MAKE IT CUTE

Love is in the air and Valentine's Day is right around the corner. But with V-Day comes the annual dilemma: how to avoid crossing the line from cute to cliche. This year, we're saying bye to heart-shaped chocolate boxes and hello to the most ~aesthetic~ recipes. Whether you enjoy them with bae or bake them for your girl group, these treats are sure to make Feb. 14 extra sweet.

1. Heart window cookies

@marilynfoodie

Valentine's day is all about opening your heart, so, naturally, we have to start with a cookie that symbolizes just that. Linzer cookies, AKA window cookies, look so chic and fancy but are actually so doable. Grab your fave jam and get started with this recipe!

2. Heart-shaped cake

@eatwithbella_

Let's face it—heart-shaped cake has transcended the V-day season, but that doesn't mean it deserves to be left out of the spotlight altogether. Live out your posh picnic dreams with a heart-shaped cake decorated to sheer perfection (yes, that means pink frosting is required). Find the recipe here.

3. Puff pastry hearts

@sprinkleofthis

Puff pastry, Nutella, homemade whipped cream *and* fresh strawberries? Immediate yes. But in a heart shape? That's like winning the dessert lottery. Grab the recipe and start baking!

4. Red velvet truffles

@chocolatewithgrace

It's hard to do Valentine's Day without throwing a splash of red in somewhere, so red dessert it is! If you're not ready to completely kiss traditional chocolate goodbye, this is the option for you. Sweet white chocolate coupled with the rich red velvet—say less. Find the recipe here.

5. Heart-shaped churros

@lechedessert

Probably the most unconventional dessert we've rounded up, heart-shaped churros are the Valentine's dessert for all the hot chocolate fans. Picture it—you and the girls sipping your cocoa, watching 10 Things I Hate About You and snacking on homemade churros. Now that sounds like a party we want to crash. Here's the recipe!

Find more baking inspo in these posts:
🥄 Baking is the Sunday reset you've been waiting for
🥄 The best chia seed pudding recipes
🥄 3 Ways to upgrade your brownies

We want to see your aesthetic kitchen creations!
 Tag us on Insta @girlslifemag for a chance to be featured.

Slider image: @loveamycakes
Header image: @sukarbakes
GIF via @giphy

by Riley Yates | 2/7/2023