Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Heart Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter (room temperature); ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 cups powdered sugar; 10-12 oz. chocolate, chopped small pieces (half semi-sweet and half milk chocolate recommended) or good quality candy coating

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 12 reviews

I am absolutely in love with this Chocolate Peanut Butter Heart Recipe because it combines two of my all-time favorite flavors in a perfectly balanced, sweet treat that melts in your mouth. The creamy peanut butter paired with smooth, rich chocolate creates a blissful indulgence that’s just the right size to share or to savor all by yourself. Every bite feels like a little celebration, and I love how simple it is to make yet looks so impressive, especially when you use the heart shape to show some extra love.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peanut Butter Heart Recipe

What makes this recipe truly special to me is the incredible harmony between the creamy peanut butter and luscious chocolate. The brown sugar adds just a whisper of caramel sweetness, while the touch of vanilla and salt amps up the flavors in a subtle but unforgettable way. It’s like the dessert hugs your taste buds, with each bite perfectly sweet, slightly salty, and wonderfully smooth. Whenever I’m craving something comforting yet a little fancy, this is my go-to treat.

Besides the fantastic flavor profile, the ease of preparation is a big win for me. It doesn’t require any fancy equipment or techniques — just simple mixing, freezing, and dipping. The fact that you get about 20 heart-shaped bites from one batch means it’s great for sharing at parties, giving as gifts, or having on hand for a spontaneous snack. Plus, the process of cutting out the hearts and dipping them in chocolate is downright fun and oddly meditative, making it a recipe that feels like a little joyful project.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with a thick light brown dough rolled out flat. On the dough, there are two silver heart-shaped cookie cutters; one is pressed down partially cutting out a heart shape, while the other is empty but placed nearby. Three heart-shaped dough pieces of the same light brown color and smooth texture are placed on the white marbled surface close to the dough. The dough and hearts have a slightly rough but firm texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Chocolate Peanut Butter Heart Recipe are refreshingly straightforward but essential to achieving that perfect taste and texture. Each one plays a unique role in balancing flavors and helping the hearts hold together beautifully.

Creamy peanut butter: Room temperature peanut butter blends smoothly, delivering rich and nutty flavor.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds creaminess and helps bind the mixture.
Brown sugar: Adds a mild, deep sweetness and a hint of caramel.
Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors by balancing sweetness and deepening richness.
Powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and a silky texture to help the hearts hold their shape.
Chocolate (semi-sweet and milk): Melting these creates a smooth, glossy coating that contrasts the peanut butter center perfectly.

Directions

Step 1: Line an 8 x 8 inch dish with parchment paper, leaving the paper overhanging the sides so you can easily lift the whole block out later. Set it aside.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, stir together the creamy peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar dissolves completely. Then gradually mix in the powdered sugar to create a thick, pliable dough.

Step 3: Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into your prepared dish. Use a spatula or simply press down with your palms to flatten it into about a ½ inch thick layer. Smooth it out as much as you can so it’s even.

Step 4: Place the dish in the freezer until the mixture becomes firm enough to cut, usually around 30-40 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare a tray lined with parchment paper for your cut-out hearts.

Step 6: Once the mixture is firm, use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts and place them onto the parchment-lined tray. Don’t toss any leftover dough; gather it, knead it a bit, and press it flat again to cut out a few more hearts.

Step 7: Return the tray with hearts to the freezer until they are firm and solid—this helps when dipping in chocolate.

Step 8: Melt the chopped chocolate (or candy coating) gently over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often to avoid burning. Line another tray with parchment paper for the dipped hearts.

Step 9: Using a fork, dip each heart into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Tap the fork gently against the bowl’s edge to remove excess chocolate, then place the coated hearts on your prepared tray. Work in small batches, taking just a few hearts from the freezer at a time so they stay firm and easier to coat.

Step 10: Refrigerate the chocolate-covered hearts until the chocolate has completely set. Store your finished treats in the fridge or freeze them if you want to keep them longer.

Servings and Timing

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Heart Recipe yields about 20 bite-sized hearts, perfect for sharing with friends or keeping as a personal stash. The prep time, including mixing and pressing, takes roughly 20 minutes. Freezing time to set the peanut butter layer and again after dipping in chocolate adds about 1 hour and 40 minutes combined. Overall, you’re looking at just around 2 hours from start to finish, and most of that is hands-off chilling time, giving you a nice break between steps.

How to Serve This Chocolate Peanut Butter Heart Recipe

The image shows several heart-shaped chocolates placed on a white marbled surface. Each chocolate has a smooth, shiny dark brown coating, with some decorated on top with pale pink icing in different patterns, such as the word

When I serve these luscious hearts, I love presenting them on a simple white platter to let their perfect chocolate sheen and cute shape shine. They’re ideal as a sweet finish to a cozy family dinner or as charming homemade gifts for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. For a bit of extra flair, you can garnish the platter with crushed peanuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate, snow-kissed effect.

These treats pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. I often enjoy them alongside a rich, cup of coffee or a creamy latte, which complements the peanut butter beautifully. For something celebratory, a glass of ruby red port or a smooth, nutty amaretto cocktail elevates the experience. And if you want to keep it non-alcoholic, a cold glass of milk or a peanut butter banana smoothie feels like a match made in heaven.

Because they’re richest when slightly chilled, I suggest serving these Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts straight from the refrigerator or after a few minutes at room temperature to let the flavors really open up. Portions of one or two hearts are perfect, whether at a party or as an afternoon pick-me-up, because they satisfy sweet cravings without overwhelming.

Variations

I love playing around with this Chocolate Peanut Butter Heart Recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m sharing it with. You can easily swap creamy peanut butter for natural or crunchy versions to add a little texture. If you want something lighter, try substituting the butter with coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor and a dairy-free option.

For those following vegan or gluten-free diets, this recipe is super adaptable. Just make sure to use powdered sugar that’s vegan-friendly and choose dairy-free chocolate or candy coating. I’ve even experimented with adding a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of almond extract to give the hearts an unexpected but delightful twist.

If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can skip the chocolate dip and just dust the cut-out peanut butter hearts with cocoa powder or drizzle them with melted chocolate instead of fully coating. For a different method, try freezing the hearts on sticks to turn them into cute peanut butter pops, perfect for summer treats or lunchbox surprises.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

To keep your homemade hearts fresh, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Layer them between sheets of parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. They will stay delicious for up to two weeks, although in my house, they rarely last that long! Keeping them chilled is key since the peanut butter mixture softens at room temperature.

Freezing

Freezing is a great way to extend the life of these treats. I usually place the chocolate-covered hearts on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, I transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment paper in between layers to avoid clumping. Frozen, they can last about 2-3 months. Just remember to thaw in the fridge when ready to serve to keep the best texture.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake treats that rely on chilling to maintain their shape, I don’t recommend warming them up. If you want to soften the chocolate a little, you can let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving or applying heat as this will cause the peanut butter layer to become too soft and the chocolate to melt unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Absolutely! Natural peanut butter can be used, but keep in mind it tends to be a bit more oily and less dense, which might slightly affect the texture of the hearts. You may need to chill the mixture a little longer to get it firm enough to cut and dip.

What type of chocolate works best for dipping?

I prefer using a combination of semi-sweet and milk chocolate for a balanced flavor. Candy coating is a great option if you’re new to melting chocolate since it’s easier to work with and sets up quickly. Just make sure to melt chocolate gently to avoid burning and maintain a smooth consistency for dipping.

Can I make these without a heart-shaped cutter?

Yes, you can cut the mixture into squares or rectangles if you don’t have a heart cutter. Just press the dough evenly and slice it carefully after freezing. Heart shapes add a lovely touch, especially for gifting or special occasions, but every shape tastes just as wonderful!

How long should I freeze the mixture before cutting?

Ideally, freeze the peanut butter mixture for about 30 to 40 minutes until it becomes firm enough to hold its shape when cut. If it’s still soft, it will be difficult to make clean cuts, and your shapes might lose definition when dipping in chocolate.

Are these treats suitable for kids?

Definitely! These bites are naturally nutty and sweet, making them a kid-friendly snack or dessert. Just be sure to supervise dipping if little hands are involved since the chocolate can be a bit tricky. They’re great for parties, lunchboxes, or after-school snacks.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing this Chocolate Peanut Butter Heart Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those timeless favorites that’s easy to prepare but deliciously decadent, perfect for anytime you want to treat yourself or spread some love with a handmade gift. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a cherished recipe in your collection, just like they are in mine!