Peanut butter Easter eggs are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate. These homemade eggs are perfect for Easter celebrations, whether as a fun activity to do with the kids or as a delicious dessert to share with friends and family. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these delightful treats that are sure to impress.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Easter Eggs
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- Easter-themed sprinkles or decorations (optional)
How to Make Peanut Butter Easter Eggs
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be thick and dough-like.
- Shape the Eggs:
- Take a small amount of the peanut butter mixture and roll it into an egg shape. Place the shaped eggs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all the mixture is used, making around 12-15 eggs depending on size.
- Chill the Eggs:
- Place the baking sheet with the shaped eggs in the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Coat the Eggs:
- Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled peanut butter egg into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Decorate the Eggs:
- While the chocolate is still wet, decorate the eggs with Easter-themed sprinkles or decorations if desired.
- Chill and Set:
- Place the baking sheet with the chocolate-coated eggs back in the refrigerator to chill for another 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the chocolate has set, the peanut butter Easter eggs are ready to be served. Enjoy these delicious treats as a festive dessert or Easter gift!
About the Main Ingredients
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter provides the rich and nutty flavor in these Easter eggs. Make sure to use a creamy, not crunchy, peanut butter for the best texture.
Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the peanut butter mixture and helps bind it together to form the egg shapes.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a subtle flavor boost to the peanut butter mixture, enhancing its overall taste.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips are melted and used to coat the peanut butter eggs, providing a sweet and chocolatey shell.
Vegetable Shortening: Vegetable shortening is added to the melted chocolate to help create a smooth and shiny coating on the eggs.
Easter-themed Decorations: Optional Easter-themed sprinkles or decorations can be added to the chocolate-coated eggs to make them more festive and fun.
These homemade peanut butter Easter eggs are a delicious and fun treat to make for Easter. Whether you enjoy them as a dessert or give them as gifts, they are sure to be a hit with everyone!