Weight Watchers Peanut Butter Cups

Introduction

Indulge in a delectable treat without straying from your Weight Watchers (WW) goals with these Weight Watchers Peanut Butter Cups. These homemade peanut butter cups are not only delicious but also smartly designed to fit into your WW plan. With their rich, creamy peanut butter filling and a smooth chocolate coating, they provide the perfect combination of flavors while keeping the SmartPoints low. This detailed guide will walk you through the recipe, provide tips for best results, and offer nutritional and WW SmartPoints information.

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

  • 1 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or chunky, ensure it’s unsweetened for lower points)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for sweetness, adjust according to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
  • Pinch of salt (to taste)

For the Chocolate Coating:

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips (choose a brand with lower sugar content)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (helps in smooth melting and coating)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:

  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of natural peanut butter with 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. Stir until well mixed. The honey or syrup adds a touch of sweetness while maintaining a relatively low point value.
  • Add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract if desired, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and well-blended.

2. Shape the Peanut Butter Filling:

  • Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or use silicone molds for easy removal. If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can use a regular muffin tin but adjust the serving size accordingly.
  • Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, fill each muffin cup with the peanut butter mixture. Press the filling down lightly to ensure it packs well. Aim for a uniform size so each peanut butter cup is consistent.

3. Chill the Peanut Butter Cups:

  • Place the filled muffin tin or molds in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set. This will make the filling firm and easier to coat with chocolate.

4. Melt the Chocolate Coating:

  • While the peanut butter filling sets, melt 1 cup of dark chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, or use a double boiler for a more controlled melting process.
  • Stir until the chocolate and coconut oil are fully combined and smooth.

5. Coat the Peanut Butter Cups:

  • Once the peanut butter filling is firm, remove the muffin tin or molds from the refrigerator.
  • Spoon a layer of melted chocolate over each peanut butter cup, covering the filling completely. You can use the back of the spoon to spread the chocolate evenly and smooth the top.

6. Chill Again:

  • Return the coated peanut butter cups to the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set and hardened.

7. Serve and Store:

  • Once the chocolate coating is set, remove the peanut butter cups from the muffin tin or molds. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or frozen for longer storage.

Useful Information

  • Peanut Butter: For the lowest SmartPoints, use natural peanut butter without added sugar or hydrogenated oils. Always check the nutrition label for the most accurate points.
  • Chocolate Chips: Opt for dark chocolate chips with lower sugar content to keep the SmartPoints in check. Look for brands that offer a higher percentage of cocoa.
  • Coconut Oil: Helps to make the chocolate coating smooth and easier to work with. It also adds a slight coconut flavor that complements the peanut butter.
  • Portion Control: If using a different size mold, adjust the serving size accordingly to ensure you stay within your WW points target.

Nutritional Information

Per Peanut Butter Cup (based on 12 servings):

  • Calories: 130 kcal
  • Total Fat: 11 g
    • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 9 g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2 g
    • Sugars: 6 g
  • Protein: 5 g

WW SmartPoints Value

For those following the WW (Weight Watchers) program:

  • SmartPoints: Approximately 4 points per peanut butter cup.
    • The total SmartPoints for the recipe is based on the ingredients used and the number of servings. Adjust the points if you alter ingredient quantities or serving sizes.

Conclusion

These Weight Watchers Peanut Butter Cups are an excellent way to indulge in a sweet treat while staying on track with your WW goals. With their creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate coating, they offer a satisfying and low-point dessert option. Perfect for satisfying cravings or sharing with friends, these homemade treats are a smart and delicious choice for anyone following a Weight Watchers plan. Enjoy these peanut butter cups guilt-free and savor the sweet taste of success in your healthy eating journey.