CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER VALENTINE’S HEARTS ULTIMATE

Imagine biting into a decadent heart, the smooth, rich chocolate melting away to reveal a creamy, peanut buttery center – pure bliss in every bite! These Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts are the perfect homemade treat to show your love this Valentine’s Day, and I promise, they’re much easier to make than you think!

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (or more, if needed)
• Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 12 ounces chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet – your choice!)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable shortening), optional for smoother melting

Equipment:

• Heart-shaped silicone molds (or mini muffin tins with cupcake liners)
• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or spoon

Let’s Talk About the Chocolate

Okay, before we dive into the peanut butter goodness, let’s chat chocolate! The type of chocolate you choose will drastically affect the final product. Milk chocolate will give you a sweeter, more classic peanut butter cup flavor, while dark chocolate will add a touch of sophistication and balance the sweetness. Semi-sweet is a great middle ground! I personally love using a combination of milk and dark – best of both worlds, right? Also, that little bit of coconut oil or shortening in the chocolate? Don’t skip it! It helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a beautiful shine.

Crafting the Perfect Peanut Butter Filling

This is where the magic happens! The peanut butter filling is the heart (pun intended!) of these Valentine’s treats. You want it to be creamy, slightly sweet, and perfectly scoopable. Here are a few tips to ensure peanut butter perfection:

• Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This will help create a smooth, creamy filling.
• Powdered Sugar Power: Don’t skip sifting your powdered sugar! Lumps will ruin the texture of your filling.
• Milk Magic: Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. You want a filling that holds its shape but is still soft enough to bite into.
• Taste Test Time: Don’t be afraid to taste the filling and adjust the ingredients to your liking. A little extra vanilla? A pinch more salt? Go for it!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts

Step 1: Making the Peanut Butter Filling

1. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
4. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture reaches a soft, scoopable consistency. Be careful not to add too much milk, or the filling will be too runny.

Step 2: Preparing the Chocolate Coating

1. Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening, if using) in a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl.
2. If using a double boiler, heat water in the bottom pan until simmering. Place the bowl with the chocolate on top, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
3. If using a microwave, heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, or it will seize.

Step 3: Assembling the Hearts

1. Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into each heart-shaped mold, coating the bottom and sides. You can use a small brush or the back of a spoon to help spread the chocolate evenly.
2. Place the molds in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. This will create a solid base for the peanut butter filling.
3. Remove the molds from the freezer and spoon the peanut butter filling into each heart, leaving a little space at the top for the final layer of chocolate.
4. Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling, covering it completely. Gently tap the molds on the counter to release any air bubbles.
5. Return the molds to the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.

Step 4: Unmolding and Enjoying

1. Once the chocolate is firm, gently remove the hearts from the molds. If they are sticking, you can try running a warm knife around the edges.
2. Store the Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week (if they last that long!).
3. Enjoy!

Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen, and that’s okay! Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Chocolate Seizing: If your chocolate seizes (becomes grainy and thick), don’t panic! Try adding a tablespoon of hot water and stirring vigorously. This can sometimes bring it back to a smooth consistency.
• Filling Too Soft: If your peanut butter filling is too soft, add a little more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it thickens up.
• Filling Too Dry: If your peanut butter filling is too dry, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Hearts Sticking to the Molds: If your hearts are sticking to the molds, make sure the chocolate is completely set before attempting to remove them. You can also try running a warm knife around the edges to loosen them.

Variations to Make It Your Own

The beauty of homemade treats is that you can customize them to your liking! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Different Nut Butters: Try using almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a unique twist.
• Add-Ins: Mix chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles into the peanut butter filling for added texture and flavor.
• Flavored Chocolate: Experiment with different flavored chocolate chips, such as peanut butter chips, mint chocolate chips, or caramel chips.
• Drizzle Designs: Drizzle melted white chocolate or colored candy melts over the finished hearts for a festive touch.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right beverage. Try serving them with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a wonderful addition to a Valentine’s Day dessert platter.

More Valentine’s Day Treats to Love

Looking for more sweet treats to share with your loved ones this Valentine’s Day? You might enjoy making some Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies. These cookies are easy to make, and everyone loves them. For a fun and festive treat, try making Chocolate Pretzel Wreaths. They’re salty, sweet, and perfect for sharing. Or if you’re a peanut butter fanatic, you can try the Peanut Butter Kiss Cookie! If you’re looking for other easy treat ideas, you might like 3-ingredient Fudge or Peanut Brittle Magic!

Final Thoughts: Sharing the Love

Making these Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts is about more than just creating a delicious treat; it’s about sharing the love with the people you care about. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to spread some sweetness this Valentine’s Day! Happy baking, my friend!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts are the perfect homemade treat to show your love this Valentine’s Day. They feature a creamy peanut butter filling encased in a rich chocolate shell. Easy to make and absolutely decadent!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk or more, if needed
• Pinch of salt
• 12 ounces chocolate chips milk, dark, or semi-sweet
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening

Equipment

• Heart-shaped silicone molds (or mini muffin tins with cupcake liners)
• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula
• Spoon
• Freezer

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
4. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture reaches a soft, scoopable consistency. Be careful not to add too much milk.
5. Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening, if using) in a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl.
6. If using a double boiler, heat water in the bottom pan until simmering. Place the bowl with the chocolate on top, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
7. If using a microwave, heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
8. Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into each heart-shaped mold, coating the bottom and sides. You can use a small brush or the back of a spoon to help spread the chocolate evenly.
9. Place the molds in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. This will create a solid base for the peanut butter filling.
10. Remove the molds from the freezer and spoon the peanut butter filling into each heart, leaving a little space at the top for the final layer of chocolate.
11. Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling, covering it completely. Gently tap the molds on the counter to release any air bubbles.
12. Return the molds to the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
13. Once the chocolate is firm, gently remove the hearts from the molds. If they are sticking, you can try running a warm knife around the edges.
14. Store the Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

For smoother chocolate, use coconut oil or shortening when melting. If the chocolate seizes, try adding a tablespoon of hot water and stirring vigorously. If the peanut butter filling is too soft, add more powdered sugar; if it’s too dry, add more milk. Try using different nut butters or adding chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles to the filling. You can also experiment with different flavored chocolate chips or drizzle melted white chocolate over the finished hearts.