Why You’ll Love Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Hearts Recipe
These chocolate covered peanut butter hearts are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and deliver that classic peanut butter and chocolate flavor everyone loves. The filling is soft, creamy, and sweet, while the chocolate shell adds the perfect snap. They are also great for special occasions because the heart shape makes them extra cute and gift-worthy. Since they can be made ahead of time and stored easily, they are a convenient dessert for parties, celebrations, or homemade treats for family and friends.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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-sweet and milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening
sprinkles, optional
½ cup white chocolate chips, or pieces
1 teaspoon shortening
Directions
Line a jelly roll pan or half sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
Using a hand mixer, beat together the melted butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar and beat until fully incorporated.
Press the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it to about ½-inch thickness.
Place the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Lift the parchment paper to remove the chilled peanut butter layer from the pan. Line the pan with a fresh sheet of parchment paper.
Use a cookie cutter to cut ½-inch thick heart shapes from the chilled peanut butter layer.
Place the heart cutouts onto the parchment-lined pan and freeze for 30 minutes.
Gather the remaining peanut butter mixture, press it out again to ½-inch thickness, and cut additional hearts.
When the cutouts have chilled for about 25 minutes, begin preparing the chocolate coating.
Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and add 2 tablespoons of shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Using a fork, lift one peanut butter heart at a time and lower it into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Let the excess chocolate drip off, then place it back onto the parchment paper.
Work in batches if needed so the peanut butter hearts stay firm and easy to dip.
Let the chocolate coating harden.
For the optional drizzle, combine the white chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted and smooth.
Transfer the melted white chocolate to a plastic bag or piping bag. Snip a tiny corner and drizzle it over the hearts in a zig-zag pattern. Add sprinkles right away if using.
Let the decorations set for about 1 minute before serving or storing.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 servings.
Prep and chill time together take about 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it a great make-ahead dessert for holidays, parties, or gifting.
Variations
You can easily customize these peanut butter hearts to match different tastes or occasions. Try using all milk chocolate for a sweeter coating or dark chocolate for a richer finish. Swap the heart shapes for circles, stars, or other cookie cutter designs if making them for a different holiday. You can also top them with crushed peanuts, colored sugar, or festive sprinkles instead of the white chocolate drizzle. For extra texture, stir a small amount of finely crushed graham crackers or crisped rice into the peanut butter filling.
Storage/Reheating
Store the chocolate covered peanut butter hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for a short period if your kitchen is cool. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator so the chocolate stays firm and the filling holds its shape well. They can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.
There is no reheating needed for this recipe. If chilled or frozen, simply let the hearts sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
It is best to use regular creamy peanut butter because natural peanut butter can be too oily and may affect the texture of the filling.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. The flavor will be slightly less balanced, so you may want to add a tiny pinch of salt.
Do I need a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
No, any cookie cutter shape will work. You can even cut the peanut butter layer into squares if that is easier.
Why does the peanut butter mixture need to be frozen?
Freezing helps firm up the mixture so it is easier to cut and dip without losing its shape.
Can I use almond butter or another nut butter?
Yes, but the texture and flavor may change slightly. Make sure the nut butter is thick and creamy for best results.
What kind of chocolate works best for dipping?
Semi-sweet chocolate is a great choice because it balances the sweetness of the filling, but milk or dark chocolate also work well.
Why is shortening added to the chocolate?
Shortening helps thin the melted chocolate slightly, making it easier to dip and giving the coating a smoother finish.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these are ideal for making ahead since they store well in the refrigerator or freezer.
How do I keep the hearts from getting too soft while dipping?
Keep the cutouts chilled and work in batches so the peanut butter hearts stay firm during the dipping process.
Can I skip the white chocolate drizzle?
Yes, the drizzle is optional. The hearts are delicious with just the chocolate coating alone.
Conclusion
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Hearts are a simple yet impressive homemade treat that combines creamy peanut butter filling with a rich chocolate coating. They are easy to prepare, fun to decorate, and perfect for gifting or sharing at special occasions. Whether you keep them classic or add your own creative twist, these sweet little hearts are sure to become a favorite dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike.
