Description
These Peanutty Valentine Cookies are soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with chocolate hearts or peanut butter cups, making them the perfect sweet treat for Valentine’s Day! ❤️🥜🍫
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Topping:
- 24 chocolate heart candies (like Dove, Hershey’s, or Reese’s hearts)
- Red, pink, or heart-shaped sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
- Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and roll them in granulated sugar for extra crunch (optional).
- Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is soft.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Hearts
- Immediately after baking, gently press a chocolate heart into the center of each cookie.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Decorate with heart sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft.
Notes
- Crunchy Variation: Use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Chocolate Alternatives: Try using Hershey’s Kisses, peanut butter cups, or white chocolate hearts.
- Make-Ahead: Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.