Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts

Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 hearts
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts, especially when I want to treat myself or surprise my friends. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter is simply irresistible, and they’re perfect for any occasion. These hearts are not only delicious but surprisingly easy to make at home! With just a few ingredients, I can whip up a batch that makes everyone feel special. Let me show you how to bring this delightful treat to life in your own kitchen!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-15T11:17:30.510Z

When I first made these Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts, I was amazed at how quickly they came together. The creamy peanut butter filling pairs perfectly with the smooth chocolate coating, making every bite delightful. I remember trying different shapes, but hearts quickly became my favorite because they add a personal touch.

One tip I have is to refrigerate the peanut butter mixture for just a short while; this helps it hold its shape better when dipping in chocolate. Trust me, the experience of creating and sharing these heart-shaped treats is as enjoyable as eating them!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate paired with creamy peanut butter.
Perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a personal treat.
Simple and quick to make, even for beginner bakers.

      

Mastering the Heart Shape

Shaping the peanut butter mixture into hearts is a fun part of the process, but it's important to keep the mixture slightly chilled to avoid stickiness. If the mixture becomes too warm, simply place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Aim for about one-inch wide hearts; this size ensures that they are easy to dip in chocolate while maintaining the right balance of chocolate and peanut butter in each bite.

When shaping the hearts, ensure that the edges are slightly rounded. This not only helps in achieving a charming heart shape but also allows for a smoother chocolate coating later. It's also a great opportunity to be creative—try adding some colorful sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate once they are coated for a visually appealing finish!

Perfecting the Chocolate Coating

The chocolate coating is what makes these hearts truly decadent, so it's crucial to melt the chocolate chips gently. Using a microwave works well, but be cautious—overheating can lead to burnt chocolate. Stirring every 30 seconds ensures that the chocolate melts evenly, becoming glossy and smooth; this texture is vital for a perfect coating that sets well on the hearts.

If you find that your melted chocolate is too thick, the addition of coconut oil not only helps it to glide better but also gives the finished product a nice sheen. For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips or even adding a splash of espresso powder to the melting chocolate for a delightful twist.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts are set, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Keeping them chilled not only prolongs their freshness but also maintains the ideal texture. If you're planning to serve these at an event, consider making the hearts ahead of time to alleviate last-minute stress—just be sure to let them sit out for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor experience.

If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top just before the chocolate hardens for a delightful sweet-salty contrast. You could also incorporate additional ingredients into the peanut butter filling, such as crushed graham crackers for a s'mores twist or a bit of your favorite liqueur for an adult version of this treat.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts:

For the Peanut Butter Filling

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Coating

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Once you have everything ready, let’s dive into the fun part of making these treats!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to craft your Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts:

Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes to firm up the mixture slightly.

Shape the Hearts

Using a teaspoon, scoop the peanut butter mixture and roll it into small balls. Flatten them slightly and shape them into heart forms. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate again for another 15 minutes.

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and completely melted.

Coat the Hearts

Using a fork, dip each heart into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip off and place them back on the parchment-lined sheet.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the hearts for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set. Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts fresh or store them in an airtight container!

Now you have delicious treats ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top after coating with chocolate for a sweet and salty contrast.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of peanut butter in this recipe is crucial, as the texture greatly affects the final product. Creamy peanut butter provides the right consistency for mingling with powdered sugar, while natural versions may be too oily or crumbly for shaping into hearts. Natural peanut butter can still be used; however, you might need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar for a firmer filling.

When selecting chocolate chips, opting for semi-sweet chips strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and richness. However, you can also choose milk chocolate for a lighter taste or dark chocolate for a bold, intense flavor. Experimenting with different types of chocolate can yield delicious variations that cater to your preferences.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your chocolate coating isn't setting properly, it could be due to moisture on the surface of the hearts; make sure they are completely dry after dipping. Another reason could be the chocolate not being melted properly. Double-check that the chocolate mixture is smooth and glossy before dipping to avoid any issues with the coating sticking or clumping.

If you're not entirely happy with the shape of your hearts, don’t worry! You can reshape them slightly after they're set, as the chocolate will allow you to mold them. This is a great way to fix imperfections, and the key is to ensure you work quickly before the chocolate completely hardens.

Variations and Customizations

Beyond traditional peanut butter, feel free to get creative with different nut butters such as almond or cashew for unique flavors. You can also incorporate mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or dried fruit into the peanut butter filling for added texture and taste, making each heart a delightful surprise.

For a more festive look, consider using flavored extract variations, like peppermint or orange, in the peanut butter filling. These adaptations can completely change the flavor profile and make them suitable for different occasions, such as holidays or personal celebrations. Explore your creativity with this recipe to find your own favorite twist!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture to the filling!

→ How do I store the Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them a few days in advance; just keep them refrigerated until you're ready to serve.