INTRODUCTION
Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies are the perfect treat to share with someone special on this lovely day. These cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with a delightful peanut butter flavor, making them a favorite among many. Topped with chocolate heart candies, they not only taste great but also look beautiful. Whether you are baking for a loved one, kids, or just for yourself, these cookies will bring joy and sweetness to your Valentine’s celebration.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies. First and foremost, they are delicious. The creamy peanut butter pairs well with the chocolate, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Additionally, they are easy to make. Even if you are a beginner in baking, you can follow the simple steps to create these yummy treats.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy these cookies anytime, not just on Valentine’s Day. They make a wonderful snack, a perfect addition to lunchboxes, or a great dessert for gatherings. The cookies also stay fresh for a week, so you can enjoy them over several days.
Lastly, baking and sharing these cookies can be a fun activity. Involve your family or friends to create a lasting memory while baking together.
HOW TO MAKE Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies
Making Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies is a straightforward process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bake your delicious cookies.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To bake these cookies, you will need the following equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Spatula
- Cookie scoop
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 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
- Optional: additional 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar for rolling
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
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In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Set this mixture aside for later use.
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In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat the softened butter for 1 minute on high speed until it is creamy.
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Switch your mixer to medium-high speed and add the brown sugar along with 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat until completely creamed and smooth, which will take about 2 minutes.
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Add the egg to the mixture. Beat until it is combined, about 1 minute. Make sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
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Now add the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract. Beat until these ingredients are well combined.
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Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat on low speed until everything is mixed together. The dough will be creamy and soft.
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Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days. This step is important for the best texture.
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When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
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Scoop out about 1 heaping tablespoon (around 25g) of dough for each cookie. If you want, you can roll each ball in an additional 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
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Place the cookie dough balls on the baking sheets about 3 inches apart. Bake them in the oven for 11-13 minutes. You will know they are ready when the tops begin to crack slightly.
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Take the cookies out of the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
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Gently press a chocolate heart candy into the center of each cookie. Using a thin spatula, carefully transfer the cookies to a large plate or smaller plates.
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Place the plates of cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes to set the chocolate.
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After 10 minutes, remove the cookies from the freezer and they are ready to enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be served in many delightful ways. Serve them as a sweet snack alongside a glass of milk or with a cup of tea. You can also display them on a platter for gatherings or parties, making them a wonderful treat to share. For a fun twist, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies
To store these cookies, keep them covered at room temperature. They will remain fresh for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To freeze, place the cookies in an airtight container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies pair beautifully with various serving ideas. Here are some suggestions:
- Serve with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combination.
- Pair with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Crumble some cookies on top of vanilla ice cream for a tasty sundae.
- Present them in a lovely box or jar as a sweet gift for friends or loved ones.
VARIATIONS
There are several fun variations you can try with these cookies. Here are a few ideas:
- Instead of chocolate hearts, use M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces for a colorful touch.
- Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolate treat.
- Mix in some chopped nuts, like peanuts or walnuts, for added crunch.
- Experiment with different flavored extracts, like almond or maple, in place of vanilla.
FAQs
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Can I use crunchy peanut butter in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. It will give your cookies a nice texture.
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Do I have to refrigerate the dough?
- Refrigerating the dough is recommended for better texture, but if you’re short on time, you can bake the cookies right away.
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Can I add more chocolate to the cookies?
- Absolutely! You can mix in chocolate chips or use larger chocolate pieces as toppings.
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How do I know when the cookies are done?
- The cookies are done when the tops begin to crack. They will continue to cook a little while cooling on the baking sheet.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies
If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can make the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and can improve the texture of the cookies. You can also bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just remember to freeze them if you want to keep them for longer.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can create delightful Peanut Butter Valentine’s Day Cookies that will impress everyone. Enjoy the joy of baking and sharing these sweet cookies with those you care about!
Peanut Butter Valentine's Day Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter for 1 minute on high speed until creamy.
- Switch to medium-high speed, then add brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add the egg and beat until combined, about 1 minute, scraping the sides as needed.
- Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract, beating until well mixed.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed until combined, creating a creamy dough.
- Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 1 heaping tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Optionally roll in granulated sugar.
- Place dough balls 3 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until tops begin to crack.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a plate.
- Gently press a chocolate heart candy into the center of each cookie.
- Freeze cookies for 10 minutes to set the chocolate.