Feed the Soul Friday - Valentine's Day Buckeye Brownies

I think we can agree that there is no better couple than peanut butter and chocolate. Am I right? I took a holiday favorite, buckeye balls, and gave it a Valentine's twist. 

Valentine's Day Buckeye Brownies are the perfect treat to cut out with small heart cookie cutters and package individually for a class party or use a bigger cookie cutter and give as a gift. They have a taste that reminds me of the Reese's cups that the school would make. Seriously there is nothing better than that...except maybe crispito day. If you know you know. 

Here's how!

The Fixings:

1 package of your favorite brownie mix. You can even use gluten free if needed. Fudge brownie works best. I also used the 9x13 family size. Prepare according to the directions on the box.

2/3 cup peanut butter (I like a not so drippy kind for this recipe).

2/3 cup powdered sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted

2/3 cup graham crackers (I used the ready to use boxed kind or you can crush your own).

1/4 TSP salt

3/4 cup dark chocolate chips, melted

1 TSP coconut oil, melted

Assorted sprinkles and nonpareils 

Directions:

1. Prepare brownies according to directions on box and allow to cool completely.

2. Mix together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, salt, melted butter, and graham crackers until the mixture is smooth and well combined. It will have a slight "crunchy" type texture because of the graham crackers. You can mix everything in a food processor if you prefer. I hand mixed mine. 

3. Once the brownies are completely cooled, dollop the peanut butter mixture over the brownies and carefully spread it out evenly. I then allowed it to fully "set" by placing them in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes.

4. Cut out as many hearts as you'd like using your heart cookie cutter. I was able to make about a dozen or so small hearts. Or you can make fewer larger ones to give as gifts. 

5. Using a microwave safe bowl, melt your chocolate chips and coconut oil in 15 second increments, stirring at each increment. To make the hearts easier to work with, I placed them in the fridge while I made the chocolate topping and got my decorating supplies together. They are just easier to work with if they are cool.

6. Spread a small amount of chocolate on each heart and decorate with sprinkles or whatever fun nonpareils you'd like. 

7. Store in the fridge. 

I hope you enjoy this yummy dessert! Let me know if you end up trying it. Tag me on social media. 

Love and lemons,