Peanut Butter Pumpkins

Published: Nov 21, 2024 by Jocelyn · As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 53 Comments

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Peanut Butter Pumpkins are a fun fall treat! They're super easy to make, delicious to eat, and everyone loves them. Whether you're making them for a party or enjoying them at home, these cute candy pumpkins will be the highlight of the night.

Orange candy pumpkins on a board with hay.

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Peanut Butter Pumpkin Recipe
Why You'll Love These Reese's Pumpkins
Main Ingredients
How To Make Peanut Butter Pumpkins
Storage Recommendations
Tips and Tricks
FAQs
More Reese's Holiday Shapes
Recipe

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Recipe

Fall makes me want to turn every dessert into a pumpkin. These peanut butter pumpkins are my new favorite treat! I made them for a family gathering last year, and they disappeared so fast!

They're our famous peanut butter balls decorated for the season with orange candy melts and little pretzel stems. Not only are the small pumpkins adorable, but they are also very easy to make.

And let's be honest, anything that combines peanut butter and chocolate is a winner in my book.

Why You'll Love These Reese's Pumpkins

Easy No-Bake Treat: No need to turn on the oven—these come together quickly with simple ingredients.
Seasonal Vibes: Nothing says fall quite like a tray of pumpkin-shaped treats! They are a great addition to dessert charcuterie boards.
Peanut Butter + Chocolate Combo: That classic pairing is always a hit, and the colorful candy melts add a fun twist.
Perfect for Parties: These small pumpkins are always a hit. They work well for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dinners, or casual fall gatherings.
Cute for Gifting: Pack them in a cute box or bag, and you have a homemade treat perfect for gifting to friends, neighbors, or teachers.

Main Ingredients

Bowls of ingredients needed to make candy pumpkins.

You need only a few simple ingredients and orange melting wafers to make these chocolate peanut butter pumpkins.

Creamy Peanut Butter: I recommend using a no-stir peanut butter so the truffles are set up right. Feel free to use crunchy peanut butter if you want a crunch in your treats.
Unsalted Butter: Set it out beforehand so it has time to soften.
Marshmallow Cream: This is my secret ingredient to give the dough a fluffier consistency. It is also known as fluff and can be found in most grocery stores in the baking aisle.
Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and thickness in the dough.
Salt & Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor.
Candy Melting Wafers: Orange and green give the candy treats a fun fall look.
Pretzels: You can break mini pretzel twists or thin pretzel sticks into pieces to use as stems.

How To Make Peanut Butter Pumpkins

Four pictures collaged together showing how to make peanut butter truffles.

We made the peanut butter ball recipe super easy with simple steps for making this fun seasonal treat.

In a large bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, salt, and vanilla until creamy. Mix in the fluff, then slowly beat in the powdered sugar.
Shape mixture into 20 even balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least an hour. Use a toothpick or lollipop stick to make vertical lines in each chilled ball.
Melt the chocolate in a small bowl according to the package directions. Press a toothpick directly into the center of a refrigerated ball, going all the way through. Dip it in melted chocolate, then gently tap the excess off and place it on a lined cookie sheet.
Pull the toothpick out while the chocolate is still wet, and press a pretzel piece into the hole. Then, drizzle some melted green candy to resemble vines.

Storage Recommendations

On the Counter: Store the chocolate peanut butter pumpkins in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Keep them at room temperature for 1-2 days.

In the Refrigerator: You can store the pumpkin treats in an airtight container in the fridge for a week.

Peanut butter pumpkin balls on a board with hay.

Tips and Tricks

Chill the dough. Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for an hour before dipping them in the melted chocolate. This helps them hold their shape and also makes dipping easier.
Dip 1-2 at a time. Only take a few items from the fridge at a time, as they become soft. They will stay on the toothpicks better when they are cold. Avoid freezing them because frozen balls and warm chocolate can cause cracks in the chocolate coating.
Use a toothpick for dipping. Stick a toothpick through the top and center of each ball for easy handling while you dip them into the melted candy.
Work quickly with candy melts. Candy melts can harden fast, so be prepared to dip and decorate without hesitation. I like using the Wilton melting pot and EZ thin dipping aid to warm and smooth the chocolate.
Use a plastic bag for leaves. If you want to add little green leaves, melt green candy wafers and pipe them on with a small piping bag or a sandwich bag with the tip cut off.
Decorate with candy eyes. Turn your pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns for Halloween by adding edible eyes or using black gel frosting for fun faces!

FAQs

Can I use something besides candy melts?

Yes! White chocolate chips tinted with orange food coloring work great as a substitute. Just make sure to melt them slowly to avoid burning.

Can I freeze them?

Absolutely. Freeze the undipped dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before coating in chocolate.

What's the best way to melt candy wafers?

Use a microwave in short bursts at 50% power, stirring frequently, or a double boiler for more control. Adding a little shortening or coconut oil will also help create a smoother consistency.

Why is my chocolate clumping on the truffles?

Overheating the chocolate can cause the mixture to become clumpy as you dip treats. I recommend using a chocolate warming pot that regulates the temperature, plus EZ Thin Dipping Aid to keep the chocolate smooth.

Orange pumpkins with a bite of one showing the fluffy peanut butter inside.

More Reese's Holiday Shapes

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