Homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Hearts Recipe
Delicious homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Hearts featuring a creamy peanut butter filling coated in rich melted chocolate. These heart-shaped treats are simple to make and perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2/3 cup creamy no-stir peanut butter
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar), up to 1 1/2 cups if desired
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Coating
- 10 ounces dark chocolate or white chocolate, chopped baking bars (not chips)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or vegetable oil, or shortening)
Instructions
- Make the peanut butter filling: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat softened butter on high speed for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low to medium speed until all ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare the pan: Line a half sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Form the peanut butter layer: Press the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to about a 1/2 inch thickness. No rolling pin is needed. Place the pan in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
- Cut out heart shapes: Once firm, remove the pan from the freezer. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as possible. Transfer the cutouts to another parchment-lined sheet pan. Re-press and freeze the leftover dough to later cut additional hearts. Return the cut hearts to the freezer for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1 hour, to solidify completely.
- Melt the chocolate: Choose either the microwave or double boiler method:
Microwave: Combine chopped chocolate and oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring after each until smooth and melted. Let cool slightly.
Double Boiler: Simmer water in a saucepan without touching the top bowl. Stir chocolate and oil constantly in the top bowl until melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. - Coat peanut butter hearts: Using a candy dipper or fork, submerge each peanut butter heart completely in melted chocolate. Tap the fork gently against the bowl edge to remove excess chocolate. Place coated hearts back on parchment paper to set. If hearts become too soft during dipping, briefly return to freezer.
- Add decorations if desired: If using sprinkles or toppings, apply immediately after dipping before the chocolate sets.
- Set and serve: Place the sheet of coated hearts back in the freezer for 30 minutes to fully set. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Use no-stir peanut butter for the smoothest texture.
- For firmer hearts, use the full 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar.
- Choose dark chocolate for a richer flavor or white chocolate for a sweeter taste.
- Keep peanut butter hearts cold during chocolate coating to prevent melting.
- Store finished hearts in the refrigerator or freezer for best freshness.
- These treats are perfect for Valentine's Day or special occasions.
