Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups Recipe

If you love rich, nutty treats, these Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups are your new snack obsession! Creamy roasted hazelnut filling meets luscious dark chocolate—each bite is pure heaven. They’re so quick and easy, yet taste just like a decadent, homemade version of your favorite fancy chocolate shop candy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple, quality ingredients to create truly unforgettable Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups! Each one brings its own magic—don’t skip or swap unless you’re feeling adventurous, because every piece builds the flavor, texture, and that glossy, mouthwatering finish.

• Hazelnut butter: This is the creamy, nutty heart of the filling—make sure it’s unsweetened and smooth for best results.
• Maple syrup: Adds gorgeous natural sweetness and just a touch of caramel depth; you can adjust to taste.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the filling with warm aroma and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Sea salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the sweetness and chocolate, taking things to another level.
• Roasted hazelnuts: Chopped and sprinkled on top, they add crunch and a true nut-lover’s finish.
• Dark chocolate (chopped): Use high-quality chocolate for that rich, glossy cup you crave—semi-sweet or 70% works wonders.
• Coconut oil: This helps the chocolate melt smooth and set with a gorgeous shiny snap (plus: hint of tropical flavor!).

Variations

One of the best things about Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups? They’re delightfully customizable! Don’t be afraid to play with flavors and textures—just a tiny tweak makes them perfectly yours, or helps you cater to allergies or favorite cravings.

• Peanut Butter Swirl: Swap hazelnut butter for peanut butter, or do half and half for a nutty twist.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use vegan chocolate chips or bars, and be sure your hazelnut butter is plant-based.
• Extra Crunch: Stir a handful of crisped rice, chopped nuts, or cacao nibs into the filling for extra texture.
• Mini Bites: Make in mini muffin pans for adorable, poppable treats—just reduce filling and chocolate amounts accordingly.
• Fruit-Infused: Add a few dried cherries or bits of candied orange peel to each cup for fruity zing.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups

Step 1: Mix the Hazelnut Butter Filling

Start by stirring together hazelnut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl. The mixture should come together in a glossy, sticky dough—feel free to taste and tweak the sweetness if you like. Then, fold in the finely chopped roasted hazelnuts for even more hazelnut flavor and a little crunch. Pop this filling in the fridge for a few minutes to help it firm up.

Step 2: Prepare Your Molds

Whether you use silicone muffin cups, or line a muffin tin with paper liners, set these on a tray that will fit in your fridge. Getting them ready to go means less fuss when you start to fill them with chocolate and creamy hazelnut goodness.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Roughly chop your dark chocolate and add it to a heat-safe bowl with coconut oil. Melt it gently over barely-simmering water, stirring until sultry-smooth and glossy. Take the chocolate off the heat and let it sit for a minute so it’s not piping hot—this helps it coat the cups beautifully.

Step 4: Form the Chocolate Shells

Spoon about half a tablespoon of melted chocolate into each liner—just enough to thoroughly cover the bottom. Use the back of your spoon to drag some chocolate partway up the sides, creating a cozy little chocolate nest. Pop the tray in the fridge for 5 minutes; this quick chill sets the base so the hazelnut filling will sit perfectly.

Step 5: Fill and Top

Once the chocolate bottoms are set, take your hazelnut butter mixture and dollop about 1 to 2 teaspoons into each shell. Flatten it slightly, but don’t let it touch the edges (this keeps the filling surrounded safely by chocolate). Pour more melted chocolate over the top to completely blanket the filling, then smooth out the surface with a spoon.

Step 6: Chill and Finish

Place your nearly-finished Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups back into the fridge or freezer. Once they’re firm and glossy, sprinkle each cup with flaky sea salt and extra chopped hazelnuts if you’d like. That’s it—time to indulge!

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after the final chocolate layer goes on gives these Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups a gourmet edge. Add a few chopped roasted hazelnuts or even a dusting of cocoa powder for visual flair and extra crunch—it transforms them from simple treats into show-stoppers.

Side Dishes

Pair these indulgent butter cups with a mug of strong espresso, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or juicy fresh berries for dessert. They’re also delightful served with a good cup of tea or as an after-dinner treat with a glass of red wine—they really elevate even the simplest snacking moment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun and memorable presentation, arrange Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups in colorful mini cupcake liners or stack them in a vintage candy box lined with parchment for edible gifting. They make the cutest party favors at celebrations—just tie with ribbon and watch guests light up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep fresh and perfect for up to a week. If you’re planning to serve them at a party, simply move them to the fridge a day or two in advance—they’ll hold their shape and flavor beautifully when chilled.

Freezing

Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups freeze like a dream! Pop them in a single layer or between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe box. They’ll keep for up to 2 months; just let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before enjoying, so the filling becomes perfectly soft again.

Reheating

No need to reheat—these are best enjoyed chilled or at just-below-room-temp! If you do want them a touch softer, leave them on the counter for a few minutes. Microwaving isn’t recommended as it can melt the chocolate shell unevenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give these Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Cups a try—the balance of rich dark chocolate with creamy, nutty filling is simply irresistible. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring all by yourself. Enjoy every delicious, homemade bite!

Print