Name: Peanut Butter Valentine's Day Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Valentine’s sprinkles or heart-shaped candies

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Table of Contents: Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies

Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies

Remember the joy of making cookies with your little ones? Or the simple pleasure of a sweet treat shared with a loved one? These Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies bring back those warm feelings, and they’re surprisingly easy to make! Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these heart-shaped delights are a guaranteed hit, especially with the grandkids.

They’re a delightful addition to any Valentine’s celebration, a fun baking project for a snowy afternoon, or just a little something special to brighten someone’s day.

These aren’t just any peanut butter cookies; they’re infused with love (and chocolate!). This recipe for Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies is a classic, updated with adorable chocolate hearts pressed into the dough. They’re a wonderful peanut butter dessert that’s kid-friendly Valentine’s treat everyone will adore.

Whether you’re looking for a simple baking project or a sweet gesture to show your affection, these cookies are the answer. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with peanut butter flavor – a truly irresistible combination. Forget store-bought, these homemade cookies are a testament to your care and a delicious way to celebrate the season of love.

This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; it’s about creating memories. It’s about the flour dusting your countertops, the sweet aroma filling your kitchen, and the smiles on the faces of those you share them with.

These heart-shaped cookies are a symbol of affection, and making them yourself adds an extra layer of meaning.

Alternate Names & Variations

These cookies go by many names! You might also find similar recipes called “Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies” (though those typically use Hershey’s Kisses), “Valentine Peanut Butter Hearts,” or simply “Chocolate Heart Peanut Butter Cookies.” For a slightly different twist, try drizzling melted white chocolate over the baked cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

You could also experiment with different types of chocolate candies – dark chocolate hearts would be a lovely variation for those who prefer a less sweet treat. These are all delicious peanut butter desserts!

Ingredients: Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies:

* 1 and 1/4 cups ( 156g) all-purpose flour ( spooned & leveled)
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup ( 8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

* 1/2 cup ( 100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
* 1/4 cup ( 50g) granulated sugar
* 1 large egg, at room temperature
* 3/4 cup (about 190g) creamy peanut butter
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 26– 28 chocolate heart candies, unwrapped (like these or these)
* optional: additional 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar for rolling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed.
3. Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Don’t rush this step – it’s crucial for a tender cookie!

4. Add Egg & Peanut Butter: Beat in the egg until well combined. Then, add the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
5. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
6. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If desired, roll each ball in additional granulated sugar for a sparkly finish.

7. Press in Hearts: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Gently press a chocolate heart candy into the center of each cookie.
8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Approximate Calories: 150-200 per cookie (depending on chocolate heart size)

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This recipe works because of the balance of ingredients. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a chewy texture, while the softened butter ensures a tender crumb. Using creamy peanut butter provides a smooth, consistent flavor.

The key to perfectly soft and chewy cookies is not overbaking them. They should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

This is truly easy comfort food for family dinners or a special Valentine’s treat. For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar. If you don’t have time to roll the dough into balls, you can simply drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet – they’ll still taste delicious!

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

These Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave.

People Also Ask: Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies

How do you make peanut butter Valentine’s Day cookies?

These Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies are surprisingly simple! You start by creaming together butter and sugars, then adding an egg, peanut butter, and vanilla. Dry ingredients are mixed in, the dough is rolled into balls, and chocolate hearts are pressed into the center before baking.

The key is to not overbake them – you want them to be soft and chewy. This recipe is perfect for baking with kids and creating a fun Valentine’s tradition. It’s a classic peanut butter dessert that’s sure to please everyone.

Can I use different types of peanut butter?

Yes, you can! While creamy peanut butter is recommended for the smoothest texture, you can experiment with crunchy peanut butter for added texture. However, keep in mind that crunchy peanut butter might make the cookies slightly less tender. Natural peanut butter can also be used, but you may need to add a tablespoon or two of flour to compensate for the extra oil. The flavor will also be slightly different, but still delicious! These heart-shaped cookies are versatile.

How do you make them soft and chewy?

The secret to soft and chewy Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies lies in a few key techniques. Using both brown sugar and granulated sugar helps retain moisture. Don’t overmix the dough, as this develops the gluten and makes the cookies tough. And most importantly, don’t overbake them! They should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Underbaking slightly is better than overbaking.

What decorations can I add to peanut butter cookies?

Besides the classic chocolate hearts, there are many ways to decorate these peanut butter cookies! You can drizzle them with melted white or dark chocolate, sprinkle them with Valentine’s-themed sprinkles, or even pipe on some royal icing. A simple dusting of powdered sugar also looks lovely. Get creative and have fun with it! These are kid-friendly Valentine’s treats that can be customized to your liking.

Conclusion: Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies

So there you have it – a recipe for Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies that’s sure to become a family favorite! I hope you enjoy making these sweet treats as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the decorations and make them your own. If you try this recipe, please let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear how they turned out and see pictures of your creations. Happy baking, and Happy Valentine’s Day!