Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts (Printable version)

Smooth creamy peanut butter centers coated in rich chocolate produce an indulgent, easy-to-make treat.

# What you'll need:

→ Chocolate Coating

01 - 7 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
02 - 1 tsp coconut oil, optional for smoother coating

→ Peanut Butter Filling

03 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
04 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
06 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for later use.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend thoroughly until smooth and creamy consistency is achieved.
03 - Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of filling mixture and shape into small hearts using hands or a small heart-shaped mold. Arrange hearts on prepared baking sheet.
04 - Transfer baking sheet to freezer and chill peanut butter hearts for 30 minutes until firm enough to handle for dipping.
05 - While hearts chill, melt chopped chocolate with coconut oil in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently until completely smooth.
06 - Using a fork or dipping tool, submerge each frozen peanut butter heart into melted chocolate, ensuring complete coverage. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before returning to parchment-lined tray.
07 - For enhanced presentation, drizzle additional melted chocolate over tops or sprinkle with coarse sea salt while chocolate remains wet.
08 - Refrigerate finished hearts for 15 to 20 minutes until chocolate coating is completely set and firm.
09 - Keep finished hearts in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 1 week for optimal freshness and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between silky chocolate and velvety peanut butter creates that perfect Reese's moment but infinitely better
  • These keep beautifully in the freezer, making them your secret weapon for unexpected gift emergencies
  • The dough is forgiving enough that even misshapen hearts taste absolutely divine
02 -
  • Even a tiny drop of water will seize your chocolate into a grainy mess, so make sure all utensils are completely dry
  • The filling must be frozen solid before dipping, or you'll end up with chocolate-swirled peanut butter blobs instead of distinct hearts
  • Room temperature chocolate coating is a sign your kitchen is too warm, so pop them back in the fridge immediately
03 -
  • Set up a dipping station with your chocolate bowl in one hand and a fork in the other for smooth workflow
  • Double-coat any hearts that look patchy after the first layer sets