In the years before the kids came along, Valentine's Day was all about red hot romance. We'd pick out special red and pink outfits, maybe splurge on an expensive meal and wait for our partner to present us with flowers or chocolate (or if we were really lucky, both!) Some parents still treat Valentine's Day as an excuse for a fabulous date night. But we can't forget our little loves — the kiddos. Which is why this mid-February holiday is the perfect excuse to bust out the mixing bowls and whip up something sweet.
Boxed chocolates as Valentine's Day treat are always delicious, and there's something about eating from a heart-shaped box that just feels fancy. But creating Valentine's treats in the kitchen with the kids offers the chance to give them a sugar fix while spending some precious time together making memories.
Looking for a special treat to bring to the class party? We've got it covered with simple-to-make heart-shaped cupcakes and two-ingredient strawberry fudge that's perfect for pulling off the night before. Looking for a fun Valentine's Day surprise? Try tucking shortbread Cupid bites or a healthy conversation hearts-themed Cutie into LO's lunchbox. Want to show the whole family some love? Red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting speak louder than words.
Forget shopping in the picked-over bakery section. We've rounded up 20 fun Valentine's Day treat recipes that are super simple to make and everyone will love — no Pinterest fails here — we promise!
Two Ingredient Strawberry Fudge
This tasty strawberry fudge takes only two ingredients and comes together with the help of the microwave — not the stove. It's perfect for a quick and super easy Valentine's treat.
Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookie monsters will adore how easy it is to form these heart-shaped peanut butter cookies. Best of all — no cookie cutter needed.
Cookie Love Shack
If the holiday season was too hectic to check "make gingerbread houses" off the to-do list, surprise the kids with these no-bake cookie love shacks instead.
Conversation Cuties
Perfect for a class party, these conversation hearts-inspired Cuties are a healthy choice on a holiday that's all about being sweet.
Heart Cupcakes
Wow the kids with this simple trick for making heart shaped cupcakes — no special tin required!
Red Velvet Brownies
These rich red velvet brownies are sure to become an annual Valentine's Day tradition.
Conversation Hearts Pretzel Bites
A tasty blend of salty and sweet, the kids will love assembling (before devouring) these easy conversation hearts pretzel bites.
White Chocolate Popcorn
With just four ingredients, this colorful white chocolate popcorn makes a fun Valentine's Day after-school snack.
Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
Boxed cake mix helps make these red velvet sandwich cookies come together quickly, which is great when Valentine's Day falls in the middle of a busy week.
Cupid's Arrows
A fun treat for preschoolers and toddlers to make on their own, chewy heart candies and pretzels are all it takes to make these fun Cupid's arrow treats.
Valentine's M&M Cookies
Kids will love pressing candies into these soft M&M chocolate chip cookies before baking and chowing down.
Rice Treat Hearts
These chocolate-dipped heart shaped rice treats are simple to make, but are fancy enough to feel like a special treat.
Valentine's Frozen Yogurt Fruit Bites
Naturally sweetened and packed with Greek yogurt, these pretty Valentine's Day frozen yogurt fruit bites pack a protein punch to balance out the day's sugar rush.
Hershey Kiss Mice
Crafty kids will get a thrill out of gluing tails and eyes onto Hershey Kisses to make adorable "mice." A small paper heart makes a great set of tiny ears.
Homemade Valentine's Day Gumdrops
Looking to impress tweens with something special? These homemade Valentine's Day gumdrops use only a few ingredients but look like something that just won a cooking show.
Chocolate Strawberry Surprise Cake
A great Valentine's Day dessert, this chocolate strawberry surprise cake holds a fun secret.
Valentine's Day Bar Cookies
Good for a class party or a big family, these Valentine's Day bar cookies are a quick and easy way to tell a crowd they're loved.
Cupid Bites
These shortbread Cupid's treats come together in just 15 minutes and are good for tucking into a lunchbox on Valentine's Day.
Two Ingredient Oreo Truffles
These two-ingredient truffles are so simple, the kids can make and decorate them with little help. Nice!
Chocolate Valentine's Day 'Pizza'
This chocolate Valentine's Day "pizza" is super impressive but easy to make. Pair it with a cheese pie for a special theme-night holiday.
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