Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts Recipe
If you’re searching for the perfect sweet treat to share with someone special (or just to keep all for yourself), look no further than these homemade Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts. Imagine a dreamy blend of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate, shaped into adorable hearts and topped with festive sprinkles. This no-bake dessert is as fun to make as it is to eat, and it’s guaranteed to win hearts at any Valentine’s Day gathering. Whether you’re crafting a batch for your sweetheart, your best friend, or simply for a little self-love, these Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts are a delicious way to spread the love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create pure chocolate-peanut butter bliss. Each one plays a special role in nailing the signature taste and texture of classic Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts.
- Creamy peanut butter: Gives that unmistakable nutty, rich filling—make sure it’s not too oily or dry for the best consistency.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds smoothness and helps bind the filling, while keeping things silky and decadent.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the peanut flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash brings warmth and depth to the peanut butter mixture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling, transforming it into a soft, pliable dough.
- Milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into a luscious coating—choose your favorite for a classic or slightly richer taste.
- Coconut oil or shortening: Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and creates a perfect shell that snaps when you bite in.
- Festive Valentine’s sprinkles (optional): Adds a splash of color and playful crunch—totally optional, but so fun!
How to Make Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts
Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling
Start by combining your peanut butter, softened butter, salt, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Mix everything together until it’s creamy and unified—no lumps allowed! This step is all about creating that luscious, dreamy texture that makes Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts so irresistible.
Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar and Form the Dough
Gradually add the powdered sugar to your peanut butter mixture. Stir slowly at first to avoid a sugar cloud, then keep mixing until you have a soft, slightly stiff dough. If the mixture feels too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar until it’s easy to handle.
Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Hearts
Place your dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Remove the top parchment and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create as many hearts as you can. These little shapes are the heart (pun intended!) of your Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts experience.
Step 4: Freeze the Hearts
Lay the hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for 30 minutes. This step makes them firm enough to dip easily in melted chocolate without losing their shape—a crucial trick for perfectly smooth Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
While the hearts are chilling, melt your chocolate chips with coconut oil or shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Go in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until you have a glossy, pourable chocolate coating. This is what gives Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts their signature chocolate shell.
Step 6: Dip and Decorate
Remove the hearts from the freezer and, using a fork, dip each one into the melted chocolate. Make sure they’re fully coated, then return them to the baking sheet. If you’re feeling festive, add Valentine’s sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet. Let the hearts set at room temperature, or speed things up by popping them in the fridge.
How to Serve Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts
Garnishes
Dress up your Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts with a sprinkle of colorful Valentine’s sprinkles, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of contrasting white chocolate. These little touches make them extra special and totally Instagram-worthy for your Valentine’s dessert spread.
Side Dishes
Pair your hearts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a mug of rich hot chocolate, or a fresh fruit platter for an extra celebratory vibe. The combination of creamy, cold, and fruity flavors really complements the sweet and salty notes of the Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange a few hearts in a decorative box lined with tissue paper for a homemade Valentine’s gift, or stack them on a tiered dessert tray for a party centerpiece. You can even wrap each heart individually for sweet, grab-and-go treats that will make anyone’s day brighter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. The cool temperature keeps the chocolate snappy and the peanut butter filling perfectly creamy.
Freezing
These hearts freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll last up to a month—just thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! If you love your Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts a little softer, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Otherwise, enjoy them straight from the fridge or freezer for a firmer bite.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a fun texture and extra peanutty bits to your Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts. Just be aware the filling will be a bit chunkier but still delicious.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
No worries! You can simply shape the dough into hearts by hand, or use any cookie cutter you have on hand. Even circles or squares will still taste amazing and festive.
Are Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your ingredients (especially your chocolate and sprinkles) are certified gluten-free, these treats are naturally gluten-free and perfect for sharing with friends who have dietary restrictions.
Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
You sure can! Substitute vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips, and double-check your sprinkles. The result is a dairy-free, vegan version of Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts that everyone can enjoy.
How far in advance can I make these?
You can make Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts up to a week ahead and store them in the fridge, or freeze them for up to a month. They’re perfect for prepping in advance for parties, gifts, or just to have a sweet treat on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, these Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts are pure love in every bite. They’re simple, festive, and bursting with that classic chocolate-peanut butter combo everyone craves. Give them a try this Valentine’s Day and share the homemade magic with someone you adore—or treat yourself to something extra sweet!
Print
Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 hearts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts are a delightful no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. They feature a smooth peanut butter filling enveloped in a luscious chocolate coating, adorned with festive sprinkles for a charming touch.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
Optional Decoration
- Festive Valentine’s sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Dough: In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar into the peanut butter mixture, stirring continuously until a soft, pliable dough forms that can hold its shape.
- Shape the Hearts: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll out to about 1/2-inch thickness evenly. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as possible and transfer them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the Hearts: Place the baking sheet with the cut-out hearts in the freezer for 30 minutes or until the shapes are firm, facilitating easier chocolate coating.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips together with the coconut oil in 30-second intervals. Stir well after each interval until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Coat the Hearts: Dip each frozen peanut butter heart into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully covered. Allow excess chocolate to drip off and place the coated hearts back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Decorate and Set: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle festive Valentine’s sprinkles on top if desired. Let the chocolate set at room temperature, or refrigerate for a quicker set.
- Store: Once set, store the hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- These peanut butter hearts can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Ensure the dough is chilled properly to make dipping easier and prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heart
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
