weekend Naomi! I’ll be checking my mail daily for your cookbook! Can’t wait!!
You know I love grab n’ go snacks Mary Ann, so these totally light me up! I love the crunch of the rice, but the sweetness of the jam.. so I’ll have both please! I used to get stressed come mid August.. when I was teaching. Now, not so much. It’s smoooooth sailing now! hehe! Delicious work my dear!
I thought you might go for these Traci! I know, I get it. School can be stressful for all involved. Some people love it, but others, not so much! A little chocolate always helps ease the sting of back to school time!
I could never say no to a peanut butter and chocolate combination!
Me either Jennifer! That combo is a winner!
Now that I don’t have a back-to-schooler in my house, I kinda miss those days! So I think I definitely need to make some of these to cheer myself up, RIGHT?? Love the rice krispie addition!
I know! Don’t you miss it Kate? I guess when we’re going through packing lunches and going through backpacks we wish it away, but I’d give anything to have little ones again!
I love bite sized treats! :D They take care of the cravings and still manage the portion control! These peanut butter cups sound so good! I think, I would also prefer the crispy ones :). Stunning pictures Mary Ann :* !!
Yes, they’re perfect Deepika! Just the right size! Thank you so much! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Peanut butter cups are actually my fave <3
They’re one of my favorites too Jennifer! And these are so easy to make they’re dangerous!
Our first day back is Tuesday. Summer is officially over for the kiddos. These peanut butter cups are such a neat treat. My kids would love ’em, but so would my husband. He is a peanut butter and chocolate fiend!
I hate it when summer comes to a close Kathy! It’s still so pretty at the beach through September and October, but I miss all the kids! Hope y’all enjoy these!
I could probably eat all of these. peanut butter cups are my absolute favorite. YUM!
I challenge you to a duel Tieghan! Bet I could eat more than you!
I love this recipe Mary Ann! So simple and perfect for an after school snack ! I used to make these with my jams, but I have not in a couple years! Thank you for the reminder! :) My kids started school and I know I should be making it for them!
They’ll love them Amisha! And you’ll love how easy they are!
These are the prettiest peanut butter cups ever! Such a fun bite! :)
Too much fun for me Laura! Thank goodness Casey was around to help!