Valentine Peanut Butter Blossoms

This Valentine Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe is a delightful treat perfect for sharing during the season of love or any time you crave a sweet, nostalgic cookie with a festive twist. Combining the creamy richness of peanut butter with a sweet chocolate heart center and a sprinkle of colorful Valentine’s hues, these cookies are both charming and satisfying.

I first made these during a chilly February afternoon and my family fell in love instantly. The chocolate hearts melting just right on warm cookies create a little moment of magic I now look forward to every year.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Two sticks unsalted butter: softened for creamy texture and balance of richness
• One cup creamy peanut butter: which gives the cookie its signature flavor and moisture choose a natural brand if you want a more wholesome taste
• One cup white sugar: adds sweetness and helps create that slight crispness on the edges
• One cup brown sugar: brings depth with its molasses notes and keeps the cookies soft
• Two large eggs: to bind ingredients and provide moisture
• Two and a half cups all-purpose flour: for structure but handle carefully to keep the dough tender
• One teaspoon baking powder: to help with leavening giving the cookies a light lift
• One and a half teaspoons baking soda: to create soft texture and aid browning
• Half teaspoon salt: to balance sweetness and enhance peanut butter flavor
• Quarter cup red and pink sprinkles: for festive color and fun decorative touch check the freshness so they hold shape after baking
• Thirty-six Hershey milk chocolate hearts: these go on top for that iconic blossom look and delicious melty center choose quality chocolate for best results

How to Make It

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cookie Sheet:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease your cookie sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking and help cookies bake evenly

Cream Butter Sugars and Peanut Butter:

Using a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer at medium speed mix the softened butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter together until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture This can take about three to five minutes and it really helps build a great base flavor and texture for your cookies

Add Eggs One at a Time:

Slowly add the eggs into the peanut butter mixture one by one Mixing after each addition until fully combined ensures the dough emulsifies and doesn't separate which leads to a better cookie

Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients:

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly and avoids clumps Gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients Mixing just until combined keeps the dough tender rather than tough Fold in the red and pink Valentine’s sprinkles until they are evenly dispersed through the dough

Scoop and Bake the Cookies:

Using a medium-sized cookie scoop place twelve evenly sized scoops of dough onto your greased cookie sheet spaced well apart They will spread as they bake Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately ten minutes The cookies should be just turning golden at the edges but still soft in the center Keep a close eye as ovens vary

Add the Chocolate Hearts:

Immediately after the cookies come out of the oven gently press an unwrapped Hershey's milk chocolate heart into the center of each cookie The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate allowing it to settle perfectly Set the cookies aside on a rack to cool completely which helps the chocolate firm up and prevents breaking

Store and Enjoy:

Once cooled you can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage They hold their flavor and texture well, making them a versatile treat

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how the chocolate heart practically melts into the warm cookie straight out of the oven creating a gooey, irresistible bite. It always brings smiles no matter the day. Making this with my family each Valentine’s has become a lovely tradition and seeing the kids’ delight as they decorate with sprinkles never gets old.

Flavor Boosters

Peanut butter and chocolate are a classic combo Nad adding Valentine’s sprinkles gives a sweet crunchy pop that lifts the flavor to festive heights

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea to balance the rich peanut butter and chocolate notes These cookies make a delightful addition to any Valentine’s Day dessert spread or party favor basket Try stacking with layers of whipped cream or ice cream for those special dessert moments

Creative Twists

You can swap the traditional chocolate hearts for dark or semi-sweet varieties or even chocolate kisses for varied flavor intensity and sweetness Using chunky peanut butter adds texture while substituting light muscovado sugar deepens the flavor notes

This recipe delivers festive flavor and tender texture perfect for Valentine’s or anytime you want a special cookie. Baking it creates sweet moments to share with loved ones.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What ingredients give these cookies their soft texture?

The combination of softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and the balance of white and brown sugars contributes to the cookies’ tender and moist texture.

→ Can I use a different type of chocolate for the center?

Yes, while milk chocolate hearts provide sweetness and shape, mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate pieces work well as alternatives.

→ How should the cookies be stored to maintain freshness?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

→ What is the purpose of the baking powder and baking soda in the dough?

Both leavening agents help the cookies rise slightly while maintaining a chewy texture, creating the perfect balance between softness and structure.

→ Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, the dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, which can enhance the flavors.