Valentine’s Day always sneaks up on me, and suddenly I’m realizing I said yes to treats without a solid plan.
I love baking, but I also love shortcuts and recipes that don’t take over the whole kitchen.
These are the kinds of desserts you can make after dinner, during nap time, or while helping with homework at the same time.
Nothing here needs special tools or bakery level skills, just ingredients you probably already recognize.
If you’re making something for kids, a partner, friends, or just yourself, this list keeps things simple and doable.
1. Red Velvet Blossom Cookies
These are simple but still feel special, which is great when you want something festive without overthinking it.
Make a basic red velvet cookie dough, either homemade or from a mix, then roll it into even balls and bake until they’re just set.
Pull the cookies out of the oven and press a chocolate kiss gently into the center while they’re still warm so it sinks in slightly.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then move them to a rack and set them aside once the chocolate firms up.
2. Heart Shaped Brownies
Bake a batch of brownies in a square or rectangular pan so you have clean edges to work with.
Let them cool completely, then press a heart-shaped cookie cutter straight down and lift carefully so the edges stay neat.
Use a small spatula to transfer the hearts to a plate, and save the scraps for snacking or crumbling over ice cream.
Dust the tops with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted chocolate, or add a few sprinkles if you want color, then plate them up and keep them chilled until serving.
3. Strawberry Mousse
Blend fresh or thawed strawberries until smooth, then strain out the seeds if you want a softer texture.
Whip heavy cream with a little sugar until it holds soft peaks, then gently fold in the strawberry puree so it stays light.
Spoon the mousse into small glasses or jars and smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.
Chill it for a couple of hours so it sets up nicely before adding a sliced strawberry or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
4. Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
Start with a soft sugar cookie dough and chill it briefly so it’s easier to handle.
Scoop the dough, flatten it slightly, and press a small indentation into the center with your thumb or the back of a spoon.
Fill the center with a quick cheesecake mixture made from cream cheese and sugar, then swirl in strawberry jam.
Bake until the edges are set but the centers still look soft, then let them cool fully so the cheesecake filling firms up.
5. Raspberry Snowball Cookies
Cream butter and powdered sugar together until light, then mix in vanilla and flour to make a soft dough.
Fold in finely chopped dried raspberries so the flavor spreads evenly through the dough.
Roll into small balls and bake just until the bottoms turn lightly golden.
While they’re still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar, then roll them again once they’ve cooled for that classic snowy look.
6. Valentine’s Brownies
I usually make these in a regular brownie pan and dress them up instead of starting from scratch with something complicated.
Bake your favorite brownie recipe and let it cool completely before cutting so the edges stay clean.
Spread a thin layer of pink or white frosting over the top and add sprinkles, candies, or chocolate chips while the frosting is still soft.
Slice into squares or rectangles and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
7. Heart Thumbprint Jam Cookies
Make a basic butter cookie dough and roll it into small balls, then place them on a lined baking sheet.
Use your thumb or a teaspoon to press a heart-shaped indentation into the center of each cookie.
Fill each heart with jam, raspberry or strawberry work especially well here.
Bake until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and let them cool on the pan so the jam sets before moving them.
8. Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Cream butter and sugar together, then mix in eggs and almond extract for that classic cherry bakery flavor.
Chop maraschino cherries finely and pat them dry before folding them into the dough so it doesn’t get too wet.
Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them out so they spread evenly.
Bake until the edges are set and the tops look just barely done, then let them cool before stacking.
9. Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Press crushed chocolate cookies mixed with melted butter into a tart pan to form the crust, then chill it so it holds together.
Heat heavy cream and pour it over chopped chocolate to make a smooth ganache, stirring until glossy.
Stir in raspberry puree or seedless jam, then pour the filling into the chilled crust.
Refrigerate until firm and slice with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
10. Raspberry Chocolate Mousse Cups
Melt chocolate and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t seize when mixed.
Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then fold the chocolate in gently to keep it airy.
Spoon a layer of mousse into small cups, add a thin layer of raspberry sauce, then top with more mousse.
Chill the cups for at least an hour before adding a fresh raspberry or chocolate curl on top.
11. Raspberry Swirl Cookies
Make a simple vanilla cookie dough and chill it so it’s easy to shape.
Roll the dough into balls, then press a shallow well into the center and swirl in raspberry jam using a toothpick or skewer.
Bake until the edges are lightly golden but the centers stay soft.
Cool on the baking sheet so the jam doesn’t slide out while they set.
12. Chocolate Cherry Blossom Cookies
I like to start with a soft chocolate cookie dough that stays tender after baking.
Roll the dough into balls and bake until just set, keeping an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
Press a maraschino cherry candy into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm.
Let the cookies cool completely so the centers firm up before moving them to a serving plate.
13. Chocolate Raspberry Truffles
Heat heavy cream until just warm, then pour it over finely chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute before stirring smooth.
Mix in raspberry puree or seedless jam until fully combined, then chill the mixture until firm enough to scoop.
Roll into small balls using lightly greased hands so the chocolate doesn’t stick.
Coat the truffles in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or finely chopped chocolate, then refrigerate until serving.
14. Strawberry Fudge
Line a small pan with parchment so the fudge lifts out easily once it’s set.
Melt white chocolate with sweetened condensed milk over low heat, stirring constantly so it stays smooth.
Stir in strawberry flavoring or freeze-dried strawberry powder until the color and flavor look right.
Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and refrigerate until firm before slicing into squares.
15. Chocolate Covered Cherries
Drain some cherries and pat them completely dry so the chocolate sticks properly.
Melt chocolate slowly, either in a double boiler or short bursts in the microwave, stirring between each one.
Dip each cherry into the chocolate, letting the excess drip off before placing it on parchment.
Chill until the coating hardens and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
16. Valentine’s Brookies
These are a delicious combo of cookies and brownies!
I usually make the brownie layer first and spread it into the pan so it’s even edge to edge.
Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough over the brownie batter and gently press them down so they bake together.
Bake until the center is just set and the cookie layer looks lightly golden.
Let the pan cool completely before cutting so you get clean layers.
17. Pink Jelly Cakes
Make the jelly first so it has time to thicken, dissolving the crystals in boiling water, adding the cold water, and chilling until runny but partly set.
Cream the butter and sugar, mix in the eggs and vanilla, then alternate flour and milk until just combined.
Bake the batter in patty pans until lightly golden, cool completely, and trim the tops so the cakes sit flat.
Dip each cake into the jelly, roll in coconut, then pipe whipped cream onto the flat side and sandwich with another cake.
Chill briefly in the fridge so everything sets before serving.
18. Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow
Melt white chocolate and peanut butter together until smooth, then pour it over Shreddies or Chex cereal in a large bowl.
Toss gently so everything gets coated without crushing the cereal.
Sprinkle in strawberry drink mix or freeze-dried strawberry powder along with powdered sugar, then shake everything in a sealed bag until evenly covered.
Spread it out on parchment to cool and break up any clumps before serving.
19. Strawberry Brownie Kabobs
Bake brownies in a flat pan and let them cool completely before cutting into even cubes.
(Or buy them premade, it’s fine.)
Thread brownie pieces and fresh strawberries onto skewers, alternating so they look balanced.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the kabobs or dip the brownie ends for extra flavor.
Set them on parchment and let the chocolate firm up before arranging on a platter.
20. Chocolate Strawberry Bruschetta
Is it an appetizer? Is it a dessert?
I’m going with dessert!
Slice a baguette and toast the pieces lightly so they stay crisp but not hard.
Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese or chocolate spread over each slice.
Top with chopped strawberries and a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.
21. Cherry Almond Cookies
I usually start by creaming the butter and sugar together, then adding almond extract for that bakery-style flavor.
Fold in chopped cherries, making sure they’re well drained so the dough doesn’t get soggy.
Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet and press each cookie slightly flat with your fingers.
Bake until the edges are set but the centers still look soft, then let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before moving them.
22. Deviled Strawberries
Yes, you can make deviled strawberries!
Wash and hull fresh strawberries, then slice them in half lengthwise so they sit flat.
Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla until smooth.
Spoon or pipe the filling into the center of each strawberry half.
Chill them briefly so the filling sets before placing them on a serving tray.
Easy Valentine Desserts You Can Pull Off
Valentine’s desserts don’t have to be complicated or time consuming to feel thoughtful.
Pick one or two that sound doable with the time and ingredients you have, and don’t worry about making them look perfect.
If you’re baking with kids, let them help with the fun parts like sprinkling or dipping, even if it gets a little messy.
