Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and I’m already thinking about how to show my loved ones how much I care. What better way than with homemade treats? This year, I’m making Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts! They’re a delightful combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Best of all, these treats require only about 30 minutes of prep time, plus chilling. I think you’re going to love this recipe!
Table of Contents
Amazing Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line 8 x 8 inch dish with parchment paper, leaving the paper overhang the sides so you can easily lift it later and set aside.
- Then in a mixing bowl stir together peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar vanilla and salt, until sugar dissolve. Next, gradually mix in powdered sugar.
- Press the mixture into prepared dish. Smooth the top with spatula or simply press it with your palms to flatten into about ½ inch thick layer.
- Place it in the freezer until firm enough for cutting.
- When the mixture is firm enough, line a tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- Using small cookie cutter in the shape of heart, cut out the hearts and place them on the tray. Don’t waste any batter, pick up leftovers, kneed, press with your palms and you will be able to cut out at least a few more hearts.
- Place them in the freezer until firm.
- Then melt the chocolate (or candy coating) and line another tray with parchment paper.
- Using a fork, dip each heart into melted chocolate to cover completely. Gently tap the fork to drip of the excess of chocolate. (Since the peanut butter mixture softens really fast at the room temperature, I suggest you to take just a few hearts at the time from the freezer, because it’s easier to work with the firm hearts!!!) Place chocolate covered hearts on the parchment paper lined tray. Refrigerate until chocolate has set.
- Store in the fridge or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts Recipe
- Easy to Customize: You can use different chocolates, sprinkles, and even cookie-cutter shapes to make them your own.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
- Perfect for Gifting: These hearts make a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.
- Tastes Like Homemade Reese’s: The classic combination that everyone loves!
Ingredients for Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Heart
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter-room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter-melted
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 10-12 oz. chocolate chopped in small pieces (I used half of semi-sweet and half of milk chocolate) or use good quality candy coating (it’s easier to work with than with real chocolate, if you don’t have too much experience)
Ingredient Notes for the Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Heart
For the peanut butter, I recommend using a creamy variety for the smoothest texture; brands like Jif or Skippy work great. While natural peanut butter can be used, it might affect the consistency.
The brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor, which complements the peanut butter beautifully. I like using a combination of semi-sweet and milk chocolate, but feel free to experiment with different cocoa percentages to suit your taste. Candy coating is easier to melt if you don’t have a lot of experience melting chocolate.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Microwave-safe bowls
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters OR heart mold
- Parchment paper
- 8×8 inch dish
- Rolling pin
- Fork
- Trays
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Heart: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Line 8 x 8 inch dish with parchment paper, leaving the paper overhang the sides so you can easily lift it later and set aside.
- Then in a mixing bowl stir together peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar vanilla and salt, until sugar dissolve. Next, gradually mix in powdered sugar.
- Press the mixture into prepared dish. Smooth the top with spatula or simply press it with your palms to flatten into about ½ inch thick layer.
- Place it in the freezer until firm enough for cutting.
- When the mixture is firm enough, line a tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- Using small cookie cutter in the shape of heart, cut out the hearts and place them on the tray. Don’t waste any batter, pick up leftovers, kneed, press with your palms and you will be able to cut out at least a few more hearts.
- Place them in the freezer until firm.
- Then melt the chocolate (or candy coating) and line another tray with parchment paper.
- Using a fork, dip each heart into melted chocolate to cover completely. Gently tap the fork to drip of the excess of chocolate. (Since the peanut butter mixture softens really fast at the room temperature, I suggest you to take just a few hearts at the time from the freezer, because it’s easier to work with the firm hearts!!!) Place chocolate covered hearts on the parchment paper lined tray. Refrigerate until chocolate has set.
- Store in the fridge or freeze for longer storage.
Expert Tips for Dipping Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Heart
When dipping, I like to use a fork to fully submerge each heart in the melted chocolate. Gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate, this will give you a smooth, even coating. If air bubbles appear, use a toothpick to gently pop them before the chocolate sets. Work quickly, and if the chocolate starts to thicken, you can gently reheat it.
When melting chocolate, it’s important to avoid getting any water into it, as this can cause it to seize up and become unusable. For a smooth and glossy finish, consider tempering your chocolate. This process, while requiring a bit more attention, ensures the chocolate sets properly and has a pleasant snap.
If you’re looking for more sweet treats, check out our Ultimate Classic Snickerdoodles Recipe.
Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions
Sometimes the peanut butter mixture can become dry and crumbly. This is usually due to a lack of moisture. To fix this, I suggest adding a tablespoon of milk, melted butter, or peanut butter until the mixture reaches a workable consistency.
Melting chocolate can be tricky, as it can easily seize or burn. I recommend using a double boiler or microwaving in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between. Make sure no water gets into the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize.
For more guidance on creating perfect chocolate coatings, you might find our tips on The Ultimate Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe helpful, as it involves similar chocolate work.
Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitution Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut Butter | Almond butter, Nutella, Sunflower Seed Butter | May slightly alter the taste and texture. Adjust sweetness if needed. |
| Butter | Vegan Butter, Coconut Oil | Ensure vegan butter is firm. Coconut oil may result in a slightly different texture. |
| Chocolate | Dairy-Free Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate | Adjust sweetness accordingly. |
| Sugar | Coconut Sugar, Maple Syrup | Adjust liquid content accordingly. |
Shaping Techniques for Valentine’s Heart
If you don’t have heart-shaped cookie cutters, you can use a silicone mold to create the hearts. Alternatively, press the peanut butter mixture into a pan and cut it into squares or other shapes after it has chilled.
Decoration Ideas for Your Valentine’s Heart
Get creative with your decorations! Sprinkles, drizzles of white chocolate, edible glitter, sanding sugar, mini chocolate chips, and chopped nuts all add a festive touch.
How to Store Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Heart
These hearts can be stored at room temperature for a few days, but I recommend keeping them in the fridge for up to a week to maintain their shape and freshness. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to two months.
Packaging and Presentation: Perfect for Gifting
Package the hearts in small boxes or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a charming presentation. Personalized tags add a special touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter? How will that affect the recipe?
Yes, but keep in mind that natural peanut butter has a higher oil content. You may need to add a bit more powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency.
What’s the best type of chocolate to use for dipping?
Melting wafers or couverture chocolate are ideal because they melt smoothly and have a high fat content. Chocolate chips can also be used, but they may not melt as smoothly. Tempering the chocolate will give it a glossy finish and prevent it from melting easily at room temperature.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts are an easy and delicious way to show your love this Valentine’s Day. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do!
I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment below with any questions or share your photos if you make this recipe. Happy baking!
For more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
