Valentine’s Day is all about expressing love—and what better way to say “I love you” than with a fresh batch of homemade cookies? Whether you’re celebrating with your sweetheart, family, friends, or simply treating yourself (because self-love is real love too), these romantic, fun, and heartwarming cookie recipes will add the perfect sweet touch to your Valentine’s Day festivities. This hand-curated collection of 8+ cookie recipes includes a variety of flavors, styles, and skill levels, making it perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Let’s dive in and discover cookies that look as good as they taste—and taste as good as love feels. 🌟
1. Classic Valentine M&M Cookies – Festive & Fun
These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of pink, red, and white M&Ms for a look that screams Valentine’s Day. Kids and adults alike love the crunch of the candy-coated chocolate!
Yields: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups Valentine-themed M&Ms
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in M&Ms.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tip: Want a gooier center? Underbake slightly and let them finish cooking on the hot tray.
2. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cookies – Romance in Every Bite
Inspired by the iconic Valentine’s treat, these cookies combine sweet strawberry flavor with rich, dark chocolate. Great for date night or edible gifts!
Yields: 18 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg, vanilla, and jam until well combined.
- Stir in flour and baking powder until dough forms.
- Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and place on parchment paper to set.
Optional: Top with crushed freeze-dried strawberries for extra flair.
3. Soft Valentine Sugar Cookies – Perfect for Decorating
These buttery sugar cookies are ideal for custom designs using icing or sprinkles. They hold their shape and are fun for kids and adults to decorate together.
Yields: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 25 minutes + chill time
Bake Time: 8–10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Icing and sprinkles for decorating
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Mix in egg and vanilla.
- Gradually add flour and baking powder until dough forms.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll out and cut using heart-shaped cookie cutters.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Cool completely before decorating.
Fun Idea: Host a DIY cookie decorating night with friends or family.
4. Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies – Pretty and Tangy
These cookies are delicate, buttery, and filled with vibrant raspberry jam. They’re not only beautiful to look at, but they also add a refreshing tartness to your Valentine’s cookie platter.
Yields: 20 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar until light.
- Mix in egg yolk, then slowly add flour until dough is smooth.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
- Press thumb into center of each and fill with jam.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes.
Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
5. Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies – Elegant Simplicity
Rich and buttery, these shortbread cookies are enhanced with a dip of semi-sweet chocolate and a dusting of sprinkles for a classy Valentine look.
Yields: 20 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted
- Valentine sprinkles
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Cream butter and powdered sugar.
- Mix in flour until dough comes together.
- Roll into a log and chill for 20 minutes.
- Slice and bake for 12–15 minutes.
- Dip cooled cookies into chocolate and decorate.
Pro Tip: Use cookie stamps for an embossed design before baking.
6. Kitchen Sink Valentine Cookies – Everything You Love in One Bite
A fun mix of everything in your pantry: chocolate chips, M&Ms, chopped nuts, and sprinkles make every bite a surprise.
Yields: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Valentine M&Ms
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup festive sprinkles
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Add eggs and mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients and stir into wet mixture.
- Fold in all mix-ins.
- Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes.
Note: Customize with what you have—dried fruit, white chocolate, or even mini marshmallows!
7. Valentine’s Day Crinkle Cookies – Soft and Striking
With their rich cocoa flavor and crackled powdered sugar exterior, these cookies are soft, fudgy, and stunningly festive.
Yields: 18 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar, then mix in egg.
- Stir in cocoa powder.
- Add flour and baking powder to form a dough.
- Roll into balls and coat in powdered sugar.
- Bake until tops are cracked, about 10–12 minutes.
8. Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Cookies – Velvety Goodness
These vibrant red velvet cookies are shaped like hearts and offer a slight tang thanks to the cream cheese in the dough. Soft and rich!
Yields: 22 cookies
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- Red food coloring
Instructions:
- Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth.
- Mix in egg yolk, vanilla, and food coloring.
- Add flour and cocoa powder until combined.
- Chill dough, roll out, and cut into heart shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Cookies are the universal love language, and nothing says “I care” like a homemade batch fresh from the oven. Whether you’re after classic chocolate, fruity jam centers, or buttery shortbread, this Valentine’s Day, you have everything you need to bake the perfect treat.
So preheat your oven, pull out those heart-shaped cookie cutters, and get baking. Because love, after all, should always be shared—preferably with cookies. 🍰🌈
