Treats for Valentine's Day: Satisfy Everyone's Sweet Tooth

Christmas is behind us, and Valentine's Day is coming into view on the calendar. The grocery stores have already turned over the aisles and are prepping us for Valentine's galore.

When I was a kid, my parents would get us little candies and a card for Valentine's Day. As a young woman, I looked forward to a date night or hanging out with girlfriends. Now that I'm a mom, I tend to do a lot of shopping for cute little things to give the kids and baking, trying to make these smaller holidays special for my kids.

My typical go-to for the kids' holiday gifts is a holiday-themed book, a craft, or a little candy, and if we can figure out a baked item we'll give it a try.

My kids are big M&M's fans. It may be because I incentivized potty training with M&M's, but now we typically give them as gifts for Christmas or whenever there's something fun going on. The thing about M&M's is just about everyone loves them. I know, because I catch my Dad stealing a few every time he's here (don't tell my kids). So for this Valentine's Day, why not gift M&M's?

M&M's Valentine's Gift BoxBundle

M&M's has tons of cute gifts that you can buy (and maybe you should because it's easier than baking)! If that's your jam, head on over to their website and pick out something super cute or personalize your own M&M's. This link should get you 15% off through 2/28! They also have 20% of sitewide with the code GREEN24.

If you're a mom like me who attempts baking with littles, then keep reading for a few fun and creative ways to incorporate M&M's into your Valentine's Day desserts.

1. M&M's Heart Cookies

Heart-shaped cookies are not only adorable but also delicious! Have the kids spill in and fold the M&M's at the end if you don't want to deal with the mess of having them make the dough! Then enjoy these bad boys while sharing with the kids or secretly with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup M&M's (plus extra for topping)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.

   
   

3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.

   
   

4. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually stir into the creamed mixture.

   
   

5. Fold in the M&M's.

   
   

6. Roll the dough into small balls and press them slightly. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters for a fun touch!

   
   

7. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they are golden brown. Let them cool and then enjoy!

   
   

15% off Valentine's Day!

2. M&M's Chocolate Bark

The Peppermint bark at Christmas was my daughter's absolute favorite thing in life. We had to hide it from her at one point. Instead of peppermint, give M&M's chocolate bark a try! This one is super cute to look at but also has the richness of chocolate with the crunchiness of M&M's, making it a favorite for all ages.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white chocolate)

• 1 cup of M&M's

• Sea salt (optional)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.

   
   

2. Pour the melted chocolate onto a lined baking sheet and spread it out evenly.

   
   

3. Sprinkle M&M's generously over the chocolate while it’s still warm.

   
   

4. Optional: Drizzle with a little more melted chocolate or sprinkle with sea salt.

   
   

5. Allow it to cool at room temperature or refrigerate until set. Break into pieces and serve!

   
   
   
   

3. M&M's Stuffed Strawberries

M&M's stuffed strawberries! If you have kids who don't like fruit, this might be your way to win them over. Studies show that desserts featuring fruits can increase fruit consumption by 30%! Combine the freshness of fruit with the sweetness of candy.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of fresh strawberries

• 1 cup of cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 cup M&M's, chopped

  
  

Instructions:

1. Rinse and dry the strawberries, then cut off the tops and scoop a little out of the center.

   
   

2. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.

   
   

3. Fold in the chopped M&M's until well combined.

   
   

4. Spoon the mixture into the hollowed strawberries, filling them generously.

   
   

5. Chill before serving for a refreshing treat!

   
   
   
   

4. M&M's Love Notes

My son is a very routine guy and needs to have a note in his lunchbox every day. One way to give their notes a little more love around Valentine's Day is by creating DIY love notes filled with M&M's. This is a fun idea, but don't go too overboard I'm sure their teachers won't appreciate the sugar rush!

Materials:

• Small paper bags or boxes

• M&M’s

• Markers or stickers for decoration

  
  

Instructions:

1. Decorate your bags or boxes with sweet messages, little drawings, or stickers.

   
   

2. Fill them with M&M's and seal them up.

   
   

3. Gift these love notes to friends, family, or that special someone for a heartfelt surprise!

   
   

Sweet Inspirations This Valentine's Day

This Valentine's Day, step away from the ordinary chocolates and flowers. Get creative with M&M's! From heart-shaped cookies to fruity stuffed strawberries and whimsical cupcake toppers, the possibilities are endless.

Try out these recipes and let the sweet moments unfold! Drop a comment and let me know how it went!