Valentine Peanut Butter Heart Cookie Bars: The Sweetest Way to Say “I Love You”

Table of Contents: Valentine Peanut Butter Heart Cookie Bars

Valentine Peanut Butter Heart Cookie Bars

Remember the joy of making Valentine’s treats with your children, or baking something special for your sweetheart? These Valentine Peanut Butter Heart Cookie Bars bring back that warm feeling of home and love, but with a delightfully easy twist! Forget fussy frosting and intricate designs – these bars are perfect for anyone who wants a beautiful, delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

They’re a guaranteed hit for Valentine’s Day, a fun family baking project, or simply a sweet pick-me-up on a chilly winter evening. These aren’t just cookies; they’re edible expressions of affection!

These Valentine Peanut Butter Heart Cookie Bars are a delightful combination of soft, chewy peanut butter goodness and festive Valentine’s Day sprinkles and candies. They’re a step up from your average cookie, offering a satisfying bar texture that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). We’ve taken the classic peanut butter cookie and elevated it with a romantic heart shape and a generous helping of Valentine’s themed sweetness.

Whether you’re hosting a Valentine’s party, sending a sweet surprise to loved ones, or just craving a little peanut butter dessert, this recipe is your answer. It’s a simple, heartwarming way to celebrate the season of love.

This recipe is designed for bakers of all levels, even those who haven’t spent much time in the kitchen lately. It’s a forgiving recipe, meaning a little extra flour or a slightly longer bake time won’t ruin the outcome.

The result? Soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible heart-shaped bars that will melt your heart (and your tastebuds!). Get ready to spread some love with these easy-to-make treats – perfect for Valentine’s baking!

Alternate Names & Variations

These bars go by many names! You might also find similar recipes called “Peanut Butter Heart Squares,” “Valentine’s Peanut Butter Cookie Bars,” or simply “Peanut Butter Heart Cookies.” For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate peanut butter.

You could also swap out the Valentine’s M&M’s for other festive candies like conversation hearts (though these can be a bit sticky!). If you’re looking for a different peanut butter dessert, try adding a swirl of chocolate ganache on top after baking.

Ingredients: Valentine Peanut Butter Heart Cookie Bars

• * 3/4 cup butter, softened
• * 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy – your preference!)
• * 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• * 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• * 2 large eggs
• * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• * 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• * 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• * 1 teaspoon baking soda
• * 6 Tablespoons Valentine’s sprinkles, divided (red, white, and pink)
• * 1/2 cup Valentine’s M&M’s
• * 2 bags Reese’s peanut butter hearts (chocolate & white chocolate)

Step-by-Step Instructions

• 1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make removing the bars a breeze!
• 2. Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer works best for this, but you can absolutely do it by hand with some elbow grease.
• 3. Add Peanut Butter & Eggs: Beat in the peanut butter until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• 4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking soda. This ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed, which helps with the rise.
• 5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough bars.
• 6. Press into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. A lightly floured spatula or the back of a spoon helps with this.
• 7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Begin checking for doneness at 20 minutes.
• 8. Sprinkle with Love: While the bars are still warm, immediately sprinkle 4 Tablespoons of the Valentine’s sprinkles evenly over the top. Gently press the sprinkles into the dough.
• 9. Add Candies: Scatter the Valentine’s M&M’s and Reese’s peanut butter hearts over the sprinkled surface. Press them lightly into the warm dough so they adhere. For an extra touch, save 2 tablespoons of sprinkles to add after cutting the bars.
• 10. Cool & Cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Once cooled, cut into squares or, for the festive touch, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create heart-shaped bars.

Chef’s Tip: Don’t have time to cut individual hearts? Simply cut squares and decorate them with a small dollop of frosting and a single Reese’s heart!

Recipe Card Block

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: Approximately 24 bars
Approximate Calories: 200-250 per bar (estimate, varies based on ingredients)

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This recipe works because it strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. The combination of peanut butter and both granulated and brown sugar creates a wonderfully chewy texture and a depth of sweetness.

The addition of cornstarch helps to tenderize the bars even further, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Using the parchment paper sling is crucial for easy removal – trust me on this one!

For a truly stunning presentation, consider layering the sprinkles – a base of pink, then white, and finally a scattering of red. The Reese’s hearts not only look adorable but also add an extra burst of peanut butter and chocolate.

This is easy comfort food for family dinners or a simple sweet treat that’s sure to be appreciated. For a more intense peanut butter flavor, use a natural-style peanut butter (the kind you need to stir).

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

These Valentine Peanut Butter Heart Cookie Bars 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. To freeze, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour, or until solid.

Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in a microwave. While they’re delicious chilled, a slightly softened bar brings out even more of the peanut butter flavor. Sharing these Valentine’s baking creations is a breeze, too – pack extras for friends and family!

People Also Ask: Valentine Peanut Butter Heart Cookie Bars

How do you make peanut butter heart cookie bars for Valentine’s Day?

These Valentine Peanut Butter Heart Cookie Bars are surprisingly simple! Start by creaming together butter and sugars, then add peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients, press the dough into a lined baking pan, and bake until golden brown.

The key to the Valentine’s theme is sprinkling with red, white, and pink sprinkles and adding Valentine’s M&M’s and Reese’s peanut butter hearts while the bars are still warm. For extra heart shape, use a heart shaped cookie cutter after cooling. This creates a festive and delicious peanut butter dessert perfect for the holiday!

How do you get a heart shape in cookie bars?

There are a couple of ways! The easiest is to bake the bars in a rectangular pan and then use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out individual heart-shaped bars after they’ve cooled. Alternatively, you can invest in a heart-shaped baking pan.

Press the dough evenly into the pan, and once baked, you’ll have a large heart-shaped bar that you can then cut into slices. The cutting method is preferable for ease – the recipe is written for a 9×13 and cutting shapes after is the easiest way to ensure a decorative Valentine’s treat!

What kind of peanut butter is best?

You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter – it’s entirely a matter of personal preference! For a smoother texture, creamy peanut butter works best. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, go with crunchy. Conventional or natural peanut butter will also both work, though natural peanut butter (the kind that separates) might require a little extra mixing to incorporate it fully into the dough.

When looking for the best peanut butter dessert flavor, try to use a peanut butter you genuinely enjoy the taste of, as it will shine through in the final product.

Can I add chocolate to these bars?

Absolutely! There are several ways to incorporate chocolate. You could melt some chocolate chips and swirl them into the dough before baking. Or, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars. For an even more decadent treat, consider using chocolate peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter.

The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a classic for a reason, and it will take these Valentine’s bars to the next level. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate – milk, dark, or white – to find your perfect match for this Valentine peanut butter dessert!

Conclusion: Valentine Peanut Butter Heart Cookie Bars

I hope you enjoy making these Valentine Peanut Butter Heart Cookie Bars as much as my family does! They’re a fun, easy, and delicious way to show someone you care. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the sprinkles and candies – personalize them to reflect your loved one’s favorite colors and treats.

If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out! Share your photos on social media and tag me – I love seeing your creations. And if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy Baking and Happy Valentine’s Day!

You Might Also Like:

– Festive Christmas Pavlova Wreath – Easy & Stunning Holiday Dessert!
– 4th of July Angel Food Cake: The Best Patriotic Dessert Idea for Summer
– Red White and Blue Cheesecake Salad: The Best 4th of July Dessert
– 4th of July Swirl Pie: A Stunning Red, White & Blue Dessert to Celebrate Freedom

Find Us On Pinterest and Facebook.

Print