Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups

Name: Valentine's Day Cookie Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491683H43M44S
Total time: PT-491683H43M44S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 17.5 ounce package sugar cookie mix; ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter melted; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 large egg room temperature; Pink/red food coloring; 24-26 Hershey’s hugs unwrapped; Decorative sprinkles, optional topping

Author: Clara Hastings

Published: February 2, 2026

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Introduction to Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups

Ah, Valentine’s Day! A time for love, sweet surprises, and perhaps a little chaos in the kitchen. If you’re like me, juggling a busy schedule while wanting to whip up something special can feel overwhelming. But fear not! These adorable Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups are just the ticket. With minimal prep and a delightful surprise inside, they’ll steal your heart (and taste buds). These cookie cups are not just a quick solution but also a charming way to show you care. Anyone can make them, and everyone will love them—win-win!

Why You’ll Love This Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups

Let’s face it, life gets busy and we sometimes need a dessert that’s as quick as it is delicious. These Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups are not only a breeze to make, but they’re also bursting with flavor. Each soft, chewy cup cradles a sweet Hershey’s hug, making them a delightful treat for your family or that special someone. Their playful appearance and taste will brighten even the busiest of days!

Ingredients for Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating these delightful Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups. Each ingredient plays a unique role in crafting this sweet surprise, so let’s dive in!

Sugar cookie mix: The base of our cookie cups; it provides sweetness and structure.
Salted butter: Adds richness and a touch of salty goodness, balancing the sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Helps achieve the right texture to hold these cookie cups together.

Large egg: Acts as a binding agent, ensuring everything sticks together nicely.
Food coloring: A splash of pink or red to transform your dough into a festive delight!
Hershey’s hugs: The star of the show! These creamy chocolates create a sweet surprise at the center.

Decorative sprinkles: Optional, but who can resist a little sparkle on Valentine’s Day?

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article; they are listed for easy printing. Each ingredient contributes to the overall charm and flavor of your cookie cups!

How to Make Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups

Let’s get down to the delicious business of making these Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups. Follow these simple steps to create cookie magic in your kitchen. You’ll impress yourself and your loved ones, I promise!

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

First things first, it’s time to prep your mini cupcake pan. Grab your trusty cooking spray and give each cup a good spritz. This will keep your cookie cups from sticking. Then, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a perfect bake!

Step 2: Combine the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, all-purpose flour, room-temperature egg, and a few drops of food coloring together. I love to whisk until it’s just combined because overmixing can make your cookie cups tough. You want a soft dough just asking to be shaped!

Step 3: Shape the Cookie Cups

Now, let’s get a little hands-on! Take about 1 tablespoon of your dough and flatten it out to about the size of your palm. It’s fun to feel the dough! Don’t worry if your shapes are a bit rustic; that adds charm.

Step 4: Fill with Hershey’s Hugs

Next, place an unwrapped Hershey’s hug right in the center of your flat dough. Carefully wrap the dough around the candy to create a ball. Don’t rush this part; you want to seal the chocolate inside tightly. Place your dough ball upright into your greased muffin pan. Repeat until your pan is full of cookie goodness!

Step 5: Bake the Cookie Cups

Time to bake! Pop the muffin pan into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should look set around the edges and slightly golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Once baked, remove your cookie cups from the oven and let them cool for about 15 minutes. This is crucial—the cooling helps them set up perfectly. When they’re cool enough to handle, feel free to sprinkle some decorative sprinkles on top. They’ll make your Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups shine with love!

Tips for Success

Use room temperature eggs to mix into the dough easily.
Don’t skimp on the cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
Mix the dough just until combined to keep it tender.

Experiment with food coloring for fun, vibrant shades.
Let the cookie cups cool completely for the best texture.

Equipment Needed

Mini cupcake pan: Essential for shaping the cookie cups; a regular muffin pan can work if you prefer larger cups.
Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl for combining ingredients; a large Ziploc bag works, too, for easy cleanup.

Whisk or spatula: For mixing the dough; a wooden spoon or even your hands can do the trick!
Measuring spoons: To scoop out the dough precisely; you can eyeball it if you’re feeling adventurous!

Variations

Chocolate Sugar Cookie Cups: Substitute the sugar cookie mix with a chocolate cookie mix for a decadent twist.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix to make these cookie cups gluten-sensitive friendly.
Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for an extra crunch and flavor.
Swirled Colors: Instead of just one color, divide the dough and mix different shades to create a fun marbled effect.

Stuff with Other Candies: Instead of Hershey’s hugs, use Reese’s Pieces or caramel candies for a different surprise inside!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side elevates this dessert to new heights.

Serve on a festive platter, adorned with pink or red decorations to set the mood.
Consider a sweet sparkling beverage for an extra festive feel during your celebration.

FAQs about Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups

As you dive into making these adorable Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups, you might have a few questions. Below are some commonly asked questions that I hope will guide you through your baking adventure!

Can I use a different type of cookie mix?

Absolutely! You can customize your cookie cups by using different cookie mixes, like chocolate or snickerdoodle. Just remember, each mix will give a unique flavor!

How do I store these cookie cups?

These sweet treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, but trust me—they’re usually gone long before then!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping the cookie cups.

What can I substitute for Hershey’s hugs?

You can replace them with any chocolate you love! Reese’s peanut butter cups or caramel candies also work delightfully inside these cookie cups.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Definitely! Making Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups is a fun project for kids. They can help with mixing, shaping the dough, and even sprinkling on decorations!

Final Thoughts

The joy of creating these Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups goes beyond their delicious taste. It warms my heart to think about the smiles they bring to my loved ones. Whether you’re sharing them at a special dinner or surprising the kids after school, these cookie cups are a celebration of love and creativity. Plus, the shortcuts involved mean you can make something special without the stress of complex baking. So put on your apron, embrace the adorable chaos, and let these sweet treats add a sprinkle of joy to your Valentine’s Day celebrations!