59 Last-Minute Homemade Valentine's Day Treats (2024)

Home Holidays Valentine's Day

Need a last-minute dessert for your sweetheart? Here are our top picks for quick and delicious Valentine's Day treats.

1/55

Fudge Bonbon Cookies

These fudgy favorites are double delights—the cookies are flavored with both chocolate chips and chocolate kisses. Drizzled with white chocolate on top, they’re fancy enough for a buffet table. —Janice Smith, Cynthiana, Kentucky

Spread the love on Valentine’s Day with these tastyheart-shaped foodideas. Turn it into a date night by making the treats together!

2/55

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

You’ll have an irresistible valentine’s day treat with this gooey peanut butter centered candy. Spice up these homemade peanut butter cups to fit the holiday theme with pretty mini muffin liners and colored sprinkles. —LaVonne Hegland, St. Michael, Minnesota

3/55

Cinnamon Cherry Cobbler

It’s not a misprint—there really are just two ingredients in this spiced cherry dessert. It’s a good valentine’s day brunch idea for sweet-lovers, too. —Terri Robinson, Muncie, Indiana

Open up a bottle of wine, put on some tunes, and whip up one of these refined but easy date night recipes. You may just find yourself making date night a weekly ritual.

4/55

Red Velvet Marble Cake

I watched my grandma prepare her red velvet showstopper many times for family get-togethers. The fluffy butter frosting perfectly complements the flavor of this gorgeous cake.—Jodi Anderson, Overbrook, Kansas

5/55

Mini Brownie Treats

I like to take these quick and easy treats to potlucks and family gatherings. They’re always well received! —Pam Kokes, North Loup, Nebraska

Cupid put down that arrow! We know that Valentine’s Day cookies are the way to your sweetie’s heart.

6/55

Ganache-Topped Chocolate Cake

To say this cake is elegant would be an understatement. It’s worthy of special occasions, but once you learn how to make chocolate ganache, it’s so easy to whip together that you can enjoy it any day of the week. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

7/55

Cheery Cherry Cookies

With a tall glass of ice-cold milk, a couple of these cherry cookies really hit the spot for dessert or a snack. The coconut and bits of cherries provide a fun look and texture.
—Judy Clark, Elkhart, Indiana

8/55

Red Velvet Spritz Cookies

I had never come across a red velvet spritz recipe, so I decided to create one. The hint of cocoa makes these taste like red velvet cake. Add peppermint flavoring for a little extra kick. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

9/55

Dipped Cherry Cookies

Our seven children and four grandkids voted this festive, flavorful cookie a “keeper.” We gave a batch to our mail carrier, in thanks for trudging through so much snow, and she asked for the recipe. —Ruth Anne Dale, Titusville, Pennsylvania

10/55

Jumbo Brownie Cookies

Make these deeply fudgy cookies for a valentine’s day treat, and you’re sure to make an impression. A little espresso powder in the dough makes them over-the-top good. —Rebecca Cababa, Las Vegas, Nevada

11/55

Air-Fryer Mocha Pudding Cakes

Looking for a last-minute, speedy dessert to make for your loved one? Pop these mouthwatering mini cakes in the air fryer and you’ll have the a valentine’s day treat for two in no time.—Debora Simmons, Eglon, West Virginia

12/55

Heart’s Delight Eclair

This lovely and luscious treat is rumored to have been the favorite dessert of European royalty long ago. It’s a valentine’s day treat that’ll win over the hearts of everyone. —Lorene Milligan, Chemainus, British Columbia

13/55

Giant Buckeye Cookie

I’m from Ohio, and we love our buckeye candy! Buckeyes are a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate, which is exactly what this cookie is. All you need is a box of cake mix, a few common pantry ingredients, and voila—you have a tasty dessert ready for family and friends in under an hour. You can customize it, too, by substituting other mix-ins for the chocolate chips. We serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream. —Arianna Harding, Cincinnati, Ohio

14/55

Butter Cookies

This great butter cookie recipe is a favorite of my nephews, who love the creamy frosting. —Ruth Griggs, South Hill, Virginia

15/55

Chocolate Bread Pudding

This is a fun recipe because the chocolate makes it different from traditional bread pudding. It's a rich, comforting dessert. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

16/55

Double Chocolate Martini

Is it a beverage or a dessert? Don’t let its looks fool you: This chocolate martini recipe is potent but good! It’s the perfect valentine’s day treat to start off a night out with your special one. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona

Take a look at these romantic Valentine’s Day dinners to make at home.

17/55

Lemon Cheesecake Squares

Whether I'm hosting friends or sending a plate to work with my husband, these creamy elegant lemon cheesecake bars are always a hit. It's a wonderful make-ahead dessert that easily serves a large group.

18/55

Red Wine and Chocolate Cupcakes

Looking for the perfect valentine’s day treat to show off your love? These red wine and chocolate cupcakes are the perfect match for your special day. —Candace Cheney, Fort McMurray, Alberta. Looking for more ideas? Here’s our collection of the best romantic desserts.

19/55

Banana Brownies

This recipe comes from my Grandma Schlientz. Any time there are ripe bananas around our house, it’s banana brownie time! People are always surprised to learn that bananas are the secret ingredient. —Christine Mol, Grand Rapids, Michigan

20/55

Raspberry Chocolate Puffs

This chocolaty, flaky dessert is one of my favorite show-off recipes because it makes a spectacular presentation. The best part? It’s actually surprisingly easy and quick to make. —Anneliese Deising, Plymouth, Michigan

21/55

Pomegranate Cosmo

Every soiree needs a signature drink. Sugar dresses up this simple cosmo that lets you enjoy a cozy evening with friends and still shake things up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

22/55

Frozen Fruit Whip

A fast finale to any meal is as close as the freezer. Everyone has room for some of this light, refreshing dessert.—Tanya McKay, Wells, Nevada

23/55

Chocolate Pecan Fondue

When our kids have friends sleep over, I like to surprise them with this chocolate treat. Our favorite dippers include fruit, marshmallows, cookies and pound cake. —Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia

24/55

Frosted Red Velvet Cookies

My student job in college was in the bakery. These dreamy morsels take me back to that special place and time. Red velvet lovers will appreciate this fun take on the cake. —Christina Petri, Alexandria, Minnesota

25/55

Chocolate Banana Bundles

Banana with chocolate is such an irresistible combo that I make this quick dessert often. You can also top these tasty bundles with the butter and brown sugar mixture left over from coating the bananas, or sprinkle on a dash of sea salt. —Thomas fa*glon, Somerset, New Jersey

26/55

Old-Fashioned Hard Candy

The color of this old-fashioned hard candy is beautiful, and people are surprised by the wonderful watermelon flavor! —Amy Short, Milton, West Virginia

27/55

Cotton Candy Champagne co*cktails

This valentine’s day treat will add that final enchanting touch to your day. The cotton candy melts away, leaving behind its pretty pink color to fit the holiday theme.
—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

28/55

Contest-Winning Easy Tiramisu

This recipe makes a great quick dessert for a special supper…or anytime. It's easily doubled if needed. What a fun use for pudding snack cups! —Betty Claycomb, Adverton, Pennsylvania

29/55

Sweetheart Coconut Cookies

Ruby red jam and coarse sugar add a festive look to these crisp sandwich cookies that are the perfect gift for loved ones on valentine’s day. —Jo Ellen Helmlinger, Columbus, Ohio

30/55

Spearmint Thins

No time to bake cookies from scratch? Create a tasty valentine’s day treat in little more than half an hour by doctoring butter-flavored crackers with vanilla chips and mint candies.—Kathleen Felton, Fairfax, Iowa

31/55

Berry Trifle

This Berry Trifle is a delicious salute to summer! I usually serve it during the summer when fresh berries are bountiful, but you can also prepare it with frozen cherries and light cherry pie filling during cooler months. —Brenda Paine, North Syracuse, New York

32/55

Cherry Almond Mousse Pie

Treat your loved ones to a luscious pie with chocolate, cherries and nuts in a creamy vanilla mousse. It’s a sweet yet refreshing valentine’s day treat. —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas

33/55

Healthy Apple Crisp

This easy dish is a tradition in my family. It's as quick as a boxed cake mix but it's a healthier dessert choice. It's ideal in fall when it seems that everyone has a bag or two of fresh apples to give away! —Terri Wetzel, Roseburg, Oregon

34/55

Homemade Hot Cocoa

This homemade hot chocolate recipe will make people think you fussed, but it is so simple. —Cheryl Reitz, Hershey, Pennsylvania

35/55

Lava Chocolate Cakes

True decadence at its best, these chocolate lava cakes created by the Taste of Home Cooking School feature a warm, gooey chocolate center that oozes out onto the dessert plate. Whether you enjoy it garnished with a dollop of whipped cream or sprinkled with confectioners' sugar, you'll want to lick the plate clean!

36/55

Easy Lemon Berry Tartlets

These fruity, flaky tartlets filled with raspberries and topped with lemon-tinged cream cheese are a sweet ending to your valentine’s day. They are elegant yet come together quickly and easily. —Elizabeth Dehart, West Jordan, Utah

37/55

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pizza

Kids go crazy for this gooey dessert pizza, although adults snap it up too. Everyone loves the chewy crust and the amazingly delicious combination of chocolate and peanut butter. —Bernice Arnett, Marshfield, Missouri

38/55

5-Ingredient Fudge

You’re moments away from a pan of creamy fudge. Just microwave, stir and spread. This easy homemade fudge recipe is the best for a valentine’s day treat to enjoy with others. —Sue Tucker, Edgemoor, South Carolina

39/55

Brownie Affogato Sundaes

We can’t resist brownie sundaes. I combined an affogato (coffee-based beverage) idea with a brownie to get this decadent sundae that mixes it all in there: warm, cold, sweet and salty. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

40/55

Contest-Winning Mocha Fondue

At our friends’ 25th anniversary celebration, several couples had fun concocting this chocolate fondue. With fresh fruit, marshmallows, pretzels and vanilla wafers as dippers, you and your loved one will want to dive into this dessert for your own anniversary, or make it as a special valentine’s day treat to show your love! —Karen Boehner, Glen Elder, Kansas

41/55

Heavenly Filled Strawberries

These luscious stuffed berries are the perfect bite-sized valentine’s day treat that everyone will be gushing over. —Stephen Munro, Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia

42/55

Cherry Kiss Cookies

Topped with a chocolate kiss, these cherry-flavored valentine’s day treats look super cute on a dessert tray. Share them with family and friends. —Joy Yurk, Grafton, Wisconsin

43/55

Rocky Road Cookie Cups

Traditional rocky road ice cream has nuts, marshmallows and chocolate. Using prepared cookie dough makes it easy to put the flavors together in these fast, kid-friendly rocky road cookis. —Charlotte McDaniel, Jacksonville, AL

44/55

Cherry Cream Cheese Dessert

Pretty layers of graham cracker crumbs, tasty filling and fruit topping make these cherry cream cheese desserts a standout! For a nice change, you can substitute blueberry pie filling or another fruit flavor for the filling called for in the recipe. —Melody Mellinger, Myerstown, Pennsylvania

45/55

Valentine Cutouts

Cool, fruity and creamy, these gelatin valentine’s day cut outs are noticeably richer than plain gelatin. They’re a fun finger food that can be easily cut into whichever shape you’d like for any holiday or theme.
—Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia

46/55

Marshmallow Pops

Making these pops is a fun activity for a children’s valentine’s day party because any age can participate. Customize these valentine’s day treats for the holiday by rolling them in pink and red sprinkles. —Marcia Porch, Winter Park, Florida

47/55

Quick Cherry Turnovers

Refrigerated crescent rolls let you make these fruit-filled pastries in a hurry. My family loves these turnovers for breakfast, but they’re so delicious, they’d be welcome any time of the day. Feel free to experiment with other pie fillings as well. —Elleen Oberrueter, Danbury, Iowa

48/55

No-Bake Chocolate-Pecan Tartlets

At the last minute, I frantically came up with this treat for a holiday tea. The tartlets were quickly gobbled up. Now, I make them for our annual Teacher Taster's Choice and special family gatherings. —Joy Johnson, Culbertson, Montana

49/55

Black Bean Brownies

You’d never guess these rich, velvety chocolate treats contain a can of black beans. Who would have thought black bean brownies would be so amazing? —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island

50/55

Mocha Pudding Cakes

These mouthwatering mini cakes make the perfect valentine’s day treat for a twosome. My mom used to make these when I was a little girl. Now I whip them up for a speedy dessert. —Debora Simmons, Eglon, West Virginia

51/55

Homemade Butterfinger Bites

Bent on using up a stash of leftover candy corn, I decided to experiment. Turns out, if you melt it, mix it with peanut butter and coat the balls with chocolate, you get a softer, denser version of a Butterfinger bite. Who knew? They’re delicious! —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

52/55

Warm Chocolate Melting Cups

These little cakes have become a favorite of our guests. They are always surprised that such a chocolaty dessert is so light­—less than 200 calories apiece! —Kissa Vaughn, Troy, Texas

53/55

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These valentine’s day treats feature white chocolate and cranberries for a delightful taste. They add a perfect loving feel to any cookie tray. —Donna Beck, Scottdale, Pennsylvania

54/55

Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse

I love chocolate and this is so quick and easy to make that I can surprise my family anytime of the year. Feel free to add toppings of your choice. —Karla Krohn, Madison, Wisconsin

55/55

Little Holiday Cakes

My college friend shared this cupcake recipe that has pie crust on the bottom, raspberry jam in the middle and cake on top—scrumptious for a buffet or potluck. —Dana Beckstrom, Salt Lake City, Utah

Cooking and writing have been Laura’s passion for 10 years. In addition to Taste of Home, Laura writes about food and culinary arts on sites like Food & Wine, Food Network and Delish. Though she’s a trained professional chef, Laura has branched into the wine and spirits space too. She has worked in multiple vineyards and earned a WSET Level 2 award in wine and spirits. Her work in professional kitchens, love of organizing and eye for the best kitchen products gives her a range of writing experience from cooking techniques to product testing. Outside of work, Laura loves wine tasting, traveling and hanging out with her dog and family.