Name: Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Meet your new favorite treat: Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies. These charming cookies are as delightful to bake as they are to eat, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm peanut butter and just the right hint of sweetness. Whether you’re whipping them up for Valentine’s Day, a special celebration, or just because, you’ll love how easy they are to make and how much joy they bring to anyone lucky enough to receive one. With their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and adorable shape, Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies are a surefire way to spread a little love—one bite at a time.

Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies is their simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in building flavor, texture, and that classic homemade cookie charm. Gather these pantry staples and get ready for cookie magic!

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb, so make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star of the show, lending deep nutty flavor and that unmistakable peanut butter aroma.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies achieve those lightly golden edges.
Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle hint of caramel flavor for extra depth.
Large egg (1): Binds the dough and adds just the right amount of richness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and gives the cookies a warm, inviting aroma.
All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides structure without making the cookies too dense.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise gently, creating a soft, light texture.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.

How to Make Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when your cookies are ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure your heart-shaped cookies keep their perfect form. This little prep step makes cleanup a breeze too!

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air for cookies that are light yet tender, and it ensures every bite is packed with peanut buttery goodness.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again just until everything is well combined. The egg helps bind the dough, while the vanilla adds a subtle, warm undertone that makes these Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies extra inviting.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps distribute the baking soda and salt evenly throughout the flour, ensuring your cookies bake up with the perfect lift and balanced flavor.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or with a spatula until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—just blend until you no longer see streaks of flour. If your dough feels a bit sticky, you can chill it for about 30 minutes for easier rolling.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Into Hearts

Dust your countertop lightly with flour and gently roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Grab your favorite heart-shaped cookie cutter and press out as many cookies as you can, rerolling the scraps until all the dough is used. Place the heart shapes onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up perfectly and develop that irresistible texture.

How to Serve Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

Dress up your Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies with a drizzle of melted chocolate or dip half of each cookie in chocolate, then sprinkle with festive sprinkles or crushed peanuts. It’s a simple touch that adds both beauty and a little extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

For a classic pairing, serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage. They also shine alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, making dessert feel truly special without any fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies in a decorative tin lined with colorful parchment for gifting, or stack them on a tiered cake stand for an adorable party centerpiece. Tuck a few Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies into lunchboxes as a sweet surprise or package them in clear bags tied with ribbon for a homemade Valentine’s treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Their texture stays soft and irresistible, making them just as delicious on day five as they were fresh from the oven.

Freezing

If you’d like to make Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked dough shapes on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to two months. You can also freeze baked cookies—just let them cool completely, then store between layers of wax paper.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm, simply pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes or microwave them in 10-second bursts. This brings back their just-baked aroma and softens them up for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of texture and nutty crunch to your Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies. Just expect the cookies to be slightly more rustic in appearance and deliciously full of peanut bits.

Do I need to chill the dough before rolling it out?

Chilling isn’t strictly necessary, but it makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape when cutting and baking. If your dough feels sticky or soft, a quick 30-minute chill in the fridge works wonders.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

To keep your hearts crisp and defined, make sure your butter isn’t melted and your dough is chilled if it’s especially soft. Baking on parchment paper also helps the cookies keep their cute shape.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The cookies should turn out just as tasty and hold their shape beautifully, though the texture may be a touch different.

What’s the best way to decorate Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies for a special occasion?

For special events, dip the cookies in pink or white chocolate and add festive sprinkles. You can also use royal icing to pipe names or sweet messages on each heart, making them extra personal and memorable.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to resist the charm of Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies—every batch is a little edible love letter. Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles. Give them a try and let the sweet, nutty aroma fill your home with warmth and happiness!

Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 20 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightfully soft and chewy heart-shaped peanut butter cookies, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion. These homemade treats combine creamy peanut butter and classic baking ingredients to create irresistible shaped cookies that are easy to make and fun to decorate.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

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

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and well combined.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, which will help bind the dough and add flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
Roll Out Dough: Divide the dough if needed and roll it out gently on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness to prepare for cutting shapes.
Cut Shapes: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookie shapes from the rolled dough. Carefully transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, signaling they are cooked through but still soft inside.
Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or decorating.

Notes

For decoration, drizzle with melted chocolate or dip half of each cookie in chocolate and top with sprinkles for a festive look.
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling helps make it easier to work with and holds shapes better.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American