Sweet & Simple Valentine’s Treats for the Whole Family

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to spread love through delicious homemade treats! Whether you're baking with kids, surprising a loved one, or just indulging in something sweet, these easy and festive recipes are sure to bring joy.

1. Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Nothing says “Happy Valentine’s Day” like classic sugar cookies in heart shapes!

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Red or pink icing and sprinkles for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.

4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients.

5. Roll out dough, cut with heart-shaped cookie cutters, and place on a baking sheet.

6. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool before decorating with icing and sprinkles.

2. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

A classic and elegant treat that’s surprisingly simple to make!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed and dried

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup white chocolate chips (for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

2. Dip strawberries into melted chocolate and place them on parchment paper.

3. Melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over the dipped strawberries for a fancy look.

4. Let the chocolate harden before serving.

3. Valentine’s Day Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)

This crunchy, chocolatey snack is perfect for sharing!

Ingredients:

• 6 cups Chex cereal

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup peanut butter

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• ½ cup Valentine’s M&Ms or sprinkles

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in 30-second intervals until smooth. Stir in vanilla.

2. Pour over Chex cereal and mix until coated.

3. Add powdered sugar to a large ziplock bag, then add the chocolate-coated cereal. Shake until evenly coated.

4. Spread onto a baking sheet to cool, then mix in M&Ms and sprinkles.

4. Strawberry Milkshake

A fun, pink drink that’s great for kids and adults alike!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream

• 1 cup fresh strawberries

• 1 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Whipped cream and sprinkles for topping

Instructions:

1. Blend ice cream, strawberries, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

2. Pour into a glass, top with whipped cream and sprinkles.

3. Serve with a festive straw and enjoy!