Maybe you're a total sucker for Valentine's Day. Maybe you consider it an over-commercialized holiday during which candy companies make out like bandits. Whatever the case, there's no denying that February 14 is a great opportunity to remind your loved ones just how much you care. And whether you're celebrating the beginning of a new relationship or spending the day with your longtime sweetheart, you can show that love in action by sharing a meal together. We've got plenty of Valentine's Day recipes to help you create the perfect romantic meal from the comfort of your home, and no, you don't have to be a master chef to recreate them.
From decadent brunch ideas to scrumptious Valentine's Day dinner recipes for two, and Valentine's Day desserts of all kinds (including Valentine's Day cookies, cakes and cupcakes, and other sweet treats), you'll find Valentine's Day recipe ideas for the whole day — and with leftovers to spare. If your special someone is a kid at heart, try a strawberry pizza or ice cream waffle-wich. If they have a sweet tooth, consider the double chocolate mocha mousse or chewy chocolate cookies. Whatever you decide to make, just make sure you make it with love, since that's what Valentine's Day is all about. And if you want a little something extra, whip up one of these Valentine's Day co*cktails to complete the meal.
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1
Pepperoni Pizza Dip
This easy pepperoni pizza dip is the perfect dish to share with your valentine. Use a mini cookie cutter to slice pepperoni into lovable shapes, and serve in a heart-shaped cast iron casserole dish to complete the theme.
Get the Pepperoni Pizza Dip recipe.
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2
Choco-Berry Surprise Cake
Your Valentine deserves the berry best — make sure they know it with this delicious choco-berry surprise cake topped with strawberries this Valentine's Day.
Get the Choco-Berry Surprise Cake recipe.
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3
Chocolate Marshmallow Sandwich Cookies
Hugs and kisses made of chocolate and marshmallows? Yes, please!
Get the Chocolate Marshmallow Sandwich Cookies recipe.
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4
Pop Hearts
Make your own festive heart-shaped toaster pastries using just three ingredients: Refrigerator pie dough, raspberry jam, and an egg. Feel free to swap out the jam for any other filling your heart desires.
Get the Pop Hearts recipe.
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5
Boston Cream Cupcakes
Turn this classic dessert into a bite-sized delight with these Boston Cream cupcakes.
Get the Boston Cream Cupcakes recipe.
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6
Sweet Cherry Linzer Torte Cookies
These Valentine's Day cookies are way better than a bouquet of flowers — and tastier, too!
Get the Sweet Cherry Linzer Torte Cookies recipe.
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7
Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Cauliflower-Pomegranate Salad
This juicy beef tenderloin will taste just like it came from a fancy restaurant, but you'll be the only one who knows it took less than half an hour to prep. Serve with a simple pomegranate salad to incorporate one of Valentine's Day's main colors.
Get the Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Cauliflower-Pomegranate Salad recipe.
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8
Valentine's Cookie Bouquet
Throwing a V-Day party? These cute cookies double as dessert and beautiful table decor.
Get the Valentine's Cookie Bouquet recipe.
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9
Strawberry and Snickers Sticks
This recipe is perfect for people who might not feel that comfortable in the kitchen. With minimal effort (we're talking cutting up some berries and candy bars) you can make a tasty, customizable dessert.
Get the Strawberry and Snickers Sticks recipe.
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10
Creamy Chicken-and-Broccoli Pesto Bow Ties
This pasta recipe will please even picky eaters. With some chicken for protein and some vegetables hidden nicely in the sauce, it's a great go-to for a nice, easy meal.
Get the Creamy Chicken-and-Broccoli Pesto Bow Ties recipe.
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11
Rainbow Waffle-wiches
If you love ice cream in all its forms, try out these homemade ice cream sandwiches that feature waffles instead of cookies. The real question is, since they're waffles can you eat them for breakfast?
Get the Rainbow Waffle-wiches recipe.
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12
Creamy Thyme Chicken with Sautéed Apples and Mushrooms
This chicken dish only takes half an hour to make, so you won't feel any holiday meal stress. Plus, the sautéed apples add a bright, sweet flavor that will be the perfect something extra.
Get the Creamy Thyme Chicken with Sautéed Apples and Mushrooms recipe.
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13
Pavlovas with Strawberries and Cream
Pavlovas are one of those desserts that look super difficult to make (but actually aren't with this recipe) so they'll always impress your guests. This recipe only takes 20 minutes to make, so you can spend more time being mushy with your significant other.
Get the Pavlovas with Strawberries and Cream recipe.
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14
Rose Petal Cupcakes
These candied rose petals are actually easy to make: Just thin out corn syrup with water then brush the mixture onto pink rose petals and toss in sugar.
Get the Rose Petal Cupcakes recipe.
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15
Cheddar-Beer Fondue
Serve this scrumptious dish as an appetizer with plates for sharing, or even as a decadent main course, with lots of different dippers.
Get the Cheddar-Beer Fondue recipe.
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16
Oysters on the Half Shell with Ceviche Topping
There's a reason oysters are a romantic classic. With their supposed aphrodisiac properties, they might be just the thing you need to set the mood.
Get the Oysters on the Half Shell with Ceviche Topping recipe.
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17
Mini Rosebud Cupcakes
There's a reason flowers are a go-to gift on Valentine's Day, and these adorable rosebud cupcakes combine the best of both worlds by giving your love a bouquet of beautiful buds as well as a tasty treat to enjoy.
Get the Mini Rosebud Cupcakes recipe.
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18
Strawberry Tart
Nothing says "I love you" like a homemade tart — especially when it's topped with dulce de leche, fresh strawberries, and confectioner's sugar.
Get the Strawberry Tart recipe.
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19
Red Wine Beef Ragu
This recipe calls for 1/2 cup of red wine, so there will be plenty left for you to sip on with your date.
Get the Red Wine Beef Ragu recipe.
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20
Chocolate Truffles
Because homemade truffles are more thoughtful (and tastier) than the store-bought kind.
Get the Chocolate Truffles recipe.