Sweet Homemade Treats for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to spread love and sweetness to those we love, and what better way than with homemade treats crafted from the heart? From dipped treats to baked goods, the thoughtfulness of something homemade adds an extra touch of affection to your Valentine’s Day celebrations.

The Sweetness of Decorated Dipped Treats

Dipped treats offer a way to incorporate different flavors and textures in every bite. From the combination of sweet and salty chocolate-dipped pretzels to intricately decorated cake pops, these treats combine the indulgence of rich coatings with the creativity of decorative toppings. Decorating dipped treats allows you to let your imagination go wild and transform ordinary desserts into edible works of art.

Ingredient Line-Up

Pretzels, Cookies or Cake Pops – decide what you’d like to dip, as the possibilities are almost endless. Pretzels are easier since those are typically store-bought, but you can dip cake pops, cookies, even marshmallows.

Chocolate, Candy Melts or Almond Bark – you can use high-quality chocolate, candy melts or almond bark. High-quality chocolate may need tempering, so candy melts or almond bark may be easier to use. Candy melts come in many colors and flavors; almond bark comes in both vanilla or chocolate and has a smooth and creamy texture.

Sprinkles, Colored Sugars and/or Candies – get creative and elevate your dipped treats with the addition of sprinkles, colored sugars or even crushed cookies or candies – the options are almost endless. These toppings add texture, color, and visual interest to your dipped treats.

Tools Needed

Mixing Bowls – a microwave-safe bowl is needed to safely melt chocolate in the microwave.

Lollipop Sticks or Paper Straws – lollipop sticks can be used to dip marshmallows or cake pops, or add a colorful touch by using decorative paper straws.

Decorating Tools – decorating tools, such as piping bags or decorating tips are useful for adding intricate designs or drizzling melted chocolate over your treats. Dipped treats can be made without decorating tools – a ziploc bag can be used in place of a piping bag, for example.

Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats – line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the dipped treats from sticking and for easier cleanup.

Baking Sheet – place your dipped treats on a baking sheet for them to set.

Packaging – if gifting, wrap treats in a food-safe cellophane bag, tie with a cute ribbon or place in a Valentine’s Day-themed gift box. If the treats are not for gifting, then store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Creating Homemade Chocolatey Treats

If you are new to creating dipped treats, start with pretzels as they are easier to work. If you’d like to try dipping marshmallows, check out this s’mores marshmallows recipe for step-by-step instructions (just swap out the crushed graham cracker topping and add colored sprinkles for a Valentine’s Day themed treat).

To keep things simple and highlight one way to dip chocolatey treats, we will dip pretzels. And, almond bark is the chocolate of choice for dipping, as it is easiest to work. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to dip pretzels with almond bark, although the same principles apply for whatever you dip in chocolate.

Step One: Prepare Your Workspace

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will provide a non-stick surface for the dipped pretzels to dry on and make cleanup easier. Then, take out all the supplies you’ll use so you are ready to begin.

Step Two: Melt the Almond Bark

Break the almond bark into smaller pieces and place into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the almond bark in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until it is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the almond bark, as it can burn easily. Once the almond bark is melted, you can transfer it to a tall cup to make dipping pretzel rods easier.

Step Three: Dip the Pretzels

Submerge the pretzel about three-fourths of the way into the cup to coat with the melted almond bark. Lightly shake the pretzel to allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the cup.

Step Four: Place on Baking Sheet

Place the dipped pretzel onto your baking sheet, spacing them apart to prevent them from touching. Add toppings over the pretzels, like colored sprinkles or sugars, while the almond bark is still wet.

Step Five: Allow to Set

Let the dipped pretzels sit at room temperature until the almond bark has hardened and set completely. This usually takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the coating and the temperature of your kitchen.

Step Six: Drizzle with Additional Chocolate (Optional)

While optional, you can add an extra decorative touch by melting a contrasting color of chocolate (or even the same chocolate works nicely, too) and drizzling it over the hardened pretzels using a spoon or piping bag. Allow the drizzled chocolate to set before wrapping or storing.

Step Seven: Wrap or Store

Once the almond bark has hardened, the dipped pretzels are ready for gifting. You can place your dipped pretzel into a pretzel bag and tie it with a decorative ribbon, or you can store dipped pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.

Other Valentine Treats

For those who prefer non-chocolate treats, sugar cookies offer endless possibilities for creativity and customization. I personally love the versatility of a sugar cookie. You can roll it out and cut the dough into shapes or bake them as-is.

To bake as a drop cookie, I use a cookie scoop so that I have the same sized cookie each time. Roll your sugar cookie dough into a mix of granulated white sugar and colored sugar (red or pink sugar is great for Valentine’s Day!) and then bake. You can put the cookies into a cute cup or jar for gift giving.

For shaped cookies, place dough on plastic wrap and flatten it. Cover completely and refrigerate until firm (about an hour). Once firm, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough and cut out with heart-shaped cookie cutters. To keep the dough from spreading when baking, refrigerate the cut shapes while preheating the oven. Once the oven is preheated, transfer your cookie shapes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or a silicone baking mat) and bake.

Once cooled, decorate your cookies. Decorating options for cookies include glaze, royal icing or buttercream. Choose what you feel comfortable decorating with and be creative. Allow the icing to dry and firm up overnight before packaging.

Simply Sweet Moments

Turn simple ingredients into thoughtful treats that show your love in every bite. Whether you’re dipping treats in chocolate or decorating sugar cookies with royal icing, the effort and thoughtfulness you put into your homemade gifts will certainly be appreciated. Happy baking, and may your Valentine’s Day be filled with simply sweet moments.