Name: Valentine Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup butter (softened); ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups plain M&Ms (red, pink & white, chopped and whole, separated)

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When I think of sweet treats that can light up anyone’s day, I immediately think of Valentine Cookies. There’s something magical about these little delights that make them perfect for sharing love and joy. I remember the first time I made them for Valentine’s Day; my friends and family couldn’t get enough! As the smell of fresh cookies wafted through the air, it became clear that these cookies are not just for the heart-shaped holiday, but for any day you want to spread a little sweetness.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
17 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
7 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
120 kcal

Protein:
1g g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
5g g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Oven, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet

Why This Valentine Cookies Hits Different

They’re a Sweet Gesture

What better way to show someone you care than with homemade cookies? Every bite of these Valentine Cookies is infused with love, and they make an unforgettable gift. Whether it’s for a partner, friends, or family, they’ll appreciate the time and effort you put into making something special.

Perfect for Any Occasion

While they’re named for Valentine’s Day, these cookies are versatile enough to be made for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. You can easily customize the colors of the M&Ms to fit any celebration, making them a go-to treat.

A Fun Activity

Making Valentine Cookies can also be a fun activity to engage in with loved ones. Gather everyone in the kitchen, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy some quality time together while creating delicious memories.

Easy to Make

This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. With just a few key ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce kids to baking!

A Delicious Treat

With a delightful combination of flavors, these cookies are soft, chewy, and simply irresistible. The sweetness from the sugars combined with the rich flavor of butter and the crunch of M&Ms create a symphony of taste that will leave everyone wanting more.

What You Need for Valentine Cookies

For these Valentine Cookies, we’re using a blend of ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that perfect cookie texture and flavor. The combination of sugars gives the cookies a rich sweetness, while the butter and oil create a tender crumb, and of course, who can resist those colorful M&Ms that add both flavor and fun? Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup granulated sugar – The primary sweetener, giving the cookies their delightful sweetness.
1 cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and a rich flavor, contributing to that chewy texture we love.
½ cup butter, softened – This fat is essential for flavor and creates a tender cookie.
½ cup vegetable oil – Helps keep the cookies moist and adds to the chewiness.
2 eggs – Binds everything together and gives the cookies structure.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Provides the rise that makes these cookies fluffy.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies to spread and rise during baking.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness.
3 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cookie dough, providing structure.
2 cups plain M&Ms, red, pink & white, chopped and whole, separated – The colorful bits that make these cookies festive and fun!

Cooking Instructions for Valentine Cookies

Making your own Valentine Cookies is not only rewarding but also a fun experience. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious batch of cookies that everyone will love. Let’s get baking!

Preheat the oven to 350°F. This is a crucial first step to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
In a large bowl, cream together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, and vegetable oil until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take about 2 to 3 minutes using a hand mixer. Make sure everything is well combined to achieve that smooth texture.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You want the mixture to become fluffy and creamy; this step is important for incorporating air into the batter.
Next, in a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. You don’t want to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.
Now it’s time for fun! Mix in 1½ cups of chopped M&Ms. You can add more if you like, but make sure to save some for placing on top of the cookies.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased baking sheet, leaving enough space between each ball to allow for spreading.
Insert about five M&Ms on top of each dough ball. This not only adds a pop of color but also makes them extra appealing.
Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and maintain their shape.

Things Worth Knowing

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature as this helps in creating a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Check for Doneness: The cookies should look slightly underbaked when you take them out; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Valentine Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness for up to five days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to four months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and when you’re ready, let it thaw in the fridge before baking.
Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding different types of chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for added flavor.
Serving: These cookies are perfect for parties or as a sweet treat for guests. Serve them with milk or coffee for a delightful experience.
Gifting: Package these cookies in a cute box or tin tied with a ribbon; they make lovely gifts for friends and loved ones.

What Goes Well With This Valentine Cookies

Pair with Milk: A classic combination, cookies and milk are perfect for dipping.
Serve at Parties: These cookies are a hit at any gathering, from birthday parties to holiday celebrations.
Occasional Treats: Ideal for Valentine’s Day, but also great for any occasion when you want to spread joy.
Storage Tips: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Seasonal Pairings: These cookies can also be decorated for other holidays, using different colored M&Ms for a festive touch.

FAQ

Your cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They may look slightly underbaked when you take them out, but they’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet.

Absolutely! While M&Ms are traditional for Valentine Cookies, you can swap them out for chocolate chips, nuts, or other candies that you love. Just be mindful of the size and texture so they integrate well into the dough.

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to three months, ensuring they’re well-wrapped.

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for 1 to 2 days or freeze it for up to four months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it and bake as directed.

Conclusion

These Valentine Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a way to share joy and love. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply wanting to brighten someone’s day, they never fail to impress. So why not gather your ingredients and whip up a batch? You’ll find that making these cookies brings as much happiness as eating them.