Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups Recipe

If you’re as obsessed with that magical chocolate-hazelnut pairing as I am, you’re about to fall head over heels for these Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups. Imagine silky dark chocolate hugging a creamy, nutty, just-sweet-enough hazelnut butter center—these treats are pure bliss, and so easy to make with just a handful of real ingredients!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a few carefully-chosen ingredients make these Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups utterly irresistible. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that rich, creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey delight you’ll crave over and over again!

• Hazelnut Butter: This is the creamy, nutty heart of every cup—look for pure hazelnut butter with no added sugars or oils for the best flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Brings the perfect amount of natural sweetness and helps emulsify the nut butter filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth, letting all those nutty and chocolatey notes shine.
• Sea Salt: Just a pinch lifts and balances both the sweet and savory flavors, making everything pop!
• Roasted Hazelnuts: A bit of crunch for the garnish—plus, that toasty flavor is irresistible.
• Dark Chocolate: The deep, decadent shell. Go for a good-quality bar (70% or higher) for maximum intensity.
• Coconut Oil: Helps the chocolate set with that perfect soft bite, and gives a glossy finish.

Variations

The beauty of these Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups is that they’re endlessly adaptable—feel free to get creative based on what you love or have on hand, whether it’s for dietary swaps or just a fun twist!

• Nut-Free: Substitute creamy sunflower seed butter for a delicious and totally nut-free version.
• Sweeter Chocolate Shell: Use milk or even white chocolate for a softer, milder flavor that kids especially adore.
• Add Crunch: Stir a handful of chopped toasted hazelnuts or cacao nibs into the filling for extra texture.
• Espresso Hit: Add a touch of instant espresso powder to the melted chocolate for an elegant mocha twist that adults will love.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups

Step 1: Mix Up the Hazelnut Butter Filling

In a small bowl, combine the hazelnut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt. Give it a little taste test—if you love it extra sweet, add a splash more maple syrup. Stir in the finely chopped roasted hazelnuts for delightful nutty crunch. Pop this luscious mixture into the fridge to firm up a bit as you get your chocolate ready.

Step 2: Prepare Your Muffin Cups

Grab either silicone muffin cups for the easiest unmolding ever, or line a standard muffin tin with paper liners. This not only shapes your Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups neatly but also makes cleanup a total breeze!

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Finely chop your dark chocolate and add it, along with coconut oil, to a heatproof bowl. Set it over a gentle simmering saucepan (double-boiler style) and stir just until melted and silky. Take it off the heat to cool for a minute so it’s not too hot to handle.

Step 4: Layer the Chocolate and Filling

Spoon a generous half-tablespoon of melted chocolate into each liner. Swirl it around and up the sides so you get a good shell, then chill for 5 minutes to set. Dollop 1–2 teaspoons of the hazelnut filling into each cup, gently flattening but leaving a little border so the filling stays hidden under the chocolate.

Step 5: Seal and Set the Cups

Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the nutty centers to fully seal them in. Give the muffin tray a gentle tap so the tops smooth out gorgeously. Chill in the fridge or freezer until the Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups are completely set, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that chef’s kiss finish!

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups

Garnishes

You can’t go wrong with a flutter of flaky sea salt on top, but if you’re feeling extra, try a dusting of cocoa powder, extra chopped roasted hazelnuts, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate to brighten up each Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cup.

Side Dishes

Serve these beauties alongside a steamy cup of espresso, a scoop of vanilla gelato, or a bowl of mixed fresh berries. The dark, nutty richness pairs wonderfully with both creamy and refreshing sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For that wow factor, stack your Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups on a pretty platter for guests to grab, tuck them into festive mini cupcake liners for a holiday treat box, or wrap them up with a ribbon for an irresistible edible gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and dreamy for about a week—if you can resist finishing them sooner, that is!

Freezing

Want that extra-snappy bite? Freeze your Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups! They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. Just let them sit at room temp for 5 minutes to soften ever so slightly before you dig in.

Reheating

These are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature—no reheating required! If they’re straight from the freezer, a few minutes on the counter is all it takes to bring back their creamy, dreamy center.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups a try soon—they’re easy, fun, and so outrageously delicious. Share them with friends or keep a secret stash for yourself… no judgement here! Enjoy every delightful bite.

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