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Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Hearts
Chocolate-covered peanut butter hearts are a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. These treats are perfect for any occasion, offering a sweet and salty bite everyone will love.
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Indulge in the sweet and salty combo of these chocolate covered peanut butter hearts. Perfect for any celebration, these treats are simple yet irresistible. The creamy peanut butter filling pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate coating, making them a hit every time. They are a fun and delicious way to share love with family and friends.
This easy Valentine's recipe comes with step-by-step photos and directions to guide you through every step. We’ve included pro tips and tricks to ensure perfect results. Plus, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions to make your cooking experience even easier.
These chocolate-covered peanut butter hearts are quick to make, perfect for last-minute treats. The creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate coating create a mouthwatering combination everyone will love.
This recipe is ideal for parties, holidays, or special occasions like Valentine's Day. It’s easy to make, yet so impressive, making it a great treat to share with friends and family.
Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Hearts
What you'll need to make this Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Hearts recipe:
For The Hearts
- ½ cup salted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, or a combination of semi and milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- Sprinkles, optional
For The Drizzle
- ½ cup white chocolate chips or pieces
- 1 teaspoon shortening
Substitutions and Additions
It's easy to personalize your peanut butter hearts recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! Simple changes can make your treats uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
- Add Flavors: Mix in a bit of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the peanut butter for extra depth.
- Substitute Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate for a sweeter or creamier taste.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle sea salt, crushed peanuts, or sprinkles on top to enhance flavor and texture.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Hearts
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, clear instructions, and helpful tips to make these chocolate covered peanut butter hearts. With these easy-to-follow directions, you'll create perfect treats every time. Let’s get started!
FIRST STEP: Line a jelly roll or half sheet pan with a piece of parchment paper and set it aside.
SECOND STEP: Use a hand mixer and beat the melted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together. Blend until smooth and creamy.
THIRD STEP: Beat in the powdered sugar.
FOURTH STEP: Press the peanut butter mixture into the pan, spreading it about ½-inch thick.
FIFTH STEP: Place your pan into the freezer for 15 minutes.
SIXTH STEP: Lift the parchment paper to remove the chilled peanut butter layer from the pan and put down a new sheet of parchment paper.
SEVENTH STEP: Use a cookie cutter to cut out ½-inch thick heart shapes from the chilled peanut butter layer.
Pro Tip
The number of finished hearts that you end up with will vary depending on the size of your cookie cutter. Here we made 12 hearts because our cutters were quite large.
EIGHTH STEP: Place hearts on a parchment-lined sheet pan and then freeze for 30 minutes.
NINTH STEP: Scoop up any remaining peanut butter mixture, re-press to ½-inch thickness, and then cut out additional shapes.
TENTH STEP: After your cutouts have chilled for 25 minutes, prepare your chocolate coating.
ELEVENTH STEP: Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Dollop 2 tablespoons of shortening over the top. Then, heat the chocolate and stir in 30-second intervals. The chocolate should be smooth and completely melted.
Pro Tip
The shortening added to the melted chocolate makes it easier for coating and prevents any discoloration of the chocolate surface. It also makes it soft and will melt or imprint easily if it’s touched. You can reheat the chocolate in short bursts to keep it smooth and easy to use for coating the hearts.
TWELFTH STEP: Using a fork, lift one peanut butter cutout at a time and coat it completely with the melted chocolate.
THIRTEENTH STEP: Work in batches if the peanut butter cutouts become soft quickly.
Pro Tip
To keep the peanut butter hearts from softening too quickly, keep the pan in the freezer and only take out a few at a time for coating.
FOURTEENTH STEP: Allow the chocolate to harden.
FIFTEENTH STEP: For an optional drizzle, microwave the white chocolate chips or chopped pieces and the shortening (½ teaspoon per ½ cup) in 30-second increments until it is melted and smooth.
Pro Tip
The white chocolate drizzle cools and hardens quickly. If you want the heart sprinkles to stick, add the drizzle to just one heart at a time and immediately add the sprinkles.
SIXTEENTH STEP: Scoop the melted chocolate into a plastic bag or piping bag. Snip a tiny corner off of the bag and drizzle it in a zig-zag motion over the chocolate covered hearts. Immediately sprinkle with heart sprinkles.
SEVENTEENTH STEP: Allow the chocolate to set for about 1 minute.
How To Serve Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Hearts
Chocolate peanut butter hearts are a fun, sweet treat perfect for a variety of occasions. These treats fit any season, from festive holidays to casual gatherings. Here are some great ideas for serving them!
- Valentine’s Day: These chocolate-covered peanut butter hearts are perfect for sharing with loved ones on Valentine’s Day. Their sweet, creamy flavor will wow your special someone. Serve them with a refreshing root beer float for a sweet treat.
- Birthday Parties: Kids will love these bite-sized peanut butter hearts at birthday parties! The fun heart shape adds extra excitement to any celebration. Pair them with coffee cookies and Boston cream cupcakes for a fun and delicious dessert table.
- Holiday Gatherings: These treats make a festive addition to any holiday spread. Whether it's Christmas or Easter, everyone will enjoy them! Serve them with caramel pecan cinnamon rolls or gingerbread cookies to create a cozy holiday dessert spread.
hy You'll Love This Recipe
Chocolate covered peanut butter hearts are a favorite among readers for several delicious reasons:
- A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty: This recipe combines the richness of chocolate with the creamy, nutty peanut butter filling. The balance of flavors makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a peanut butter fan, you’ll find this treat hard to resist.
- Easy to Make and Fun to Share: Making these treats is simple, and kids love to help shape them. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a fun treat everyone will enjoy. They’re perfect for gift-giving or enjoying at any celebration.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: These peanut butter hearts are great for holidays, birthdays, or casual gatherings. Their heart shape makes them especially fun for Valentine’s Day. They bring sweetness and joy to any event, large or small.
Chocolate covered peanut butter hearts are not only delicious but also versatile, fun, and easy to make. Enjoy them on any occasion!
Recipe FAQ
How can I make peanut butter hearts more festive for special occasions?
Use colorful sprinkles or drizzle extra chocolate on top for a festive touch. These additions make the treats even more exciting.
Can I make chocolate-covered peanut butter hearts ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them in advance and store them in an airtight container for a few days.
Are these chocolate peanut butter hearts kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the sweet, creamy filling and the fun heart shape. They’ll enjoy helping make them too!
Can I change the shape of the peanut butter hearts?
Definitely! You can use different cookie cutters or shape them into squares, circles, or fun designs.
Serving FAQ
What’s the best way to serve chocolate-covered peanut butter hearts at a party?
Arrange the peanut butter hearts on a festive platter for easy sharing. Their shape and color make them fun for guests.
Can I serve chocolate-covered peanut butter hearts as a gift?
Yes! Wrap them individually in clear cellophane bags with a ribbon for a thoughtful, sweet gift.
How can I make chocolate-covered peanut butter hearts stand out at a holiday gathering?
Place them in decorative boxes or bowls with holiday-themed decorations. This makes them an eye-catching treat.
Should I serve chocolate-covered peanut butter hearts as a snack or dessert?
These treats work as both! Serve them as a sweet snack during the day or a dessert after meals.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below to ensure optimal storage for your chocolate-covered peanut butter hearts. From making them ahead to storing and serving, we’ve got you covered for every step!
Can I make chocolate-covered peanut butter hearts ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare them and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
What’s the best way to store chocolate-covered peanut butter hearts?
Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them away from heat or humidity for best results.
Can I freeze chocolate-covered peanut butter hearts?
Yes, you can freeze them! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before storing in an airtight container.
How do I thaw frozen chocolate-covered peanut butter hearts?
Thaw the treats in the fridge overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for fifteen minutes before serving.
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Hearts
Chocolate-covered peanut butter hearts are a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. These treats are perfect for any occasion, offering a sweet and salty bite everyone will love.
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
For The Hearts
- ½ cup salted butter (melted and cooled)
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or a combination of semi and milk chocolate chips)
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- sprinkles (optional)
For The Drizzle
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (or pieces)
- 1 teaspoon shortening
DIRECTIONS
- Line a jelly roll or half sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Using a hand mixer, beat together melted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in powdered sugar.
- Press peanut butter mixture into sheet pan spreading to about ½-inch thickness.
- Place sheet pan in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Lift the parchment paper to remove the chilled peanut butter layer from the pan. Place a new sheet of parchment paper on the pan.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out ½-inch thick heart shapes from the chilled peanut butter layer.
- Place cutouts on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Freeze for 30 minutes.
- Scoop up the remaining peanut butter mixture, repress to ½-inch thickness, and cut out additional shapes.
- After cutouts have chilled for 25 minutes, prepare the chocolate coating.
- Place milk chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Dollop 2 tablespoons of shortening over the top. Heat and stir in 30-second increments in the microwave until the chocolate is smooth and melted completely.
- Using a fork, lift one peanut butter cutout at a time and coat it completely with the melted chocolate. Tap excess chocolate off of the cutout and place it back onto the parchment paper.
- Work in batches if the peanut butter cutouts become soft quickly.
- Allow the chocolate to harden.
- For optional drizzle, microwave white chocolate chips or chopped pieces and shortening (½ teaspoon per ½ cup) in 30-second increments until melted and smooth.
- Scoop the melted chocolate into a plastic bag or piping bag. Snip a tiny corner off of the bag and drizzle in a zig-zag motion over the chocolate covered hearts. Immediately sprinkle with heart sprinkles.
- Allow the chocolate to set for about 1 minute.
Notes
- The number of finished hearts that you end up with will vary depending on the size of your cookie cutter. Here we made 12 hearts because our cutters were quite large.
- The shortening added to the melted chocolate makes it easier for coating and prevents any discoloration of the chocolate surface. It also makes it soft and will melt or imprint easily if it’s touched. You can reheat the chocolate in short bursts to keep it smooth and easy to use for coating the hearts.
- To keep the peanut butter hearts from softening too quickly, keep the pan in the freezer and only take out a few at a time for coating.
- The white chocolate drizzle cools and hardens quickly. If you want the heart sprinkles to stick, add the drizzle to just one heart at a time and immediately add the sprinkles.
Nutrition
Calories: 823kcal | Carbohydrates: 82g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 524mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 69g | Vitamin A: 261IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 4mg
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