Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts Recipe
If you’re looking for a treat that says “I love you” with every sweet, melt-in-your-mouth bite, Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts are the answer. Imagine all the joy of a classic peanut butter cup, but dressed up in a playful heart shape, wrapped in smooth chocolate, and ready to steal the spotlight at any Valentine’s Day gathering. This charming homemade candy blends the dreamy duo of peanut butter and chocolate with a fun, hands-on twist—perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with your favorite people. Trust me, you’ll fall head over heels for every single bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts is their simplicity. Every ingredient is chosen for the part it plays—taste, texture, and that irresistible finish. Don’t skimp or substitute; you’ll want each of these on hand to get that signature candy shop flavor at home!
- Creamy peanut butter: A smooth and rich base that melds perfectly with chocolate, delivering that nostalgic Reese’s flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps blend everything into a silky, soft dough.
- Brown sugar (packed): Brings a touch of caramel-like sweetness and chew that makes the filling so addictive.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens the flavor and adds warmth to every heart-shaped bite.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the filling its classic smooth, pliable texture—perfect for cutting into shapes.
- Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips: Your chocolate coating—milk for a sweeter touch, semi-sweet (or even dark) for a more grown-up finish.
- Coconut oil or shortening: This little addition ensures your melted chocolate is silky and glossy, making for a beautiful, snappy shell.
- Heart-shaped sprinkles (optional): For an extra pop of festive color and crunch, these are a fun finishing touch.
How to Make Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Mixture
Start by beating the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together in a large mixing bowl until everything is creamy and blended. This base is the heart (pun intended!) of your Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts, so mix until nice and smooth.
Step 2: Mix in the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until you have a soft, pliable dough. You’ll want the dough to be easy to roll but not sticky—if it’s too soft, feel free to add a bit more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Roll and Shape
Place the peanut butter dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your sweet little hearts and gently transfer them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Collect any scraps, reroll, and cut more hearts until all the dough is used up.
Step 4: Freeze the Hearts
Pop the tray of peanut butter hearts into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes, just until they’re nice and firm. This step makes them easier to dip and helps them keep their perfect shape once they hit the warm chocolate.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate Coating
Meanwhile, place your chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is shiny, smooth, and ready for dunking.
Step 6: Dip and Decorate
Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each frozen peanut butter heart into the melted chocolate, letting the excess chocolate drip away before placing it back on the parchment-lined sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, add those adorable heart-shaped sprinkles for extra sparkle! Chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate is fully set.
How to Serve Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts
Garnishes
These hearts are already adorable thanks to their shape, but a sprinkle of heart-shaped confetti, a drizzle of extra melted chocolate, or even a dust of edible glitter can really make them pop on your dessert table. Have fun and let your creativity shine!
Side Dishes
If you’re putting together a dessert spread, serve Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts alongside fresh strawberries, raspberries, or a bowl of vanilla ice cream. They also play nicely with a mug of hot cocoa, a latte, or even a little bubbly if you’re feeling fancy.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, tuck a few hearts into a cellophane bag and tie it with a colorful ribbon. Arrange them in a decorative tin or a festive box for a homemade Valentine’s Day present that’s guaranteed to impress. They also look delightful piled high on a platter lined with parchment—perfect for sharing at a party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Their chocolate shell stays snappy, and the peanut butter center remains decadently soft—just what you want in a homemade candy.
Freezing
Want to make a batch ahead of time? Freeze the finished hearts in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their magic for up to two months—just let them thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
These treats are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you accidentally freeze them too long and want a softer bite, let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes to take the chill off—no need to use the microwave, just a little patience!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! If you love a little extra texture in your Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts, swap in crunchy peanut butter. Just keep in mind the hearts will have a more rustic look and an added nutty crunch.
How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth and shiny?
Make sure to include coconut oil or shortening with your chocolate—this little trick keeps your coating glossy and much easier to work with. Also, dip the hearts while they’re still frozen for the silkiest results.
Can I use almond or sunflower butter for allergies?
Definitely! Sunflower seed butter or almond butter can both be used in place of peanut butter. The texture might shift slightly, but you’ll still get a delicious, nutty center, perfect for those with peanut allergies.
What’s the best way to pack these hearts for gifting?
Lay the hearts in a single layer on parchment inside a box or tin, adding a sheet of parchment between layers if you stack them. Stick a cold pack in the gift bag if transporting on a warm day to keep the chocolate stable.
Can kids help with making these?
Yes! Rolling out the dough, cutting hearts, and drizzling on sprinkles are all kid-approved tasks. Just supervise the chocolate dipping (since it’s warm) and enjoy a fun, hands-on kitchen project together.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll fall for these Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts as much as I have. They’re a heartfelt, homemade twist on a classic candy—and honestly, sharing them with friends or family makes them all the sweeter. Give them a try and let the love (and chocolate!) flow!
Print
Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: About 20 hearts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Surprise your loved ones with these homemade Reese’s Valentine’s Hearts made with creamy peanut butter, coated in rich chocolate, and shaped into adorable heart shapes. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion!
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Hearts:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating:
- 12 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
Optional:
- Heart-shaped sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for 20–30 minutes until firm.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each peanut butter heart in melted chocolate, coating completely, and place back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Add sprinkles if desired.
- Refrigerate until chocolate is set.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips.
- These hearts store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heart
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
