These Peanut Butter Chocolate Hearts are a dreamy blend of creamy peanut butter and rich, velvety chocolate. With just over an hour of prep and cooling time, you’ll create bite-sized treats that rival your favorite store-bought candies. The smooth, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate shell pairs perfectly with the sweet, nutty filling, offering a delightful contrast of textures. Each heart is a little indulgence, packed with flavor and nostalgia, making them perfect for gifting or savoring yourself.
At only 110 calories per piece, these homemade Reese’s-style hearts are a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of sweet and salty flavors, along with the satisfying crunch of the chocolate coating, makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple, fun, and sure to impress. Treat yourself to a batch—you deserve it!
What You’ll Need
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (use natural or regular, but avoid oily varieties)
- ¼ cup butter, softened (unsalted preferred for better control of sweetness)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (sifted for smoother texture)
- 24 ounces milk chocolate chips (about 2 bags; semi-sweet or dark chocolate can be substituted)
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Hearts
- Mix the peanut butter filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup peanut butter, ¼ cup softened butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1½ cups powdered sugar. Stir until smooth and well combined. The mixture should hold its shape when pressed together.
- Melt the chocolate: Place 24 ounces of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat in 30-second intervals until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Avoid overheating to prevent seizing.
- Assemble the hearts: Using a heart-shaped mold, spoon enough melted chocolate into each cavity to cover the bottom. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of the peanut butter mixture on top, shaping it into a flat heart or leaving it as a small ball. Cover the peanut butter with more melted chocolate until the mold is full.
- Chill to set: Place the filled mold in the refrigerator or freezer for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate is completely hardened.
- Store and enjoy: Once set, gently pop the hearts out of the mold. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy your homemade Reese’s-style treats!
Sweet Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Hearts are perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet treat. Package them in a cute box with tissue paper for a thoughtful homemade gift. For a dessert platter, pair them with fresh berries, mini cookies, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also make a delightful addition to a Valentine’s Day or holiday-themed dessert table!
Storage Tips for Freshness
Store your homemade Reese’s-style hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying for the best texture.
Fun Recipe Variations
Switch up the flavors by using dark chocolate or white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter or cookie butter. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets for a sweet-and-salty twist. You can also mix in crushed graham crackers or mini marshmallows into the peanut butter filling for a s’mores-inspired treat!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To speed up the process, use pre-made peanut butter cups as a base and simply dip them in melted chocolate for a shortcut version. If you’re short on time, skip the heart mold and spread the peanut butter mixture into a lined baking dish, then pour melted chocolate on top. Once set, cut into squares or bars for easy, no-fuss treats.
Essential Equipment Guidance
A silicone heart mold is key for shaping these treats, but if you don’t have one, mini muffin tins or candy molds work just as well. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the peanut butter mixture evenly. For melting chocolate, a microwave-safe bowl and a silicone spatula are must-haves to ensure smooth, lump-free results.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Hearts (Homemade Reese’s)
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 24 ounces milk chocolate chips 2 bags chocolate chips; you can also use semi sweet
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, brown sugar and powdered sugar.
- Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then remove the bowl and give it a stir. Place the bowl back into the microwave and repeat the process until you stir the chocolate and it’s smooth and melted.
- In your heart tray, place enough chocolate in the heart shape to cover the bottom of the mold.
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of your peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate (you can kind of mold it into a flat heart shape or leave it in a ball shape – whatever you prefer).
- Cover the peanut butter with more melted chocolate until the heart mold is full.
- Stick in the refrigerator or freezer until hardened. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat them.