These Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts are the perfect homemade treat for Valentine’s Day! Featuring a creamy peanut butter filling coated in rich chocolate, these heart-shaped delights are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you’re making them as a gift or for yourself, they’re easy to make and irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & No-Bake – Simple ingredients and no oven required.
- Creamy & Decadent – Smooth peanut butter filling covered in chocolate.
- Perfect for Gifting – Great for Valentine’s Day or special occasions.
- Gluten-Free – Naturally gluten-free for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups melted chocolate (milk, dark, or white)
Directions
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
- Mix Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Form the Dough – Knead the mixture until it forms a soft dough.
Step 2: Shape the Hearts
- Roll Out the Dough – Place the peanut butter dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to ½-inch thickness.
- Cut into Hearts – Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create shapes.
- Freeze – Place the hearts on a lined baking sheet and freeze for 30-60 minutes until firm.
Step 3: Coat in Chocolate
- Melt the Chocolate – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
- Dip the Hearts – Using a fork, dip each frozen heart into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
- Set on a Tray – Place the coated hearts back onto the lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
- Let the Chocolate Set – Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm.
- Enjoy! – Serve and share these delicious homemade treats.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 20 hearts
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Variations
- Crunchy Peanut Butter – Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Double Chocolate – Drizzle with white or dark chocolate for extra decadence.
- Nut-Free Alternative – Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
- Festive Touch – Decorate with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or edible glitter.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work well.
What chocolate is best for coating?
Use high-quality melting chocolate or chocolate chips mixed with 1 teaspoon coconut oil for a smooth finish.
Do I have to freeze the peanut butter hearts before dipping?
Yes! Freezing prevents them from falling apart in the melted chocolate.
How do I get a smooth chocolate coating?
Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing the hearts on parchment paper.
Can I add a crunchy layer?
Yes! Sprinkle crushed pretzels, nuts, or toffee bits over the chocolate before it sets.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They store well in the fridge or freezer, making them great for make-ahead gifts.
Can I make them smaller?
Absolutely! Use a mini heart cutter for bite-sized treats.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate?
Use a microwave in 30-second bursts or melt over a double boiler for even consistency.
Can I add more sweetness?
For extra sweetness, increase powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel.
How do I prevent chocolate from cracking?
Let the peanut butter hearts sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before dipping.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts are the ultimate homemade Valentine’s treat! With a creamy peanut butter center and a smooth chocolate coating, they’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing. Try them today and spread the love!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- chill time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts are the perfect homemade treat for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. With a creamy peanut butter filling and a smooth chocolate coating, these heart-shaped candies are rich, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make. This no-bake recipe requires just six ingredients and is both vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a delicious treat for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating (Optional):
- 2 cups melting chocolate (milk, dark, or white)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar and salt until the dough becomes thick and moldable.
Step 2: Shape the Hearts
- Roll out the peanut butter mixture on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes.
- Place the hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30-45 minutes until firm.
Step 3: Coat in Chocolate (Optional)
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Dip each frozen peanut butter heart into the melted chocolate using a fork, ensuring a full coating.
- Place the coated hearts back onto the parchment-lined sheet and let set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until firm.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the chocolate has set, serve or package for gifting.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Chocolate Variations: Use dark chocolate for a rich taste or white chocolate for a fun twist.
- Decorating Ideas: Drizzle with extra chocolate, sprinkle with sea salt, or add festive sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- Make-Ahead: These hearts can be made several days in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer.
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