These Valentine Peanut Butter Blondies are the perfect sweet treat to show your love this February. Rich, fudgy, and packed with peanut butter flavor, they strike that irresistible balance between cookie and brownie texture that makes blondies so beloved.
I’ve added a Valentine’s twist with pretty pink and red mix-ins that make these bars as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for someone special or treating yourself, these blondies deliver comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick 45-minute recipe perfect for last-minute Valentine’s celebrations
- Fudgy, chewy texture with crisp edges that peanut butter lovers dream about
- Festive appearance without complicated decorating techniques
- Easily customizable with your favorite Valentine-themed mix-ins
- Makes a small batch (4 servings) so you won’t be overwhelmed with leftovers
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup peanut butter (Jif, Skippy or similar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup M&M’s, divided (½ cup for batter, ¼ cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Let it cool slightly before continuing
- Add peanut butter, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla to the melted butter. Whisk until the mixture is smooth
- Stir in the flour just until combined, being careful not to overmix
- Gently fold in ½ cup of M&M’s into the batter
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup M&M’s on top and press lightly
- Bake for 22-26 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs
- Let blondies cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before cutting
Tips & Variations
- For extra decadence, drizzle with melted white chocolate after cooling
- Substitute almond or cashew butter if you have peanut allergies
- Add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor profile
- For a more festive look, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter instead of cutting into squares
- Make sure not to overbake – blondies should be slightly underdone in the center when removed from oven
- For a special touch, press a few Reese’s heart-shaped peanut butter cups into the top before baking
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Valentine Peanut Butter Blondies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special dessert. The contrast between the warm, chewy blondie and cold ice cream is absolutely divine.
For a cute Valentine’s Day presentation, place each blondie in a small gift box with tissue paper and attach a handwritten note. They also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, hot chocolate, or even a dessert wine for an adult celebration.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
- For longer storage, wrap individual blondies and freeze for up to 2 months
- The blondies are done when a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter)
- Let the blondies cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges
FAQs
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adding about 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
How do I know when blondies are done?
The edges should be golden and set, while the center might still look slightly underdone. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for similar results.
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