Valentine Cookies

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some delightful Valentine Cookies? These treats are not only visually stunning with their pops of color but also offer a mouthwatering chocolate flavor that everyone loves. Whether you’re baking for a loved one or a gathering with friends, these cookies will surely bring smiles and joy. Picture warm, chewy cookies fresh from the oven, adorned with festive M&Ms and sprinkles, just waiting to be enjoyed. The best part? The process is as fun as the end result! So, let’s get those ovens preheating and prepare to create cookies that are as sweet as the love they represent.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Why This Recipe Works

This Valentine Cookies recipe perfectly balances flavors and textures, resulting in soft and chewy treats that melt in your mouth. The inclusion of chocolate pudding mix elevates the cookies, making them ultra-moist, while the Valentine-themed M&Ms and sprinkles add a festive touch. Chilling the dough ensures that the cookies hold their shape while baking, preventing them from spreading too much, and ensuring a beautiful final result.

Why You’ll Love This Valentine Cookies

Beyond their delightful appearance, these Valentine Cookies are easy to make and deliver a rich chocolate flavor appealing to all ages. Whether you’re celebrating with someone special or sharing with friends, the combination of chocolate, sweetness, and a touch of love makes these cookies the perfect treat. They create fond memories and capture the spirit of Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup (133g) packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) water or brewed coffee
• 2 tablespoons (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 3-3.5 ounce box INSTANT chocolate pudding mix, any flavor (not sugar-free)
• 1 ¼ cup (155g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups Valentine M&Ms plus more for topping
• ¼ cup Valentine sprinkles plus more for topping

Preparation for Valentine Cookies

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential, as it incorporates air into the mixture, leading to a lighter cookie.

Add Wet Ingredients

Once your butter and sugars are fluffy, mix in the vanilla extract, egg, and water or brewed coffee until everything is well combined. This helps bind all the ingredients beautifully.

Incorporate Cocoa and Pudding Mix

Now, it’s time to add in the flavors! Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and chocolate pudding mix to the wet mixture. Blend until the batter is smooth and uniform in texture. The pudding mix is what makes these cookies extra moist.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this ensures your cookies remain tender.

Fold in M&Ms and Sprinkles

Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the Valentine-themed M&Ms and sprinkles to the dough using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout. This step adds the festive color and crunch we all love.

Chill the Dough

Scoop 2-tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet. Press a few extra M&Ms and sprinkles on top for decoration. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough is crucial, as it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Preheat the Oven

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a second baking sheet lined with parchment paper to make the baking process smooth.

Shape and Bake the Cookies

After chilling, arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the palm of your hand. Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the cookies lose their glossy sheen. Keep in mind, for softer cookies, a baking time of 11-12 minutes is ideal. Also, rotate the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even baking.

Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling period allows them to set just right!

Serving Suggestions

These Valentine Cookies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but you can also serve them on a pretty platter. Pair them with glasses of cold milk or cups of hot cocoa for a delightful combination!

Tips for Success

• Make sure to chill the dough; this step is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie shape.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of M&Ms, like peanut or caramel, for varied flavors.
• For a festive touch, consider adding edible glitter alongside the sprinkles.

Variations

For those wanting to explore different tastes, here are a few adjustments you can try:
– Substitute half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier flavor.
– Use white chocolate chips instead of M&Ms for a different flavor profile.
– Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm hint of spice.

Storage Tips

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag, where they can last for up to 3 months.

Pairing Ideas

These delicious Valentine Cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The combinations are endless!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of chocolate pudding mix?
Yes, you can use any flavor of instant pudding mix, but chocolate will enhance the cookie flavor the most.

2. What can I use instead of M&Ms?
Feel free to swap M&Ms with chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits to cater to your taste.

3. How do I ensure my cookies are soft?
Bake them just until they start to lose their glossy sheen. Undercooking slightly will yield softer, chewy cookies.

4. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Doubling the ingredients is simple, making it easy to create a larger batch for parties or gatherings.

5. How do I freeze these cookies?
Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or zip-top bag for storage.

These Valentine Cookies not only look stunning but also promise deliciousness in every bite, making them a perfect treat for love birds and friends alike. Whip up a batch to express your affection or treat yourself to a sweet moment of joy. Happy baking!

Print