DIY Peanut Butter Chips: Simple, Homemade, and Perfect for Baking

Transform baked goods and snacks with preservative-free morsels tailored to your taste.

By Medha deb
Created on

DIY Peanut Butter Chips: The Easy Homemade Alternative

Peanut butter lovers and home bakers rejoice: you no longer need to rely on store-bought peanut butter chips filled with mysterious additives. With just four accessible ingredients, you can make your own peanut butter chips that are perfect for cookies, muffins, granola, or nibbling straight out of the jar. These chips are not only easy and quick to prepare but are also free from unnecessary preservatives and artificial flavors, making them a healthier choice for your baking adventures.

Why Make Homemade Peanut Butter Chips?

  • No preservatives or additives: Enjoy pure peanut butter flavor without store-bought extras.
  • Customizable sweetness: Adjust sugar or sweeteners according to preference.
  • Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and methods for guaranteed results.
  • Versatile: Ideal for baking, granola, trail mixes, or snacking.
  • Dairy-free and vegan options: Easily adaptable for different dietary needs.

Ingredients for DIY Peanut Butter Chips

Only four ingredients are needed to make homemade peanut butter chips. This simplicity is their greatest allure. Gather the following:

  • Peanut Butter (smooth, natural or conventional)
  • Coconut Oil
  • Powdered Sugar or alternative sweetener
  • Salt (optional, enhances flavor)

Note: You may substitute traditional powdered sugar with maple sugar, coconut sugar (blended until fine), or a sugar-free alternative for a healthier or vegan result.

Ingredient Table

IngredientPurposeSubstitutions
Peanut ButterFlavor base and textureAlmond or cashew butter
Coconut OilFirming agentVegetable shortening (for firmer chips)
Powdered SugarSweetener, texture enhancerCoconut/maple sugar, stevia blend
SaltFlavor boosterOmit or reduce based on peanut butter

How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Chips

The process is straightforward and can be completed with minimal kitchen equipment:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, coconut oil, powdered sugar, and salt.
  2. Whisk or beat until perfectly smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a snipped corner.
  5. Pipe small dots or chips onto the prepared tray, spacing them evenly for easy removal.
  6. Place the tray in the freezer until chips are firm (about 30 minutes to 1 hour).
  7. Once set, peel chips off and store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Tips for Perfect Chips

  • Consistency: If the mixture is too runny, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before piping.
  • Size: Pipe small dots for classic chips, or make mini discs for chunkier texture in recipes.
  • Storage: Because they contain coconut oil, chips hold best in cool environments.
  • Flavor boost: Add a touch of vanilla extract or pinch of cinnamon for extra depth.

Ways to Use DIY Peanut Butter Chips

Homemade peanut butter chips are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to use them:

  • Cookies and brownies: Substitute for commercial chips in chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, or brownies.
  • Granola and snack mixes: Stir into baked granola, trail mixes, or homemade energy bites for nutty morsels.
  • Muffins and breads: Fold into banana bread or peanut butter muffins for extra flavor pockets.
  • Dessert toppings: Sprinkle over ice cream, yogurt bowls, or parfaits.
  • Direct snacking: Enjoy straight from the container for a quick, energizing treat.

Customization: Variations and Dietary Options

The basic recipe lends itself to plenty of custom adaptations based on taste and dietary preferences:

  • Nut-free version: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
  • Low-sugar or sugar-free: Use powdered erythritol or monkfruit sweetener.
  • Extra crunch: Fold in finely chopped nuts or crispy rice cereal before piping.
  • Double chocolate: Add 1-2 tbsp cocoa powder for chocolate-peanut butter chips.
  • Salted caramel: Swirl in vegan caramel or drizzle chips before freezing for extra decadence.

Dietary Adaptation Table

Dietary NeedSubstitutionResult
VeganCoconut oil, vegan peanut butterDairy-free, plant-based chips
Gluten-FreeAll default ingredients (all pea/soy-free)100% gluten-free
Sugar-FreeMonkfruit or erythritol blendNo added sugar, keto-friendly
Nut-FreeSunflower seed or pumpkin seed butterNut-free, allergy-friendly

Storing and Shelf Life

  • Refrigerator: Store chips in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezer: For longer storage, freeze chips for up to 2 months.
  • Room temperature: Short-term (a few hours) is fine, but chips soften quickly due to coconut oil content.

Always label your chips if making several flavor variations, and keep them away from strong odors in the fridge or freezer to prevent taste transfer.


Nutrition Information

NutrientAmount per 1/4 cupMain Source
Calories180–230Peanut butter, coconut oil
Protein6–8gPeanut butter
Fat14–17gCoconut oil, peanut butter
Sugar6–12g (depending on sweetener)Powdered sugar
Fiber2–3gPeanut butter

Values are approximate and may vary by ingredient choice and batch size.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are homemade peanut butter chips vegan?

Yes. Using coconut oil and plant-based peanut butter makes them 100% vegan. Check sweetener choice if following a strict vegan diet.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

It’s possible, but smooth peanut butter yields the most consistent chips. Crunchy peanut butter may clog piping bags and produce uneven shapes.

How do I prevent chips from melting in cookies?

Freeze chips thoroughly and add to dough just before baking. Consider using a firmer fat (such as vegetable shortening) for extra heat stability if needed.

Can I make chips with other nut butters?

Absolutely. Almond, cashew, or seed butters work well. Adjust sweetness and salt to taste.

Why do my chips taste oily?

Check your coconut oil ratio—reduce slightly if too oily. Use a higher ratio of powdered sugar for firmer, less greasy chips.

How do I store leftover chips?

Use airtight containers in the fridge for up to two weeks or the freezer for a couple of months.


More Peanut Butter Inspiration

If you enjoyed DIY peanut butter chips, try exploring other related recipes featuring peanut butter as the star ingredient:

  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola: Rich peanut butter granola with chocolate chips for breakfast or snacking .
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Healthier, chewy cookies made with minimal ingredients .
  • Double PB Chocolate Chip Cookies: Intensely peanutty vegan, gluten-free cookies for dessert any time .
  • Chocolate PB Banana Bread: Moist banana bread with peanut butter and chocolate for a wholesome treat .
  • Peanut Butter Cup Pie: No-bake vegan peanut butter pie with chocolate ganache for a decadent dessert .

For more ideas, check out collections of peanut butter desserts, snacks, and breakfast options[^1].


DIY Peanut Butter Chips Recipe Card

Homemade Peanut Butter Chips

  • 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
  1. Combine peanut butter, coconut oil, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Pipe chips onto lined tray. Freeze 30–60 minutes until firm.
  4. Remove, store in airtight container in fridge/freezer.

Yield: About 1 cup chips. Double recipe as needed.


Share Your DIY Peanut Butter Chips Success

Whether you add these chips to baked goods, granola, or devour them by the handful, this homemade solution lets you customize every aspect of the flavor and texture. Leave a comment, share your result, or experiment with your own twists. Happy baking and snacking!

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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