Valentine Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe

The Perfect Valentine Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe for Sweethearts

Sweet moments call for delectable treats that melt Valentine peanut butter blondies recipe right into your heart.

These irresistible bars burst with rich, creamy flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Chocolate chips peek through a golden, buttery base, creating a symphony of textures.

Each bite promises a decadent experience that whispers romance and comfort.

Soft, chewy, and packed with love, these blondies transform an ordinary dessert into something extraordinary.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to savor this delightful creation.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that celebrates sweet connections and indulgent pleasures.

Valentine Peanut Butter Blondies: Sweet Details

  • Whip Up Romance: Perfect treat for Valentine's Day with colorful M&M's creating a festive and sweet dessert that captures the spirit of love.
  • Simplify Baking: Super easy recipe requiring minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it accessible for bakers of all experience levels.
  • Customize with Creativity: Versatile dessert allowing personal touch by choosing different colored M&M's or adding extra mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for unique flavor variations.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Fast preparation and baking process means you can have delicious blondies ready in under an hour, ideal for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.

Blondie Ingredient Checklist

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich and creamy base that provides moisture and helps bind the blondie ingredients together.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds a delicious nutty flavor and contributes to the dense, chewy texture of the blondies.
  • Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the blondies their soft and tender crumb.
Sweet and Binding Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Offers a deep caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the blondies moist.
  • Egg: Acts as a binding agent and provides structure to the blondie batter.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm and aromatic essence.
Decorative and Flavor Ingredients:
  • M&M's, Red and Pink: Provide a festive Valentine's Day color scheme and add a sweet chocolate crunch to the blondies.
Baking Preparation Ingredients:
  • Cooking Spray, Aluminum Foil: Help prevent sticking and make removing the blondies from the pan easier.

Steps to Bake Peanut Butter Blondies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F.

Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with aluminum foil.

Give the foil a quick spray of cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Toss your butter into a microwave-safe bowl and zap it until it’s completely melted.

Let it cool down for a few moments so it’s not scorching hot.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Base

Combine these goodies into the melted butter:
  • Peanut butter
  • Egg
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Introduce the Flour

Gently fold in the flour, being super careful not to overmix.

You want the batter to be just combined, keeping it light and tender.

Step 5: Colorful Mix-In

Time to add some Valentine’s charm!

Fold in half of the M&M’s into the batter, distributing them evenly.

Step 6: Pan Preparation

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Sprinkle the remaining M&M’s across the surface, giving them a gentle press to nestle them into the batter.

Step 7: Baking Magic

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Patience is Key

Let the blondies cool in the pan for at least an hour.

This waiting time allows them to set and makes cutting easier.

Once cooled, slice and serve your Valentine’s treat!

Tips for Chewy, Festive Blondies

  • Stir flour gently to maintain a tender, soft blondie texture without developing tough gluten.
  • Use seasonal colors like red and pink for Valentine's Day, or mix different chocolate candies for variety.
  • Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center to ensure moist, fudgy blondies without overbaking.
  • Let eggs and butter sit out briefly to blend more smoothly and create a more consistent batter.
  • Use overhanging foil for easy removal and clean, precise blondie squares without sticking.

Blondie Variations for Valentine’s Day

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a celiac-friendly treat without compromising taste or texture.
  • Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and select vegan peanut butter for a plant-based dessert.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
  • Protein-Packed Boost: Incorporate vanilla protein powder into the flour mixture, transforming blondies into a post-workout snack with added nutritional value.

Serving Peanut Butter Blondies at Parties

  • Festive Date Night Dessert: Slice these blondies into heart shapes using a cookie cutter for a romantic Valentine's treat.
  • Sweet Sharing Platter: Arrange blondies on a beautiful board with fresh strawberries, chocolate drizzle, and whipped cream for an elegant dessert presentation.
  • Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual blondies in cute cellophane bags tied with red ribbons as homemade gifts for loved ones.
  • Ice Cream Pairing: Serve warm blondies alongside vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature and texture contrast.

Storing Valentine Blondies for Treat Time

  • Store blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Carefully stack blondies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They'll keep perfectly frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep blondies at room temperature for 2-3 days in a sealed container. Place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain softness and prevent them from becoming too dry.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.

  • How do I know if the blondies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The edges will also look slightly golden.

  • What can I do if I don't have M&M's?

You can use chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, or other colorful sprinkles as a replacement.

  • Is it important to let the butter cool before mixing?

Yes, letting the melted butter cool slightly prevents the egg from cooking and helps create a smoother batter texture.

Print
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Valentine Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe

Valentine Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Romantic chocolate-swirled peanut butter blondies bring passion to dessert tables with their rich, creamy texture. Sweet layers of indulgence will melt hearts and create memorable moments for valentine celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter (Jif, Skippy or similar)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Decorative Mix-ins:

  • 3/4 cup M&M’s, divided (1/2 cup for batter, 1/4 cup for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8-inch pan with aluminum foil, then generously coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, allowing it to cool slightly to prevent scrambling the egg.
  3. Combine the melted butter with peanut butter, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla, whisking vigorously until the mixture achieves a uniform, silky consistency.
  4. Gently incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to avoid developing excess gluten and maintaining a tender texture.
  5. Carefully fold half of the M&M’s into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even surface. Scatter the remaining M&M’s across the top, pressing them lightly to ensure they adhere.
  7. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes, watching for a toothpick that emerges with minimal moist crumbs when inserted into the center.
  8. Allow the blondies to cool completely within the pan for at least one hour, which helps them set and makes cutting cleaner and more precise.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality peanut butter for richer, more intense flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Soften butter slightly before melting to ensure smooth, even incorporation with other ingredients.
  • Prevent overmixing when adding flour to maintain a tender, delicate blondie texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Try different chocolate candies like Reese’s Pieces or chocolate chips for unique flavor variations that match different preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 245
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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