I absolutely love sharing this Chocolate & Peanut Butter Dumplings Recipe with friends because it’s one of those irresistibly indulgent treats that come together so quickly yet feel like a special occasion. The rich, gooey chocolate paired with creamy peanut butter wrapped in tender dumpling skins is something I find totally addictive. Every bite bursts with luscious flavor that’s both comforting and exciting, and I can’t wait for you to try making it at home.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate & Peanut Butter Dumplings Recipe
What really thrills me about this recipe is the perfect marriage of sweet and nutty flavors. The dark chocolate’s deep richness complements the salty, creamy peanut butter in a way that feels luxurious but isn’t overly complicated. It’s like a little dessert parcel that melts in your mouth—pure happiness in each bite.
Another reason I adore this Chocolate & Peanut Butter Dumplings Recipe is how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a show-stopping dessert in under 40 minutes. It’s perfect for those weeknight cravings or when you want to impress guests with something a bit different but fuss-free. Honestly, once you’ve tasted these, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, where every ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor balance.
- 200g dark chocolate: Choose a good quality dark chocolate for a rich, velvety base flavor that melts smoothly.
- 130ml single cream: Adds creaminess to the chocolate, softening its intensity and ensuring a silky texture.
- 12 circular dumpling wrappers: These tender wrappers hold all the delicious fillings and steam up to a delicate, chewy finish.
- Peanut butter: Use your favorite creamy peanut butter for that perfect peanut flavor contrast.
Directions
Step 1: Break your dark chocolate into pieces and place them in a heatproof glass bowl. Set this bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water below. Stir frequently on medium-low heat until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Step 2: Pour the single cream into the melted chocolate and stir vigorously until the mixture is well combined and glossy. Remove the bowl from heat and transfer the chocolate cream into a shallow dish. Spread it evenly and pop it into the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes, so it cools and thickens just enough to handle.
Step 3: Once chilled, place a teaspoon of the cooled chocolate mixture and a teaspoon of peanut butter right in the center of each circular dumpling wrapper. Fold the wrappers carefully into little parcels, sealing the edges well to keep the filling secure. If you want a visual guide, I have a quick video on Instagram that shows exactly how I fold these—check it out!
Step 4: Arrange your filled dumplings into a steamer and cook them over boiling water for about 5 minutes. When done, they should be glossy and tender. Serve these warm, ideally with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of freshness and color. Dive in immediately for the best experience!
Servings and Timing
This Chocolate & Peanut Butter Dumplings Recipe makes approximately 12 delicious dumplings, perfect for sharing with friends or family. The prep time is about 15 minutes, which mainly involves melting chocolate and filling dumplings. Cooking time is a quick 5 minutes in the steamer. With chilling time added, the total comes to roughly 35 minutes. There is no need for resting or cooling after cooking—these are best enjoyed hot.
How to Serve This Chocolate & Peanut Butter Dumplings Recipe
When it comes to serving, I love pairing these dumplings with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries because their bright tartness balances the richness beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can add an elegant touch if you’re entertaining. For presentation, I like to arrange the dumplings on a pretty plate with a few berries scattered around and maybe a sprig of mint for color.
If you want to elevate the experience even further, these dumplings go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a warm-and-cold contrast that’s utterly satisfying. I’ve also found a chilled glass of sparkling rosé or a creamy peanut butter cocktail pairs amazingly well, highlighting the flavors without overwhelming them.
These dumplings are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for casual weeknight desserts, holiday celebrations, or as a decadent treat at parties. Warm is definitely the way to go to get that gooey filling oozing out, but room temperature is also fine if you’re serving them buffet-style. Just keep portion sizes small since they’re rich and indulgent—two or three dumplings per person is usually perfect.
Variations
I love tweaking this Chocolate & Peanut Butter Dumplings Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For example, if you’re vegan, you can swap the single cream for a coconut cream and find dairy-free dark chocolate to keep everything plant-based while maintaining that luscious texture. Gluten-free dumpling wrappers are also out there for those who need them, though the folding might be a bit trickier with alternative doughs.
For flavor twists, try swapping the creamy peanut butter for almond butter or hazelnut spread to create new nutty dimensions. Adding a pinch of sea salt inside the dumplings before folding can really sharpen the flavor contrast between sweet and salty, which I personally adore. You could even experiment with adding chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth.
If you want to change up the cooking method, I’ve had success pan-frying these dumplings lightly in a little butter or oil to get a crispy outside while keeping the filling melty inside—almost like dessert potstickers. Just keep the cooking quick to avoid burning the chocolate. The steaming method, though, remains my favorite because it keeps everything soft and tender.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Because the filling is soft, I recommend separating layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Keep in mind that refrigeration may firm up the chocolate and peanut butter, changing the texture slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze these dumplings after assembling but before cooking. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so they don’t touch and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 1 month. When you want to enjoy them, steam the frozen dumplings straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the cooking time to make sure the filling is thoroughly heated.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftovers (or frozen dumplings after cooking) is to steam them gently on the stove for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture, as that tends to dry the wrappers and can make the filling grainy. Steaming helps maintain that tender, soft dumpling exterior with warm, gooey insides just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will create a sweeter and creamier filling. Just keep in mind it’s less intense, so you might want to adjust the amount of peanut butter to balance the flavors. It’s a great variation if you prefer something milder.
Do I have to steam the dumplings or can I bake them?
Steaming is the best way to keep the dumpling wrappers tender and soft. Baking isn’t ideal since the wrappers can dry out or become tough. If you want a crispy texture, lightly pan-frying after steaming is a delicious alternative.
Can I prepare these dumplings in advance?
You can prepare and assemble the dumplings ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just be sure to steam them fresh to keep that perfect texture and gooey filling.
What type of peanut butter works best?
I recommend creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture inside the dumplings. Natural peanut butter works great too but may be a bit thicker or oilier, so give it a good stir beforehand.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the sweet and nutty combo, and the bite-sized dumplings make perfect little treats. Just be mindful of any peanut allergies and substitute with sunflower seed butter if needed for safety.
Conclusion
I genuinely hope you enjoy making and eating this Chocolate & Peanut Butter Dumplings Recipe as much as I do. It’s such a delightful little dessert that brings joy with every bite and is wonderfully simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to something special, I promise this indulgent yet easy recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen too. Go on, give it a try—you won’t regret it!
