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Peanut Butter Heart Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 124 reviews

These Peanut Butter Heart Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with rich peanut butter flavor, topped with a sweet Reese’s Peanut Butter Heart candy for an irresistible treat. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you want a festive cookie with a peanut buttery twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 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

For Rolling and Topping

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (remaining)
  • 12 ounce package Reese’s Peanut Butter Hearts (unwrapped for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F to prepare for baking the cookies evenly.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, vegetable shortening, creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the two eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract to combine all wet ingredients.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
  5. Mix Dry into Wet: Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. Avoid overmixing as the dough will be very soft.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar into a small bowl. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  7. Shape and Sugar Coat Cookies: Scoop the dough into balls and roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat externally.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 7-10 minutes, just until they are set and pale. Be careful not to over-bake, as the cookies should remain soft after cooling.
  9. Cool Slightly on Sheet: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to firm up slightly.
  10. Transfer and Add Topping: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack. While still warm, press one unwrapped Reese’s Peanut Butter Heart into the center of each cookie.
  11. Cool Completely and Store: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the dough to keep the cookies soft and tender.
  • Be careful not to overbake; the cookies are done when they look just set and pale.
  • Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Reese’s Peanut Butter Hearts should be unwrapped before pressing into the warm cookies.
  • Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or frozen for extended freshness.

Keywords: Peanut Butter Cookies, Valentine Cookies, Reese's Cookies, Soft Cookies, Heart Shaped Cookies, Peanut Butter Treats

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/peanut-butter-heart-cookies-recipe/