I’m obsessed with these Peanut Butter Hearts, and you will be too. Something magical happens when creamy peanut butter meets rich chocolate in these melt-in-your-mouth treats. They remind me of those classic peanut butter cups we all loved as kids, but with a homemade touch that makes them extra special. Want to know my secret for getting that perfect balance of sweet and salty? There’s a little trick to the dough that makes all the difference…
Why You’ll Love these Peanut Butter Hearts
Every single bite of these peanut butter hearts delivers that perfect balance of creamy, sweet peanut butter and rich chocolate coating that’s simply irresistible.
I’m talking about that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes you close your eyes and savor the moment.
They’re incredibly versatile, too.
Need a homemade gift? Searching for a show-stopping dessert? Craving a sweet treat? These hearts check all the boxes.
The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or professional skills.
Just simple ingredients transformed into something magical.
Who doesn’t love that nostalgic peanut butter cup flavor in an adorable heart shape?
What Ingredients are in Peanut Butter Hearts?
These peanut butter hearts come together with simple pantry staples that create the most heavenly combination of flavors and textures.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 6-8 cups melting chocolate (Ghirardelli works beautifully)
For best results, make sure your butter is truly at room temperature for proper creaming, and consider using a high-quality peanut butter without added oils or stabilizers—it makes a noticeable difference in the final texture and flavor profile.
How to Make these Peanut Butter Hearts
Step 1: Cream Together the Base Ingredients
Beat 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 2 cups creamy peanut butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
This creates that dreamy, smooth base that makes these hearts so irresistible.
Step 2: Add Remaining Wet Ingredients
Mix in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
These little additions might seem minor, but they’re what elevates these treats from good to absolutely crave-worthy.
Step 3: Incorporate the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until you achieve a firm dough consistency.
You might need to use your hands toward the end—the dough gets quite thick, but that’s exactly what we want for perfectly shaped hearts.
Step 4: Roll and Chill the Dough
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Pop this into the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until the dough becomes firm enough to cut cleanly.
Step 5: Cut Out Heart Shapes
Remove the chilled dough and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create your shapes.
Return these hearts to the freezer for another 15 minutes—trust me, working with cold dough makes the chocolate dipping so much easier.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate
While your hearts are chilling, melt 6-8 cups of Ghirardelli melting chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals.
The chocolate should be smooth and glossy, ready for those perfect heart dips.
Step 7: Dip and Coat the Hearts
Working with a few hearts at a time (keeping the rest in the freezer), dip each one into the melted chocolate, gently tapping off any excess.
The cold hearts help the chocolate set more quickly, creating that satisfying snap when you bite into them.
Step 8: Set and Decorate
Place the chocolate-covered hearts on parchment paper and allow them to set completely.
For an extra touch, drizzle remaining melted chocolate in contrasting patterns across the tops—because we eat with our eyes first, right?
For professional results with minimal effort, a stand mixer would make the creaming and mixing process incredibly efficient for this recipe.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Hearts
These decadent chocolate-peanut butter hearts aren’t just delicious—they’re versatile little treats that deserve perfect companions.
Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a dessert that’ll make everyone swoon, or pair with fresh berries (strawberries and raspberries work beautifully) to cut through the richness.
For the coffee lovers, these hearts practically beg for a hot cappuccino or cold brew on the side.
Want something more substantial?
These treats make an indulgent addition to a dessert charcuterie board with shortbread cookies and salted caramels.
And for the ultimate comfort pairing?
A cold glass of milk—sometimes the classics just can’t be beaten. Perfect for afternoon snacks or after-dinner desserts!
Peanut Butter Hearts Substitutions and Variations
Need to switch things up? These heart-shaped treats are surprisingly adaptable:
• Nut Butter Options: Swap peanut butter for almond butter, sunflower seed butter (allergy-friendly!), or cookie butter for different flavor profiles.
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Use plant-based butter and vegan chocolate for dairy-free hearts
- Replace regular sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for lower-sugar versions
- Add rice crisp cereal for delightful texture (about ½ cup folded in gently)
- Flavor Boosters:
- Mix in ¼ cup finely chopped toasted nuts for crunch
- Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or espresso powder to the dough
- Incorporate 2 tablespoons freeze-dried berry powder for fruity hearts
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, colored sprinkles, or crushed freeze-dried strawberries while chocolate is still wet for eye-catching treats.
- Place in freezer-safe containers with parchment between layers
- Store for up to 3 months
- Thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before serving
Leftovers and Storage for these Peanut Butter Hearts
These delightful peanut butter hearts store beautifully, making them perfect for advance preparation.
Store them in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to 5 days, though in warmer climates, refrigeration is best.
For longer storage, these treats freeze exceptionally well:
No need to worry about reheating—these are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
The chocolate coating actually helps seal in moisture, preventing the peanut butter centers from drying out.
In fact, many people find the flavor melds beautifully after a day in storage!
Final Thoughts
These chocolate-covered peanut butter hearts combine two irresistible flavors in one charming package. The buttery, slightly salty peanut filling creates a perfect counterpoint to the smooth chocolate shell, while the heart shape adds a touch of whimsy.
They’re ideal for Valentine’s Day, of course, but also make thoughtful homemade gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or any time you want to show someone you care.
The beauty of these treats lies in their versatility—elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for a weekend project with the kids or a sweet personal indulgence when you need a moment of joy.