Sweet Valentine Hearts

Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly rich and chocolatey Valentine Cookies, bursting with festive pink, red, and white M&M’s and delectable chocolate chips. These small, perfectly fudgy cookies are not just a treat; they’re a heartfelt gesture, making them the quintessential dessert for celebrating love and friendship on Valentine’s Day!

Unveiling the Best Valentine Cookies You’ll Ever Bake

For years, my go-to recipe for an ultimate chocolate indulgence has been my beloved chocolate crinkle cookies. They are consistently praised for their deep chocolate flavor and irresistible fudgy texture. With Valentine’s Day approaching, I found myself wanting to create something extra special and memorable for my children and loved ones. I envisioned a cookie that captured the spirit of the holiday—vibrant, sweet, and made with love.

It was then that an exciting idea sparked: what if I took the foundational richness of my favorite crinkle cookies, but instead of rolling them in powdered sugar, I infused them with the joyful colors of Valentine’s Day? Imagine pink, red, and white M&M’s both mixed into the dough and pressed generously onto the tops. The transformation was magical! The result was the same decadent, fudgy cookie that both I and countless readers adore, now reimagined with a playful and undeniably festive Valentine’s twist.

These aren’t just any cookies; they are a delightful expression of affection. Each bite is a symphony of rich chocolate and candy crunch, making them an ideal way to convey just how much you care. Whether you’re baking for a special someone, your family, or a sweet gathering, these Valentine Cookies are guaranteed to spread warmth and happiness.

The Secret to Deep Chocolate Flavor: Let’s Talk Cocoa Powder

The foundation of any truly exceptional chocolate cookie lies in the quality and type of cocoa powder used. In this recipe, cocoa powder is not just an ingredient; it is the key to achieving that profound, dark, and intensely chocolatey flavor that makes these cookies so irresistible. This is where attention to detail truly pays off.

For these Valentine Cookies, I strongly advocate for using Dutch-process cocoa powder. Unlike natural cocoa powder, which is acidic and has a lighter, fruitier chocolate flavor, Dutch-process cocoa has been treated with an alkali to neutralize its acidity. This process results in a cocoa powder that is darker in color, milder in flavor, and produces a deeper, richer, almost earthy chocolate taste. More importantly, it adds a superior level of moisture to your baked goods, contributing significantly to that coveted fudgy texture.

Using regular, natural cocoa powder in this recipe will likely lead to a different outcome—cookies that are drier, less flavorful, and lack the characteristic deep hue. The slight bitterness often found in natural cocoa can also alter the overall taste profile. Trust me on this: sourcing Dutch-process cocoa powder is a small effort that yields monumental results in flavor and texture. For reference, Hershey’s Special Dark is an easily accessible option, and for a deeper dive into the nuances of cocoa powders, check out this helpful guide.

Crafting Perfect Valentine Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Baking these festive Valentine Cookies is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these steps for consistently delicious, fudgy results:

1. Preheat Your Oven Accurately: Before you even think about putting dough in, ensure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature. This prevents uneven baking and ensures your cookies cook through perfectly.
2. Prepare Your Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, the all-important Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Using Dutch-process cocoa powder is vital for achieving that rich, deep chocolate flavor and color.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars to Perfection: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened, room-temperature unsalted butter with both granulated sugar and firmly packed light brown sugar. Cream these together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and resembles a smooth peanut butter texture. Room-temperature butter is crucial as it creams better, incorporating more air for a lighter, softer cookie. Then, beat in the room-temperature egg, full-fat sour cream, almond extract (if using), and vanilla extract until just combined.
4. Gently Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Mix only until everything is just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of the soft, fudgy texture we’re aiming for. Finally, fold in your mini chocolate chips and Valentine’s Day M&M’s.
5. Chill the Dough Thoroughly: This step is non-negotiable for superior cookies. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, and preferably for an hour. Chilling helps the butter solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer cookie.
6. Form and Bake Dough Balls: Once chilled, scoop out dough using a 1-tablespoon measure for consistent sizing. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Place them on a prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between each cookie. Bake for 7-10 minutes until the edges are set and the tops are just barely glossy.

Essential Baking Tips for Fudgy Cookie Perfection

Achieving that perfect fudgy texture and festive look requires a few insider tips:

• Consistent Sizing is Key: After the dough has sufficiently chilled, use a 1-tablespoon measure or a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This ensures all your cookies are roughly the same size, promoting uniform baking and preventing some from burning while others are still undercooked.
• Maintain Chill Factor: If you’re baking multiple batches or if your kitchen is warm, the dough might soften as you work with it. If the dough balls become too warm, place the entire baking sheet of formed cookies back into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before baking. This re-firms the butter and helps prevent excessive spreading, keeping your cookies wonderfully thick and chewy.
• Boost the Visual Appeal and Chocolate Hit: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, while they are still warm and soft, gently press a few extra chocolate chips or Valentine’s M&M’s onto their tops. This not only enhances their beautiful festive appearance but also guarantees that every single bite is packed with delightful chocolate goodness. It’s a simple trick that makes a big visual and taste difference!

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Your Valentine Cookies

To ensure your delicious Valentine Cookies remain fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible, proper storage is essential:

• Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, store your baked Valentine Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 2-3 days to maintain their optimal fudgy texture and fresh flavor. Beyond this, they may start to dry out slightly.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: For longer enjoyment, baked cookies can be frozen. Arrange completely cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
• Freezing Cookie Dough Balls: This is a fantastic option for having fresh cookies on demand! After forming the dough into balls as described in the instructions, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes (typically 2-4 minutes) to the usual bake time until they are set. This way, you can enjoy warm, fudgy cookies whenever a craving strikes!

Explore More Valentine’s Day Fun and Recipes!

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful occasion to express love through thoughtful gestures and delicious treats. If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate or expand your repertoire of holiday delights, check out these other fantastic ideas:

• Easy Valentine’s Gifts: Discover heartwarming gift ideas complete with complimentary printables to add a personal touch.
• Easy Valentine’s Gifts Part 2: More creative and simple gifting solutions to show your affection, also featuring free printables.
• Four Easy Valentine’s Day Treats: A collection of delightful and straightforward recipes perfect for spreading love this holiday.
• The Best Crème Brûlée: Elevate your dessert game with this classic, elegant, and surprisingly simple Crème Brûlée recipe.
• Nutella Crepes: Indulge in delicate Nutella Crepes, inspired by authentic French flavors—a romantic breakfast or dessert option.

Valentine Cookies

By
Chelsea Lords

Rich and fudgy Valentine Cookies loaded with pink, red, and white M&M’s plus chocolate chips—a festive treat that’s pure chocolate bliss!

Prep Time:
25 minutes

Cook Time:
8 minutes

Chilling Time:
1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 43 minutes

Servings:
45 small cookies

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream, full-fat, at room temperature
• 1 small drop almond extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa powder (see Note 1)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (see Note 2)
• 1/2 cup Valentine’s Day M&M’s, plus some extra for topping the cookies

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, resembling smooth peanut butter. Beat in the egg, sour cream, almond extract (if using), and vanilla extract until just combined.
2. In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add in the mini chocolate chips and Valentine’s M&M’s, stirring gently to distribute them evenly.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, and preferably for 1 hour.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Using a tablespoon measuring spoon or a small cookie scoop, measure out exact cookie dough balls (each ball should be approximately 1 tablespoon of dough; you should yield around 45 cookies). Place them on the prepared sheet pan, ensuring no more than 9 cookies per pan to allow for proper spreading. For best results, place the pan of formed cookies in the fridge for another 10 minutes to firm up slightly before baking.
5. Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the top is no longer glossy. For truly fudgy cookies, aim for the shorter end of the baking time (around 8 minutes for my oven). Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry cookies. A soft, very slightly underbaked cookie is ideal for that delicious fudgy texture! Once the cookies come out of the oven, let them stand on the hot cookie sheet for 5–7 minutes to continue setting. If desired, gently press a few additional M&M’s and/or chocolate chips into the tops of the warm cookies for enhanced appearance. Using a metal spatula, carefully transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Always use Dutch-process cocoa powder in these cookies. Regular, natural cocoa powder will make these cookies dry and significantly less flavorful. Here’s the exact cocoa powder I use for consistently rich results.

Note 2: If miniature chocolate chips are unavailable or not preferred, regular-sized chocolate chips can be used instead.

Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal freshness and fudginess, cookies are best enjoyed within 2 days.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Serving: 1 serving
|
Calories: 115 kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 19 g
|
Protein: 2 g
|
Fat: 4 g
|
Saturated Fat: 3 g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
|
Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g
|
Trans Fat: 1 g
|
Cholesterol: 11 mg
|
Sodium: 53 mg
|
Potassium: 59 mg
|
Fiber: 1 g
|
Sugar: 10 g
|
Vitamin A: 98 IU
|
Vitamin C: 1 mg
|
Calcium: 27 mg
|
Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.