Homemade Reeses Peanut Butter Hearts
If you’re a fan of sweet, rich, and indulgent treats, then you’re in for a delightful surprise with these Homemade Reeses Peanut Butter Hearts. Imagine creamy peanut butter, silky chocolate, and a touch of vanilla all coming together to create a luscious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, gifting to a loved one, or simply treating yourself, these hearts are sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make and require only a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is not just about making a delicious treat; it’s about the joy of creating something special from scratch. The combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolate is a classic that never fails to satisfy. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making these Homemade Reeses Peanut Butter Hearts an irresistible dessert. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying on your own. Plus, with just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch ready in no time!
Ingredients at a Glance
- 3 cups (340g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 16-ounce jar (454g) creamy peanut butter, such as JIF
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons (42ml) whole milk
- 20 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil (optional)
Hardware & Gadgets
- Mixing bowl: For combining your ingredients smoothly.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of your bowl.
- Heart-shaped mold: To give your treats their adorable shape.
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl: For melting chocolate.
- Cookie sheet: For setting your hearts to cool.
Homemade Reeses Peanut Butter Hearts: How It’s Done
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, fine sea salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. The mixture will be thick. Add the whole milk a little at a time, stirring until well combined.
Step 2: Shape the Hearts
Scoop the peanut butter mixture into your heart-shaped mold. Press down firmly to ensure they hold their shape. You can also use your hands to form small heart shapes if you don’t have a mold. Place the filled mold in the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until the hearts are solid.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
While the peanut butter hearts are chilling, melt the semi-sweet chocolate. You can do this using a double boiler or in the microwave. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. If desired, stir in the coconut oil to add a nice sheen to your chocolate.
Step 4: Coat the Hearts
Once the peanut butter hearts are firm, remove them from the mold. Dip each heart into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Place them back on the cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Set the Chocolate
Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature, or place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to speed up the process.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Once the chocolate is fully set, your Homemade Reeses Peanut Butter Hearts are ready to enjoy! Serve them at gatherings, package them as gifts, or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!
Nutrition-Minded Tweaks
- For a healthier option, consider using natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils.
- Substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you prefer a different nut flavor or have nut allergies.
- Opt for dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste and potential health benefits.
- Reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar for a less sweet treat, adjusting the milk accordingly for consistency.
Method to the Madness
Making these Homemade Reeses Peanut Butter Hearts is not only simple but also a fun activity to do with family or friends. The process of mixing, shaping, and dipping can be a great way to bond over a shared love of sweet treats. Plus, the aroma of melting chocolate will fill your kitchen with a delightful scent, enticing everyone around. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings, such as adding crushed pretzels or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra crunch.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
To keep your Homemade Reeses Peanut Butter Hearts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for up to two weeks. For even longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to your Homemade Reeses Peanut Butter Hearts. Just keep in mind that the consistency may vary slightly.
What can I use instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate or even white chocolate. Each will give your hearts a unique flavor profile.
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking as it sets?
Make sure the chocolate is melted evenly and not overheated. Adding a bit of coconut oil can help create a smoother finish and reduce the chances of cracking.
Can I make these without a mold?
Yes! If you don’t have a heart-shaped mold, you can simply scoop the mixture into balls or flatten them into discs with your hands. They will still taste amazing!
That’s a Wrap
When you make these Homemade Reeses Peanut Butter Hearts, you’re not just creating a delicious treat; you’re crafting a moment of joy. The process is straightforward, and the results are absolutely worth it. Whether you’re indulging solo or sharing with friends and family, these delightful hearts are bound to bring smiles all around. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking!
Share on Pinterest
Homemade Reeses Peanut Butter Hearts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, fine sea salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted confectioners' sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Add the whole milk a little at a time, stirring until well combined.
- Scoop the peanut butter mixture into your heart-shaped mold. Press down firmly to ensure they hold their shape. You can also use your hands to form small heart shapes if you don’t have a mold. Place the filled mold in the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until the hearts are solid.
- While the peanut butter hearts are chilling, melt the semi-sweet chocolate using a double boiler or microwave. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Stir in the coconut oil for a nice sheen, if desired.
- Once the peanut butter hearts are firm, remove them from the mold. Dip each heart into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Place them back on the cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature, or place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to speed up the process.
- Once the chocolate is fully set, your Homemade Reeses Peanut Butter Hearts are ready to enjoy! Serve them at gatherings, package them as gifts, or keep them all to yourself.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Refrigerate for up to two weeks for longer freshness.
- Freeze for extended storage, separating layers with parchment paper.
