Peanut Butter Heart Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Peanut Butter Heart Cookies combine the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the soft sweetness of Reese’s Peanut Butter Hearts pressed right on top. Perfect for sharing on special occasions or enjoying as a comforting treat at home.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 12-ounce package Reese’s Peanut Butter Hearts

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, vegetable shortening, peanut butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and the brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; the dough will be very soft.
6. Step 6: Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar into a small bowl and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Scoop the dough into balls, then roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat.
8. Step 8: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared cookie sheet and bake for 7-10 minutes, just until the cookies look set but still pale. Avoid over-baking to keep the cookies soft.
9. Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
10. Step 10: While the cookies are still warm, press one unwrapped Reese’s Peanut Butter Heart into the center of each cookie. Let the cookies cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra chewiness, slightly under-bake the cookies and allow them to finish setting on the baking sheet.
• Substitute crunchy peanut butter for a bit of added texture.
• Try swapping Reese’s Hearts with other peanut butter candies or mini peanut butter cups if preferred.
• Chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft to handle easily before rolling into balls.

Storage

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well; thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh slightly, warm in the oven for a few minutes to soften the candy topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, but natural peanut butter may affect the texture slightly and make the dough a bit softer. You might want to chill the dough before baking.

What if I don’t have vegetable shortening?

You can substitute an equal amount of butter, though the texture of the cookies may be a touch less tender without the shortening.

Peanut Butter Heart Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 121 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Delight in these soft and chewy Peanut Butter Heart Cookies featuring a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Each cookie is topped with a classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Heart candy, making them ideal for peanut butter lovers and perfect for festive occasions or everyday treats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

• 12 ounce package Reese’s Peanut Butter Hearts

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cookies.
2. Cream Fats and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, vegetable shortening, peanut butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract to incorporate it evenly.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and seasonings.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently to combine without over-mixing, as the dough should remain very soft.
6. Prepare Sugar Coating: Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar into a small bowl for rolling the cookie dough.
7. Shape and Roll Cookies: Scoop the dough into balls and roll each ball in the granulated sugar until evenly coated.
8. Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake for 7 to 10 minutes, just until the cookies are set and pale. Avoid over-baking to keep them soft.
9. Cool Slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes for partial firming.
10. Add Candy Topping: While the cookies are still warm, press an unwrapped Reese’s Peanut Butter Heart candy into the center of each cookie.
11. Cool Completely and Store: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a rack. Store leftovers at room temperature in a container or freeze them for extended storage.

Notes

• Do not over-mix the dough to maintain a soft texture.
• Watch the baking time carefully; cookies should be pale and just set to stay soft after cooling.
• Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar adds a delightful sugary crunch to the cookie exterior.
• Press the candy hearts into the cookies while still warm for a better adhere and soften the candy slightly.
• Cookies freeze well; thaw at room temperature before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: peanut butter cookies, Reese’s heart cookies, soft cookies, holiday cookies, peanut butter dessert