Valentine’s Day brings out the craving for something a little sweeter—and these desserts deliver without overcomplicating things. This Valentine’s roundup pulls together tried-and-true favorites that feel festive, comforting, and completely achievable at home. They’re the kind of recipes people bookmark now and bake year after year even when it's not Valentine's Day. There are cookies, cakes, tarts, candy and more. One is sure to be your favorite!
Cookies
Tropical Shortbread Cookies
These heart shaped Tropical Shortbread Cookies are the perfect way to say "I Love You" on Valentines day. While cut out cookies can be a challenge, my post on Cut Out Cookies Using the Wax Paper Technique makes is so much easier. No flour all over, no trying to scrape the cookie off the counter, just perfect cut out cookies every time without the drama. The cookies don't spread and they cut out cleanly with sharp edges.
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Painted Cookies
An easy way to finish a cookie with an explosion of color that is easy to make. The cookie recipe is included and is a joy as it doesn't spread when baked and keeps it's sharpe edges and shape.
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French Macarons with Chocolate Raspberry Filling
Just in time for Valentine's day comes these special French Macarons with the same chocolate raspberry truffle filling we sold at the bakery. This deeply chocolate, deeply raspberry filling is sandwiched between two pink macaroons.
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Viennese Lemon Valentines Cookies
These Viennese Lemon Valentines Cookies are a European cookie that are a cinch to make using the food processor. They are a delightfully chewy cookie equally fantastic plain or glazed. A few ingredients, a quick turn in the processor and the dough is ready to be rolled and cut into shapes. These are a natural for Valentines Day, although they could be cut into any shape. Naturally gluten free, the cookies use almond flour.
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Strawberry Brownies
Looking for a Valentine's a brownie? These Strawberry Brownies deliver in every way. If you love brownies that are a bit different and unexpected, you've come to the right place. They’re chewy in the middle, lightly crisp on the edges, and packed with real strawberry flavor- thanks to the strawberry buttercream and chocolate glaze - making them ideal for this special day.
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Cakes
Updated GF Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake
This Ultimate Chocolate Fudge Cake is ultra-smooth and has a deep, intense chocolate taste without being bitter or overwhelming. Serve it alone, with a caramel sauce or for a special treat serve it with the strawberry sauce for the Lemon Strawberry Cake. Nothing could say Valentine's day better or easier.
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Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Torte
This Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Torte is a showy torte that is actually reallly easy to accomplish. It's like the best chocolate covered strawberry you ever ate! A simple French cake, the Reine de Saba, is filled with fresh strawberries and topped with a chocolate mousse and glaze.
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Raspberry Mascarpone Tarte Tropezienne
This is a great dessert anytime, but especially for Valentine's Day. It features my super easy 60 second Brioche as its base and if filled with an exquisite light, creamy mascarpone filling enclosing fresh raspberries with a special crunch from pearl sugar. Also called Swedish Pearl Sugar, these snow-white nuggets don't melt when baked and are a must-have for this dessert.
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Amaretto Truffle Torte
This Amaretto Truffle Torte is one of the most intense, decadent tortes you will find. Intensely chocolate and deeply flavored with amaretto and hazelnuts (almonds are fine also), this should be served in small pieces to be savored.
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Individual Desserts
Gluten Free Turtle Cake with Salted Carame.
While this is the least perfect cake I have ever made I love it, I kept it because it is so darn delicious. Topped with the caramel no one knows. And boy did people ask for seconds.
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Strawberry Verrines
A verrine is a layered dessert or appetizer that is served in a small glass. The glass allows for a beautiful vertical presentation. Verrines originally came to us from France, but as with all foods we make them ours by the ingredients used.
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No Bake Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Tarts
If you're looking for an easy, mouthwatering dessert, these individual No Bake Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Tarts are perfect with a sophistication that will make everyone think you stopped by the best bakery in town. (Shhh! Don't tell anyone these can be made ahead!)
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Dacquoise with Raspberry Mousse
Dacquoise with Raspberry Mousse is an amazing combination of three nutted meringue discs filled with a raspberry mousse that is enhanced with mascarpone. Made into individual desserts (who doesn't like their own dessert?) these stunning offerings are easy to make and easier to eat.
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Pies and Tarts
Chocolate Strawberry Pie
Looking for something really fast and really tasty? This is it. A pie crust if filled with fresh strawberries and covered with a decadent chocolate ganache. 30 minutes top. Bake the crust while you hull the strawberries.
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Chocolate Truffle Raspberry Curd Tart
This elegant Chocolate Truffle Raspberry Curd Tart is actually really easy to make. While it’s true there is no baking, the raspberry curd does have to be made at least a day or two ahead. But is is a no bake tart after that.
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Candy
Salted Macadamia Rum Toffee
This Salted Macadamia Rum Toffee is simply a matter of adding a few ingredients at a time and taking the mixture to a stated temperature. Stir in a couple of more ingredients and pour it into a prepared pan. In a matter of minutes, it’s cool and ready to finish.
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Nutella Fudge Hearts
Nutella Fudge can be made in a flash and is perfect for cutting into cute little hearts for Valentine's day. Not interested in hearts? Cut it into squares. With a little supervision this would be perfect to make with kids. It takes literally minutes to put together.
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Sweet and Hot Macadamia Brittle
An easy brittle that doesn't require a candy thermometer, this brittle comes together easily and quickly. Any nut can be used and a touch of heat makes it memorable.
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Better than Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
And not only better, but really, really easy. Four ingredients for the peanut butter and two for the chocolate. So there's no excuse for not making these Peanut Butter Cups.
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Thanks for looking and have a great Valentine's day!
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