Introduction

Celebrate love with these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts. These rich, creamy treats combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a fun heart shape, perfect for gifting or sharing.

The image shows several heart-shaped chocolates arranged closely on a white marbled surface. Each chocolate has a smooth, shiny milk chocolate outer layer with a light brown, crumbly filling inside, visible from one piece that is cut open. The chocolates have a glossy texture with slight imperfections and small dents on the tops, creating a natural handmade look. The piece with a bite taken gives a clear view of the thick filling contrasting with the darker chocolate shell. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter, room temperature
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups powdered sugar
10-12 oz. chocolate, chopped (half semi-sweet and half milk chocolate) or good quality candy coating

Instructions

Step 1: Line an 8 x 8 inch dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the mixture out later. Set aside.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar dissolves. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until fully combined.
Step 3: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Smooth the top with a spatula or press it with your palms to create a layer about ½ inch thick.
Step 4: Place the dish in the freezer until the mixture is firm enough to cut, about 30 minutes.
Step 5: Once firm, line a tray with parchment paper. Using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out hearts from the peanut butter mixture and place them on the tray. Gather any scraps, knead them together, and cut out additional hearts.
Step 6: Return the cut-out hearts to the freezer until they are very firm.
Step 7: Melt the chocolate or candy coating in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
Step 8: Line another tray with parchment paper. Working with a few hearts at a time, dip each heart completely into the melted chocolate using a fork. Gently tap the fork to remove excess chocolate, then place the coated hearts on the parchment-lined tray.
Step 9: Refrigerate the chocolate-covered hearts until the chocolate has set, about 20 minutes.
Step 10: Store the finished hearts in the refrigerator or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

For easier dipping, use good quality candy coating instead of real chocolate, especially if you’re new to working with melted chocolate.
Use a silicone spatula to press and smooth the peanut butter mixture evenly.
Try mixing chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter filling for extra texture.
To speed up setting, chill the hearts in the freezer briefly between dipping batches.

Storage

Store the chocolate peanut butter hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat is not recommended to preserve the texture and shape.

How to Serve

The image shows heart-shaped chocolates with a smooth, glossy milk chocolate exterior. One large chocolate stands upright in the center, showcasing its shiny surface and rich brown color. Around it are several chocolates lying flat, some cut open to reveal a thick, golden peanut butter filling inside. The chocolates sit on a white marbled surface scattered with small white and pink heart-shaped candies. A white bowl filled with round, light brown nuts is slightly visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in the filling. It will slightly change the smoothness but adds a pleasant crunch.

What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?

You can shape the mixture into small balls or use any other small cookie cutter shape you have on hand. The flavor will be just as delicious!