Name: Chocolate Valentine’s Day Cookies with Sprinkles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 cup Valentine’s Day sprinkles

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Table of Contents: Chocolate Valentine’s Day Cookies with Sprinkles

Chocolate Valentine’s Day Cookies with Sprinkles

Remember the joy of baking with loved ones, the kitchen filled with sweet aromas and happy chatter? These Chocolate Valentine’s Day Cookies with Sprinkles are a delightful way to recapture that feeling, or create new memories with your family.

They’re not just cookies; they’re edible expressions of love, perfect for sharing with those who make your heart smile. This recipe is a classic, updated with a generous helping of sprinkles for a truly festive touch.

These aren’t your average chocolate cookies. We’re talking soft, chewy, intensely chocolatey goodness, adorned with a rainbow of sprinkles that scream “Valentine’s Day!” Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, sending a sweet treat to grandchildren, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these festive chocolate cookies are guaranteed to brighten the day.

They’re surprisingly easy to make, even if you haven’t done much Valentine’s baking lately, and the vibrant sprinkle desserts they become are visually stunning.

This recipe is a wonderful way to get everyone involved in the kitchen. From measuring ingredients to pressing in the Hershey Hugs and, of course, showering the cookies with sprinkles, there’s a task for every skill level. So, dust off your baking sheets, preheat your oven, and let’s create some sweet Valentine’s magic!

Alternate Names & Variations

These cookies go by many names! You might find similar recipes called “Valentine Chocolate Drop Cookies,” “Heart-Shaped Chocolate Sprinkles Cookies,” or simply “Chocolate Valentine Cookies.” For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients. If you’re looking for a different topping, a drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar would also be lovely.

You can also experiment with different types of sprinkles – nonpareils, jimmies, or even sanding sugar for a sparkly finish. These variations still fall under the umbrella of sprinkle desserts and Valentine’s baking, offering a personalized touch.

Ingredients: Chocolate Valentine’s Day Cookies with Sprinkles

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful treats:

* 1 cup + 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
* 1 Tablespoon flour (for dusting)
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
* 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
* 1 large egg yolk
* 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended for a deeper flavor)
* 3 1/2 Tablespoons whole milk
* 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, or a mix!)

* 18 Hershey’s Hugs chocolates (or similar chocolate kisses)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup + 1 Tablespoon flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder!
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Proper creaming is key to a tender cookie.

4. Add Egg Yolk & Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Add Milk: Pour in the milk and mix until a smooth dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky, and that’s okay.

7. Shape the Cookies: Lightly flour a clean surface with the remaining 1 Tablespoon of flour. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
9. Press in Hershey’s Hugs: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one Hershey’s Hug into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will slightly soften the chocolate, helping it adhere.

10. Sprinkle Time!: While the Hershey’s Hugs are still soft, generously sprinkle the cookies with your favorite colorful sprinkles.
11. Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

These Chocolate Valentine’s Day Cookies with Sprinkles come together quickly! Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, cook time is 8-10 minutes, and the total time from start to finish is around 25-30 minutes. This recipe yields about 18 cookies. Approximate calories per cookie are 120-150 (depending on sprinkle quantity).

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This recipe works because of the balance of ingredients. The softened butter and creaming process create a tender crumb, while the cocoa powder provides a rich, intense chocolate flavor. The egg yolk adds richness and chewiness. Using Dutch-processed cocoa powder really elevates the chocolate flavor, making these cookies truly decadent.

A key to success is not overbaking. These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy, so err on the side of slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool. For an easy comfort food treat, these cookies are perfect. They’re also a fantastic way to practice basic baking skills with children. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your sprinkles! Mix and match colors and shapes to create a truly unique and festive look.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

To store these Chocolate Valentine’s Day Cookies with Sprinkles, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they will stay relatively soft for a few days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

To reheat frozen cookies, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also enjoy them cold – they’re delicious either way! Proper storage ensures your sprinkle desserts stay fresh and enjoyable.

Conclusion: Chocolate Valentine’s Day Cookies with Sprinkles

So there you have it – a recipe for Chocolate Valentine’s Day Cookies with Sprinkles that’s sure to become a family favorite. These cookies are a little slice of happiness, perfect for spreading love and joy this Valentine’s Day. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sprinkles and variations to make them your own.

I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these sweet treats as much as I do! If you try the recipe, please let me know in the comments below – I’d love to hear how they turned out. And be sure to share your beautiful creations on social media using #ChocolateValentineCookies!