12 Easy Valentine’s Day Treats for Adults and Kids
Celebrate the most romantic time of year with a delightful collection of sweets that appeal to both the young and the young at heart. Whether you are planning a school party for kids or a sophisticated evening for adults, these twelve recipes offer a perfect balance of festive colors, decadent flavors, and simple preparation. From classic chocolate-dipped fruits to whimsical pink-themed snacks, this guide ensures your Valentine's Day is filled with homemade love and delicious memories.
Classic Chocolate Covered Strawberries
A timeless and elegant treat featuring ripe, juicy strawberries enveloped in a smooth layer of rich dark chocolate and finished with a delicate white chocolate drizzle.
Ingredients
- •1 pound fresh large strawberries
- •1 cup dark chocolate melting wafers
- •1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- •1 teaspoon coconut oil
Method
- 1
1. Begin by thoroughly washing the strawberries under cold water and patting them completely dry with a paper towel; any moisture will cause the chocolate to seize.
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2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure the berries do not stick to the surface while setting.
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3. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate wafers with half a teaspoon of coconut oil and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until perfectly smooth.
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4. Hold a strawberry by its green stem or leaves and dip it into the melted dark chocolate, swirling it gently to ensure an even coating before lifting it out.
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5. Allow the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl for a few seconds, then place the berry carefully onto the prepared parchment paper.
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6. Melt the white chocolate with the remaining coconut oil in a small bag or bowl and drizzle it in a zigzag pattern across the set dark chocolate.
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7. Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the chocolate shells to harden completely before serving.
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Velvety Red Velvet Cupcakes
These striking crimson cupcakes are incredibly moist and tender, topped with a luscious and tangy cream cheese frosting that makes them a true Valentine's Day staple.
Ingredients
- •1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- •1 cup granulated sugar
- •1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- •1 large egg
- •1/2 cup vegetable oil
- •1/2 cup buttermilk
- •1 tablespoon red food coloring
- •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- •8 ounces cream cheese
- •1/2 cup softened butter
- •3 cups powdered sugar
Method
- 1
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with festive red or heart-patterned paper liners.
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2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
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3. In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg, vegetable oil, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract until the liquid is a uniform bright red color.
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4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until no large lumps remain, being careful not to overmix the batter.
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5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for the cakes to rise during baking.
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6. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, then let them cool completely on a wire rack.
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7. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until fluffy, then slowly add powdered sugar until smooth, and pipe tall swirls onto the cooled cupcakes.
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Buttery Heart Shaped Cookies
Delicate and crisp sugar cookies cut into heart shapes and decorated with a simple royal icing that allows for endless creativity for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- •1 cup unsalted butter softened
- •1 cup granulated sugar
- •1 large egg
- •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- •3 cups all-purpose flour
- •1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- •1/4 teaspoon salt
- •Assorted pink and red icing
Method
- 1
1. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- 2
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat well until the ingredients are fully emulsified and the batter is smooth.
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3. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together, then gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed until a stiff dough forms.
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4. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour to make the dough easier to handle.
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5. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to a quarter-inch thickness and use various sizes of heart-shaped cutters to stamp out the cookies.
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6. Arrange the hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are just barely golden.
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7. Once the cookies have cooled entirely, apply your favorite pink or red royal icing and allow it to dry for several hours before stacking.
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Pink Rice Krispie Treats
A whimsical twist on a childhood favorite, these treats are tinted pink and loaded with extra marshmallows for a soft, gooey texture that kids will adore.
Ingredients
- •6 cups puffed rice cereal
- •10 ounces marshmallows
- •1/4 cup unsalted butter
- •1 drop pink gel food coloring
- •1/2 cup Valentine-themed sprinkles
Method
- 1
1. Grease a 9x9 inch square baking pan generously with butter or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- 2
2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over low heat until it is completely liquid and begins to foam slightly.
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3. Add the marshmallows to the pot and stir constantly with a silicone spatula until they are completely melted and blended with the butter.
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4. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in a small drop of pink gel food coloring until the marshmallow mixture reaches your desired shade of pastel pink.
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5. Gently fold in the puffed rice cereal, stirring carefully to ensure every piece is coated in the sticky pink marshmallow mixture.
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6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and use a piece of buttered parchment paper to press the treats down into an even layer without packing them too tightly.
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7. Top with a generous amount of heart-shaped sprinkles while still warm, let them cool for an hour, and then cut into large squares or heart shapes.
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Raspberry White Chocolate Truffles
Sophisticated and creamy, these truffles combine the tartness of freeze-dried raspberries with the sweetness of white chocolate for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients
- •8 ounces high-quality white chocolate
- •1/3 cup heavy cream
- •1/2 cup crushed freeze-dried raspberries
- •1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- •Extra raspberry powder for coating
Method
- 1
1. Finely chop the white chocolate into small, uniform pieces and place them in a heat-proof glass bowl to prepare for the ganache.
- 2
2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer and small bubbles appear around the edges.
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3. Pour the hot cream over the chopped white chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for five minutes to allow the chocolate to melt from the residual heat.
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4. Stir the mixture gently starting from the center and moving outwards until a smooth, glossy ganache forms, then stir in the vanilla and crushed raspberries.
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5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to be scooped and rolled.
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6. Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them quickly between your palms to form smooth spheres.
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7. Roll each truffle in a bowl of fine freeze-dried raspberry powder until fully coated, creating a vibrant pink exterior, and store in the fridge until serving.
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Valentine's Day Muddy Buddies
This addictive snack mix, also known as Puppy Chow, is dressed up for the holiday with strawberry cake mix flavor, white chocolate, and red candies.
Ingredients
- •9 cups corn cereal squares
- •1 and 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
- •1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- •1/4 cup butter
- •1/2 cup strawberry cake mix
- •1 cup powdered sugar
- •1 cup red and pink chocolate candies
Method
- 1
1. Measure the corn cereal squares into a very large mixing bowl and set aside, ensuring there is plenty of room to toss the ingredients together.
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2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter, heating in short bursts until the mixture can be stirred smooth.
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3. Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal and use a large spatula to gently fold the cereal until every piece is evenly coated.
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4. In a large gallon-sized resealable plastic bag, combine the strawberry cake mix and the powdered sugar, shaking the bag to mix them thoroughly.
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5. Transfer the coated cereal into the bag with the sugar mixture, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully dusted in pink powder.
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6. Spread the mixture out onto a large sheet of wax paper to cool and dry, which prevents the pieces from clumping together too much.
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7. Once the mix is dry, toss in a generous handful of red and pink chocolate candies for extra color and crunch before serving in a festive bowl.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Bites
Creamy cheesecake filling piped into fresh strawberries creates a low-carb and refreshing Valentine's treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
- •12 large fresh strawberries
- •8 ounces softened cream cheese
- •1/2 cup powdered sugar
- •1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- •1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
Method
- 1
1. Select large, firm strawberries and wash them carefully, then remove the stems and cut a small slice off the bottom so they can stand upright.
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2. Use a small paring knife or a strawberry huller to carefully scoop out the center of each strawberry, creating a hollow cavity for the filling.
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3. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is completely smooth and free of any lumps.
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4. Sift in the powdered sugar and add the vanilla extract, then continue beating the mixture until it is light, airy, and well-combined.
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5. Transfer the cheesecake mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip for a decorative look, or a simple plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
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6. Pipe a generous amount of the cream cheese filling into each hollowed strawberry, allowing it to peak slightly over the top for an elegant finish.
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7. Just before serving, sprinkle the tops of the cheesecake bites with crushed graham crackers to mimic the crust of a traditional cheesecake.
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Sweet Cherry Hand Pies
Individual-sized pies filled with sweet cherry compote and wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust, perfect for sharing with kids or as a portable treat.
Ingredients
- •1 box refrigerated pie crusts
- •1 can cherry pie filling
- •1 large egg
- •1 tablespoon milk
- •2 tablespoons coarse sparkling sugar
Method
- 1
1. Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured work surface and use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of hearts.
- 2
2. Place half of the dough hearts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced at least an inch apart to allow for expansion.
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3. Spoon a small tablespoon of cherry pie filling into the center of each heart on the baking sheet, being careful not to overfill or touch the edges.
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4. Lightly brush the edges of the filled hearts with a small amount of water to help the top crust adhere to the bottom crust.
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5. Place a second dough heart over each filled heart and use the tines of a small fork to crimp the edges together tightly, sealing the fruit inside.
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6. Whisk the egg and milk together to create an egg wash, then brush it over the top of each pie and sprinkle with coarse sparkling sugar.
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7. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the small vents you cut in the top.
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Pomegranate Dark Chocolate Bark
A sophisticated three-ingredient treat that combines the antioxidant power of dark chocolate with the bright, tart burst of fresh pomegranate arils.
Ingredients
- •10 ounces dark chocolate 70 percent cocoa
- •1/2 cup fresh pomegranate arils
- •1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
Method
- 1
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and ensure your pomegranate arils are patted dry with a paper towel to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
- 2
2. Break the dark chocolate into small pieces and melt it using a double boiler or a microwave, stirring frequently until it is perfectly fluid and glossy.
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3. Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the center of the parchment paper and use an offset spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer about a quarter-inch thick.
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4. Immediately sprinkle the fresh pomegranate arils over the surface of the wet chocolate, pressing them in very lightly so they stay embedded as it sets.
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5. Scatter a light dusting of sea salt flakes over the top to enhance the flavor of the dark chocolate and provide a savory contrast to the fruit.
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6. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or until the chocolate is completely firm and snaps easily when handled.
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7. Once set, break the bark into large, irregular shards by hand and serve immediately or keep refrigerated to prevent the pomegranate from weeping.
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Conversation Heart Frosted Brownies
Rich, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a layer of pink buttercream frosting and classic conversation hearts for a nostalgic Valentine's vibe.
Ingredients
- •1 box fudgy brownie mix
- •1/2 cup butter softened
- •2 cups powdered sugar
- •2 tablespoons heavy cream
- •1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- •1 drop pink food coloring
- •1/2 cup conversation heart candies
Method
- 1
1. Prepare and bake the brownies according to the package instructions in a 9x13 inch pan, ensuring you do not overbake them so they remain chewy.
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2. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for at least two hours; attempting to frost warm brownies will result in the frosting melting.
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3. To make the frosting, cream the softened butter until smooth, then add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and almond extract, beating until fluffy.
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4. Stir in a single drop of pink food coloring to achieve a soft pastel hue that complements the colors of the conversation hearts.
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5. Use a spatula to spread an even, thick layer of the pink buttercream frosting over the entire surface of the cooled brownie block.
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6. Press conversation heart candies into the frosting in neat rows, ensuring that each cut square will have at least one or two hearts on top.
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7. Cut the brownies into equal squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts to ensure clean edges and a professional presentation.
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Love Bug Oreo Truffle Balls
A fun and kid-friendly project, these Oreo-based truffles are decorated to look like adorable little love bugs with heart-shaped wings and antennae.
Ingredients
- •36 Oreo cookies
- •8 ounces cream cheese softened
- •16 ounces red candy melts
- •24 small candy eyes
- •12 small heart-shaped sprinkles
Method
- 1
1. Place the Oreo cookies into a food processor and pulse until they are reduced to very fine crumbs with no large pieces remaining.
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2. In a large bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with the softened cream cheese and mix them together using a sturdy spoon until a thick, uniform dough forms.
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3. Roll the mixture into one-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray, then freeze for 15 minutes to firm them up for dipping.
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4. Melt the red candy wafers in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until the coating is smooth and free of any lumps.
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5. Dip each chilled ball into the red coating using a fork, tapping off the excess, and place it back on the parchment paper.
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6. Before the coating sets, place two candy eyes on the front to create a face and two heart-shaped sprinkles on the back to act as ladybug wings.
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7. Let the love bugs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes until the candy shell is hard, then store them in the refrigerator until ready to gift.
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Sweet Pink White Chocolate Popcorn
This crunchy and sweet snack mix combines salty popcorn with white chocolate and festive pink accents, making it perfect for a Valentine's movie night.
Ingredients
- •8 cups popped popcorn
- •1 cup white chocolate chips
- •1/4 cup pink candy melts
- •1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- •1/4 cup Valentine sprinkles
Method
- 1
1. Spread the popped popcorn out in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, removing any unpopped kernels.
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2. Melt the white chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 15 seconds until the chocolate is smooth and easy to pour.
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3. Drizzle the melted white chocolate generously over the popcorn, then use two large spoons to gently toss the popcorn until it is lightly coated.
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4. Melt the pink candy wafers separately and drizzle them in a contrasting pattern over the white chocolate-coated popcorn for a multi-toned look.
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5. While the chocolate is still wet, scatter the mini marshmallows and the festive Valentine-themed sprinkles over the tray so they stick to the popcorn.
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6. Allow the popcorn to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has completely hardened and is no longer tacky.
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7. Gently break up any large clumps of popcorn and serve in a large shared bowl or divide into individual clear treat bags tied with red ribbon.
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Wrapping Up
We hope these twelve Valentine's Day treats bring a touch of sweetness and joy to your holiday celebrations. Whether you shared them with a special someone, your children, or enjoyed them as a self-care indulgence, these recipes are designed to make the day memorable. Happy Valentine's Day and happy baking!