Whether you’re a baker or not – I wouldn’t consider myself one by any means – these Valentine’s Day-related recipes are sure to get you in the swooning mood. From brown sugar cookies to heart-shaped pizzas, here are my top picks for this lovely season. 

Strawberry Heart Shortbread Cookies 

I’ve had these iconic heart-shaped cookies saved on a Pinterest board for years. These cute little shortbread cookies filled with strawberry jam are adorable Valentine’s treats, and they’re perfect to serve amongst friends. This recipe makes 20 cookies. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 stick of unsalted butter 
• ¼ teaspoon of salt 
• ¼ cup of granulated white sugar 
• 1 egg 
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract 
• 1 cup of flour 
• 10 teaspoons of strawberry jelly 

First, in a large bowl, add the stick of softened butter and beat with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy. Next, slowly add the sugar while beating the mixture. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract and beat well until it’s all mixed. Finally, sprinkle in the flour and salt and beat until all the flour is no longer visible. 

To bake, use a silicone mat or parchment paper on a baking sheet. Then, scoop out about two teaspoons of dough and roll it into a ball with your hands on the baking sheet. Next, to add the heart, you can use either the side of your pinky or your thumb to imprint a heart into the middle of the dough ball. Once you have your heart imprints, pour in ½ teaspoon of strawberry jelly per cookie. 

Next, leave the cookie sheet in the fridge for an hour before baking! Finally, to bake, preheat the oven to 350 F. Bake for 12 minutes, but monitor the cookies until the base becomes golden brown. Finally, let the cookies cool on the pan and enjoy!

Brown Sugar Cookies 

I came across this recipe on Instagram via Summer Fridays. While inspired by the Brown Sugar Lip Butter Balm, these brown sugar cookies may not necessarily be Valentine’s-related. But, as I’m doing this story and the treats sounded yummy, I thought I would include them.

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup of brown sugar 
• ¾ cup of melted butter 
• ½ teaspoon of salt 
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract 
• 2 cups of flour 
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda 
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• ¼ cup of granulated sugar 
• ¼ cup of brown sugar 

First, melt ¾ cup of butter then mix with the brown sugar and salt. Next, stir in one egg and the vanilla extract. Mix in flour, baking soda and baking powder. Then, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 

Once chilled, mix the granulated white and brown sugar in a dish. Roll the dough into balls, coat them in sugar and spread the dough balls out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to flatten the cookies with your palm before baking. Bake the cookies at 350 F for eight to 10 minutes or until golden brown. When done, let the cookies cool and enjoy with a cold glass of milk! 

Galentine’s Heart-Shaped Pizzas

I’ve also had these individual heart-shaped pizzas on my Pinterest for a long time. This can be a perfect date night activity with your partner or simply something to do with your friends! 

Ingredients: 

• Pizza dough (premade) or try this recipe if you want to make it from scratch
• Shredded mozzarella
• Your favorite tomato sauce (I prefer the Classico Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce)
• Any toppings you like!

First, start by rolling your dough into a large circle. Start with roughly a tennis ball-sized ball of dough. Next, make a pointed edge at the bottom and shape out the top of the heart. Then, coat the dough with tomato sauce and sprinkle on the cheese. Finally, add your choice of toppings – I’m a meat lover’s fan, so I love bacon, pepperoni and sausage. 

To bake, follow your chosen pizza dough’s instructions. Once done, enjoy your tasty pizza with your partner or friends! 

Hopefully, this Valentine’s season finds you well, whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends or just having a self-care day! Enjoy these recipes and “treat yourself” – no pun intended. 

Edited by Alyssa Royston | aroyston@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Avery Copeland and Natalie Kientzy | nkientzy@themaneater.com 

Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com