Peanut Butter Easter Eggs

Peanut Butter Easter Eggs are a classic springtime treat that brings homemade sweetness to your Easter celebration. These adorable, festive candies feature a rich, creamy peanut butter filling coated in a smooth layer of chocolate, shaped perfectly like mini Easter eggs. Whether you’re gifting them in holiday baskets, serving them as part of a dessert table, or making them as a fun family activity, these no-bake treats are as delightful to make as they are to eat.

Reminiscent of the popular peanut butter cups but with a seasonal twist, these Peanut Butter Easter Eggs have the perfect balance of sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy, simple and indulgent. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create bakery-style confections right at home—customizable in flavor, decoration, and presentation to suit your Easter theme.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut Butter Easter Eggs are a perfect combination of nostalgia and decadence. You’ll love the soft, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter filling that’s just the right amount of sweet and salty, encased in a smooth chocolate shell. These treats require no baking, minimal cleanup, and just a handful of pantry staples—making them an ideal recipe for beginner and experienced bakers alike.

The best part is their versatility. You can make them with milk, dark, or white chocolate, decorate them with colorful drizzles, or even stuff them with mini surprises like crushed cookies or crisped rice. Whether you’re preparing Easter treats for kids or making elegant holiday gifts, these Peanut Butter Easter Eggs are a charming addition to your celebration that never fails to impress.

Preparation Time and Servings:

• Prep time: 25 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 18–20 eggs
• Serving Size: 1 egg

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 13g

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ tsp salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 2 cups milk chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (or use dark or white chocolate)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother coating)

For Decoration (optional):

• Colored candy melts or white chocolate, melted
• Sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed nuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Peanut Butter Filling

• In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Gradually add powdered sugar and salt (if using), stirring until a thick dough forms.
• Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes for easier shaping.

2. Shape the Easter Eggs

• Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and shape into an egg form using your hands.
• Place each egg onto a parchment-lined baking tray.
• Once all eggs are shaped, refrigerate or freeze for 15–20 minutes until firm.

3. Melt the Chocolate

• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until fully melted and smooth.
• Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler for better temperature control.

4. Dip the Peanut Butter Eggs

• Using a fork or dipping tool, lower each chilled egg into the melted chocolate, coating it fully.
• Gently tap off excess chocolate and place back on the lined tray.
• Repeat with all eggs, working quickly before the chocolate sets.

5. Decorate (Optional)

• If desired, drizzle with colored melted chocolate or candy melts using a spoon or piping bag.
• Add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or edible glitter while the chocolate is still wet.
• Chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes or until the coating is fully set.

Ingredient Background

Peanut butter is the heart of this recipe, offering a creamy, protein-rich base with a naturally sweet and nutty flavor. The powdered sugar binds the mixture and gives the filling its firm yet soft texture. Butter adds smoothness and richness, while vanilla provides a subtle aroma that enhances the overall flavor.

The chocolate coating completes the confection, adding a silky, sweet exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling. Coconut oil helps thin the chocolate for easier dipping and a glossier finish. Decorative elements like colored chocolate drizzles and sprinkles bring a festive touch that’s perfect for Easter presentations.

Technique Tips

• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized eggs and uniform shape.
• Keep your hands lightly greased or chilled to prevent the filling from sticking while shaping.
• Don’t skip chilling—firm eggs make dipping much easier and cleaner.
• Use a fork or candy dipping tool to lower and lift the eggs from the chocolate.
• Work in batches if needed—keep some eggs in the fridge while dipping others to prevent softening.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Nestle finished eggs in mini cupcake liners for individual servings.
• Wrap each egg in colored foil or cellophane bags for gifting.
• Place eggs in a decorative box or egg carton lined with tissue paper for a festive display.
• Create an Easter dessert platter by pairing eggs with cookies, fruit, and mini cupcakes.
• Make jumbo eggs and slice them into halves or quarters for a dramatic presentation.

Additional Tips for Success

• Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing powdered sugar to taste.
• Use natural peanut butter for a less processed version but chill the dough longer to firm it up.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm spice note.
• Mix in crushed graham crackers, crisped rice, or cookie crumbs for added texture.
• Store eggs separately on parchment to prevent sticking or smudging.

Recipe Variations

• Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for different flavor profiles.
• Add mini chocolate chips or chopped pretzels into the peanut butter mixture.
• Swap milk chocolate for dark, white, or ruby chocolate for different coatings.
• Add a surprise center such as a caramel square or fruit jam dollop inside the filling.
• Create layered eggs by pressing two flavors of filling together, like peanut butter and coconut.

Freezing and Storage

• Store eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Avoid storing in warm areas as chocolate may melt or bloom (develop a white coating).

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use unsweetened peanut butter and reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute.
• Swap powdered sugar for coconut sugar processed into a fine powder.
• Choose dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content for added antioxidants and lower sugar.
• Add chia seeds or flaxseeds into the filling for a nutrient boost.
• Use dairy-free chocolate and plant-based butter for a vegan version.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Include in Easter baskets with jelly beans, chocolate bunnies, and cookies.
• Serve as a centerpiece treat on Easter brunch or dessert tables.
• Pack in treat boxes for school parties, spring picnics, or gifts.
• Pair with a fruit platter or yogurt cups for a balanced dessert spread.
• Offer as part of a DIY dessert bar where guests can choose their own decorations.

Special Equipment

• Mixing bowl and spoon
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon measure
• Parchment-lined baking tray
• Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
• Fork or dipping tool for coating
• Small piping bags or squeeze bottles for decoration

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but the mixture may be softer. Chill longer and adjust sugar to firm up the dough.

2. Why is my chocolate coating too thick?

Add a little coconut oil or shortening to thin the chocolate for easier dipping.

3. How do I shape the eggs evenly?

Use a cookie scoop and gently mold into egg shapes by hand.

4. Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate.

5. Can I decorate them without candy melts?

Absolutely—use white chocolate with natural food coloring for a similar effect.

6. How long do they last?

Up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or 2 months in the freezer.

7. What else can I add to the filling?

Try crisped rice, chopped nuts, cookie crumbs, or spices like cinnamon.

8. Can kids help with this recipe?

Yes, this is a fun, family-friendly activity—especially the decorating part.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Easter Eggs are a delightful homemade treat that combines comfort, creativity, and classic flavors in every bite. With their smooth peanut butter filling and rich chocolate coating, these festive candies are a perfect addition to your springtime traditions. Simple to make, easy to customize, and endlessly enjoyable, they’re a surefire hit for all ages and occasions.

Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering, gifting them to loved ones, or just treating yourself to something sweet, these Peanut Butter Easter Eggs offer a taste of tradition with a homemade touch. One batch, and they’ll quickly become an Easter favorite year after year.

Print