I’m just going to say the thing most of us secretly think: the chocolate–peanut butter combo never misses. It’s the Beyoncé of dessert pairings. It just works, every single time. So when I accidentally created these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Donuts, I knew I had stumbled onto something dangerously delicious… the kind of treat you “promise you’ll only make for special occasions,” and then suddenly it becomes a once-a-week thing.

Ever wondered what happens when a soft, fluffy donut hugs a gooey peanut butter cup in the middle? Honestly, you get something so good you question why donuts weren’t always hiding candy inside.

I made these on a cold Sunday morning when I needed comfort food in the most dramatic way possible. I didn’t plan the stuffing part — I saw a bag of peanut butter cups sitting on my counter (okay, fine, technically they were calling my name) and thought, “What if I use these like donut treasure?”
And wow. Life-changing.

If you came here looking for a treat that brings joy, sugar, nostalgia, and maybe a little chaos? You’re in the right place.

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Why These Donuts Deserve Their Own Fan Club

Every dessert blog online has some version of a stuffed donut. I checked pretty much all the top-ranking Google and Pinterest posts so I could figure out what people actually want. And honestly? Most of them missed the fun. Or the gooiness. Or the flavor. Or something.

This version fixes all of that.

So why do people freak out over these donuts?

⭐ The centers melt into a warm, peanut-buttery puddle.
Soft chocolate + warm peanut butter = magic.

⭐ The dough stays pillowy and tender.
No dry donuts allowed.

⭐ The outside fries golden with a slight crisp.
Just enough crunch to balance the gooey middle.

⭐ They taste like fancy bakery donuts — but homemade.
You know how $7 donuts always taste better? These taste like that.

⭐ They use real Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Which automatically bumps their status to elite.

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Tools I Actually Use (That Make Life Easier)

I don’t love kitchen clutter, but I absolutely love tools that make a noticeable difference. These three are the ones I swear by for donut days:

✔ Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven (Perfect for Frying)

It holds heat evenly, which means your donuts fry consistently instead of turning into sad burnt blobs.
Get here

✔ OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Spider Strainer

Lifts donuts out of hot oil like a champ.
Get it here

✔ Winco Donut Cutter

Helps you cut donuts fast without weird lopsided edges.
Get Here

Use whatever tools you already have, but if you want your donuts to feel bakery-level legit, these help a ton.

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Ingredients You Need for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Donuts

For the Donut Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling

• 10–12 mini peanut butter cups (or large ones cut in half)

For Frying

• Vegetable or canola oil

For the Chocolate Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For Topping

• Crushed peanut butter cups
• Optional: Melted peanut butter drizzle (seriously delicious)

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How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Donuts (Step-by-Step with Real Tips)

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
Let it foam for 5–10 minutes.
If it doesn’t foam? Toss it. It’s dead. No shame — it happens.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add:

• flour
• remaining sugar
• salt
• melted butter
• egg
• vanilla
• activated yeast mixture

Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Little tip: If the dough clings to your fingers like a needy toddler, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour.

Step 3: Knead

Knead for 5 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic.

Ever tapped a pillow and thought “that’s exactly how my dough should feel”? That’s the vibe.

Step 4: First Rise

Set the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
Cover and let it rise for 1–1½ hours, or until it doubles.

I swear this part feels like magic every single time.

Step 5: Shape the Donuts

Roll dough to ½-inch thickness.
Cut circles using a donut cutter or wide glass.

Place a peanut butter cup in the center of half the circles.
Top each with a second circle and pinch the edges closed.

Important: Seal them well or the peanut butter will escape during frying like it’s running from its problems.

Step 6: Second Rise

Let stuffed donuts rise another 20–30 minutes.

Step 7: Fry

Heat oil to 350°F.
Fry donuts 1–2 minutes per side.

If your donuts brown too fast?
Your oil is too hot — turn it down.

Step 8: Glaze

Whisk glaze ingredients.
Dip warm donuts.
Top with crushed peanut butter cups.

And now?
You basically created a dessert masterpiece.

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Tips, Tricks & Mistakes You Probably Want to Avoid

✨ Don’t fry in oil hotter than 350°F

The outside burns, the inside stays raw. Not ideal.

✨ Freeze the peanut butter cups before stuffing

It keeps them from melting too quickly.

✨ Don’t skip the second rise

It gives the donuts that fluffy, cloud-like texture.

✨ Use a thermometer

Guessing the oil temp = chaos.

✨ Stuff with two peanut butter cups if you’re feeling bold

I mean… why not?

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Flavor Variations You’ll Probably Fall in Love With

1. Double Chocolate Explosion

Use chocolate dough + chocolate glaze + peanut butter cups.

2. Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Donuts

Add caramel inside with the PB cup.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
CRAZY good.

3. Oreo Peanut Butter Cup Donuts

Roll warm donuts in crushed Oreos.
Serve with cold milk. 🙂

4. Air Fryer Version

You can air fry them at 350°F for 6–8 minutes.
Not exactly the same but still delicious.

Storage Tips (If You Miraculously Have Leftovers)

Room Temp (Best Option)

Keep them in a container for up to two days.

Fridge

They last 4 days, but they dry out faster.

Freezer

Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months.
Warm them and glaze before serving.