Hershey to restore classic Reese’s recipe after criticism
Hershey to restore classic Reese’s recipe after criticism is a easy American recipe that serves 24. 100 calories per serving. Recipe by ABC News on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $19.79 total, $0.82 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 oz Milk Chocolate (high‑quality couverture or couverture‑style)
- 8 oz Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa, for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (unsweetened, no‑oil separation)
- 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar (sifted)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 1/4 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure)
- 1 piece Silicone Mini Muffin Tray (12‑cavity, for shaping cups)
- 1 sheet Parchment Paper (cut to fit tray)
Instructions
Prepare Chocolate Shells
Line the silicone mini muffin tray with parchment paper (optional). Melt the milk chocolate in a microwave‑safe bowl in 30‑second bursts, stirring between bursts, until smooth and reaching about 45°C.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 45°C
Fill Tray with Chocolate
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted milk chocolate into each cavity, spreading to coat the bottom and sides. Tap the tray gently to level the chocolate.
Time: PT3M
Set Chocolate Shells
Place the tray in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to firm the chocolate shells.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 4°C
Make Peanut Butter Filling
In a small mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Time: PT4M
Add Filling to Shells
Remove the tray from the fridge. Spoon a small dollop (≈½ teaspoon) of the peanut butter mixture into the center of each chocolate shell, spreading slightly but leaving room for the top layer.
Time: PT4M
Top with Dark Chocolate
Melt the dark chocolate using the same microwave method. Spoon a thin layer over each filled cup, covering the peanut butter completely. Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 45°C
Final Chill
Return the tray to the refrigerator for 10 minutes until the dark chocolate hardens fully.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 4°C
Release and Store
Pop the finished peanut butter cups out of the silicone tray. Store in an airtight container.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 100
- Protein
- 2g
- Carbohydrates
- 10g
- Fat
- 6g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Peanuts, Milk, Soy (if soy lecithin in chocolate)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Milk Chocolate: Semi‑sweet chocolate
- Instead of Dark Chocolate: Bittersweet chocolate
- Instead of Creamy Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Granulated sugar (processed in blender)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt (adjust amount)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Maple extract
- Instead of Silicone Mini Muffin Tray: Paper cupcake liners
- Instead of Parchment Paper: Wax paper (not for high heat)
Equipment Needed
- Microwave‑Safe Bowl
- Mixing Spoon
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Silicone Mini Muffin Tray
- Refrigerator
- Thermometer (optional)
- Parchment Paper (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Melting chocolate to the correct temperature without burning
- Ensuring the peanut butter filling is smooth and not too runny
- Fully setting each chocolate layer before adding the next
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use couverture chocolate for the best snap and shine
- For a salty‑sweet twist, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the top layer before chilling
- Store cups in a single layer to prevent crushing
Troubleshooting
Chocolate seizes or becomes grainy
Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or a small piece of butter and stir vigorously; lower heat and continue melting.
Filling is too runny and leaks
Add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar or a pinch more butter to thicken.
Cups don’t set properly and are soft
Ensure the refrigerator is at least 4°C and chill for the full 10‑minute period; you can also place the tray in the freezer for 2 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container
Freezer: Up to 3 months; thaw in fridge before serving
Room temperature: Not recommended beyond 1 day; chocolate may bloom
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the chocolate shells a day ahead and keep refrigerated
- Peanut butter filling can be made up to 3 days in advance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in American confectionery?
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, created in 1928 by H.B. Reese, became the best‑selling candy in the United States, symbolizing the perfect marriage of chocolate and peanut butter that resonates with American snack culture.
What are the traditional regional variations of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in the United States?
While the classic version uses milk chocolate, some regional limited editions have featured dark chocolate, white chocolate, or added sea salt, reflecting local taste trends and seasonal promotions.
How were Reese's Peanut Butter Cups originally made and served in the 1930s?
The original cups were hand‑molded using simple milk chocolate and a sweetened peanut butter filling, then wrapped in foil; they were sold in small tins and later in paper wrappers.
What occasions or celebrations are Reese's Peanut Butter Cups traditionally associated with in American culture?
Reese's are popular during Halloween, Easter, and especially around the holidays; they are also a staple at movie nights and school snack times.
What makes Reese's Peanut Butter Cups special or unique in American candy tradition?
The contrast of smooth milk chocolate with a salty‑sweet peanut butter center creates a distinctive texture and flavor balance that has kept the candy iconic for nearly a century.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?
Common errors include overheating the chocolate, which causes it to seize, and making the peanut butter filling too runny, which leads to leakage when the top layer is added.
Why does this homemade Reese's recipe use both milk and dark chocolate instead of only milk chocolate?
Using milk chocolate for the base shell preserves the classic taste, while a dark chocolate top adds depth and a subtle bitterness that mimics the newer premium formulations Hershey announced.
Can I make these homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Cups ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare the shells up to two days in advance and keep them refrigerated; once assembled, store the cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the chocolate shells are properly set?
The shells should be glossy, firm to the touch, and snap cleanly when gently pressed; the surface should be smooth without streaks or bubbles.
What does the YouTube channel ABC News specialize in?
The YouTube channel ABC News focuses on news reporting, investigative journalism, and occasional feature segments that explore consumer issues, such as the recent discussion about Reese's chocolate quality.
How does the YouTube channel ABC News' approach to food‑related reporting differ from other news channels?
ABC News combines traditional news reporting with on‑the‑ground interviews and consumer advocacy, providing a balanced view that includes expert opinions and direct stakeholder commentary, unlike purely entertainment‑focused food channels.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
