Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show someone you care with homemade treats.
A dessert box filled with carefully chosen sweets makes a thoughtful gift that beats store-bought options.
Whether you’re making treats for a partner, friend, or family member, a dessert box lets you create something personal and special.
The key to a great Valentine’s Day dessert box is choosing a mix of treats that look beautiful and taste delicious.
You want items that travel well and stay fresh for a few days.
Think about including different textures and flavors so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
This guide walks you through nine dessert ideas that work perfectly in a Valentine’s Day box.
You’ll find classic favorites like chocolate-covered strawberries alongside more creative options like painted sugar cookies and earl grey caramels.
Each treat brings its own charm to your dessert box while keeping things simple enough to make at home.
Assorted Macarons in Romantic Colors
Macarons make an elegant choice for a Valentine’s Day dessert box.
These delicate French cookies come in a wide range of colors and flavors that fit the holiday perfectly.
You can create a stunning collection by choosing pink, red, white, and light purple shells.
The key to great macarons is the crispy outer shell paired with a soft, chewy center.
You’ll need almond flour and powdered sugar for the base.
Egg whites create the light texture that makes these cookies special.
Ingredients
For the macaron shells, you need 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar and 1 cup almond flour.
Use 3 large egg whites at room temperature and 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
Add gel food coloring in red, pink, or purple to achieve your romantic colors.
A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness.
For the filling, you can use 1 cup of buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or chocolate ganache.
You’ll need about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per macaron sandwich.
Cooking Instructions
Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together three times to remove lumps.
Beat the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Add your chosen food coloring to the meringue.
Fold the dry ingredients into the meringue using a spatula.
Mix until the batter flows like lava and forms a ribbon.
Pipe small circles onto parchment-lined baking sheets and tap the sheets firmly on the counter to release air bubbles.
Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms on top.
Bake at 300°F for 15-18 minutes.
The macarons should not brown.
Let them cool completely before removing from the parchment paper.
Match similar-sized shells together.
Pipe your chosen filling onto one shell and sandwich it with another.
Store the filled macarons in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.
Serving Suggestion
Arrange your macarons in a clear box so the colors show through.
You can alternate the colors to create a pattern or group them by shade.
Add tissue paper or a ribbon to make the box look more festive.
Macarons taste best when served at room temperature.
Take them out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before giving them as a gift.
They stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Chocolate-covered strawberries make a perfect addition to your Valentine’s Day dessert box.
They combine fresh fruit with rich chocolate in a treat that looks fancy but takes little effort to make.
You only need two main ingredients for this classic dessert.
The chocolate coating creates a smooth shell around each juicy strawberry.
Ingredients
You will need fresh strawberries with the stems still attached.
Pick berries that are firm and dry without any soft spots.
For the chocolate, you can use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips.
You will need about 8 ounces of chocolate for one pound of strawberries.
White chocolate chips work well if you want to add a drizzle on top.
You can also use sprinkles or chopped nuts for decoration.
Cooking Instructions
Wash your strawberries and dry them completely with paper towels.
Any water on the berries will make the chocolate stick poorly.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
This will be where you place your dipped strawberries to set.
Melt your chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts.
Stir between each burst until the chocolate is completely smooth.
Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate.
Leave a small part of the strawberry at the top uncoated so the red color shows through.
Let extra chocolate drip off before placing the strawberry on your lined baking sheet.
If you want to add a white chocolate drizzle, melt white chocolate and use a spoon or piping bag to create lines across the berries.
Put the baking sheet in your refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
The chocolate will harden and create a crisp shell.
Serving Suggestion
Arrange your chocolate-covered strawberries in a small box lined with tissue paper.
They look best when placed in a single layer so the chocolate coating stays perfect.
You can package these strawberries in clear containers to show off their glossy finish.
Add them to your dessert box on the day you plan to give it away since they taste best within 24 hours.
Keep chocolate-covered strawberries in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them.
Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before eating for the best flavor.
Almond Flour Chocolate Cake
Almond flour chocolate cake brings a rich, fudgy texture to your Valentine’s Day dessert box.
The almond flour creates a moist crumb that stays tender for days.
This naturally gluten-free option works well for guests with dietary restrictions.
The cake gets its deep chocolate flavor from a combination of cocoa powder and melted chocolate.
You can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate depending on how sweet you want the final result.
The almond flour adds a subtle nutty taste that pairs well with chocolate.
Ingredients
You will need 2 cups of super-fine almond flour as your base.
Get 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate and 1/3 cup of cocoa powder for the chocolate flavor.
Add 3/4 cup of sugar or coconut sugar if you prefer a less refined option.
You need 3 large eggs to bind everything together.
Include 1/2 cup of butter or oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Cooking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan.
Melt the chocolate and butter together in a bowl, then let it cool slightly.
Mix the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
Combine the melted chocolate mixture with the eggs and sugar.
Add the vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool completely in the pan before removing.
Serving Suggestion
Top the cake with chocolate ganache made from melted chocolate and heavy cream.
You can also add a layer of raspberry jam between the cake and ganache for extra flavor.
Dust with powdered sugar or add fresh berries on top for a simple finish.
Cut the cake into small squares to fit nicely in your Valentine’s Day dessert box.
Wrap each piece individually in parchment paper to keep them fresh and prevent them from sticking together.
Heart-Shaped Cherry Hand Pies
Heart-shaped cherry hand pies bring a sweet touch to your Valentine’s Day dessert box.
These portable treats combine flaky pastry with cherry filling in a fun shape that shows you care.
You can make these pies with store-bought puff pastry or homemade pie dough.
Both options work well and create a buttery, flaky crust that pairs nicely with the cherry filling.
Ingredients
You need pie dough or puff pastry sheets for the base.
Pick up a can of cherry pie filling from your grocery store, or make your own if you prefer.
Grab an egg for the egg wash, which helps the pastry turn golden brown.
Keep some sugar on hand for sprinkling on top.
You might also want cinnamon sugar if you like that flavor combination.
Cooking Instructions
Roll out your dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out pairs of hearts from the dough.
Place one heart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Add a spoonful of cherry filling to the center, leaving space around the edges.
Brush the edges with water or egg wash.
Place a second heart on top and press the edges together with a fork to seal them.
Cut a small slit in the top to let steam escape.
Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until the pastry turns golden brown.
Let them cool for a few minutes before handling.
Serving Suggestion
Pack these hand pies in your dessert box once they’ve cooled completely.
Wrap each one individually in parchment paper tied with ribbon for a nice presentation.
You can include 2-3 hand pies per box depending on the size of your container.
These pies taste good at room temperature, which makes them easy to transport and share.
Linzer Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Linzer cookies are sandwich cookies that come from Austrian and German baking traditions.
They feature a buttery, almond-flavored dough with a sweet-tart raspberry jam filling.
The top cookie has a cut-out center that shows off the bright red jam underneath.
These cookies work well in a Valentine’s Day dessert box because of their heart-shaped cutouts and powdered sugar finish.
The combination of nutty shortbread and fruit jam creates a balanced flavor that isn’t too sweet.
Ingredients
You will need 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 cup ground almonds for the cookie base.
Add 1 cup softened butter, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, and 1 egg yolk to bind the dough.
Include 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for flavor.
Mix in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon lemon zest to brighten the taste.
You’ll need 3/4 cup raspberry jam for the filling.
Keep powdered sugar on hand for dusting the finished cookies.
Cooking Instructions
Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture looks light and fluffy.
Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest, then mix until combined.
Whisk the flour, ground almonds, and salt in a separate bowl.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture gradually.
Stir until the dough comes together.
Divide the dough in half and flatten each portion into a disk.
Wrap both disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out shapes using a 2-inch cookie cutter.
Place these cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Roll out the second disk of dough the same way.
Use the same 2-inch cutter to cut shapes, then use a smaller 1-inch heart-shaped cutter to remove the centers.
These will be your top cookies.
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn light golden brown.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Spread about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam on each solid cookie.
Dust the cut-out cookies with powdered sugar.
Press the cut-out cookies gently onto the jam-covered cookies to create sandwiches.
Serving Suggestion
Package the Linzer cookies in a clear box or tin so the heart cutouts are visible. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the powdered sugar from smearing.
These cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Painted Sugar Cookies
Painted sugar cookies add an artistic touch to your Valentine’s Day dessert box. You can create beautiful designs using food coloring mixed with a small amount of vodka or clear extract.
The alcohol evaporates quickly and leaves behind vibrant colors on the cookie surface. Start with a basic sugar cookie that holds its shape well during baking.
You want cookies with smooth, flat surfaces that work like a canvas for your designs.
Ingredients
For the cookies, you need 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons milk if needed.
For painting, gather gel food coloring in red, pink, and white, plus 2 tablespoons vodka or clear vanilla extract. You’ll also need small food-safe paintbrushes.
Cooking Instructions
Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
If the dough seems too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time. Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out shapes using heart-shaped cookie cutters of various sizes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just barely golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Mix small amounts of gel food coloring with vodka or extract in separate small bowls to create your paint. Start with just a few drops of alcohol and add more if needed.
The mixture should be thin enough to paint but not so watery that it runs. Use your food-safe brushes to paint designs directly onto the cooled cookies.
You can create hearts, flowers, geometric patterns, or write messages. Let each color dry for a few minutes before adding another color on top if you want layered designs.
Serving Suggestion
Arrange your painted sugar cookies in a clear cellophane bag or box so the designs stay visible. You can layer them between sheets of wax paper to prevent smudging.
These cookies pair well with other treats like chocolate-covered strawberries or truffles in your Valentine’s Day dessert box.
Soft Earl Grey Caramels
Soft earl grey caramels add a refined touch to any Valentine’s Day dessert box. These candies combine the rich sweetness of caramel with the floral notes of bergamot from earl grey tea.
To make these caramels, you will need heavy cream, sugar, butter, corn syrup, earl grey tea, and salt. You can use loose leaf tea or cut open tea bags to get the leaves.
The quality of your earl grey tea will affect the final flavor, so choose one you enjoy drinking.
Ingredients
You will need 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of light corn syrup, 4 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of loose earl grey tea, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Have parchment paper ready to line an 8×8 inch pan.
Cooking Instructions
Start by heating the cream in a small pot until it just begins to simmer. Remove it from heat and add the earl grey tea leaves.
Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes, then strain out the tea leaves through a fine mesh strainer. In a medium saucepan, combine the infused cream, sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt.
Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, stop stirring and let it cook until it reaches 248°F on a candy thermometer.
Pour the hot caramel into your prepared pan. Let it cool at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Once set, cut the caramel into small squares using a sharp knife.
Serving Suggestion
Wrap each caramel in small squares of wax paper or cellophane to keep them from sticking together. Place them in your dessert box alongside other treats like cookies or chocolate.
The caramels will stay soft and chewy at room temperature for up to two weeks when properly wrapped.
Meringue Kisses
Meringue kisses are light and airy cookies that make a great addition to any Valentine’s Day dessert box. These small treats melt in your mouth and have a crisp texture on the outside.
The cookies get their name from their small, kiss-like shape. You can tint them pink or red to match the Valentine’s Day theme.
They also store well for several days in an airtight container.
Ingredients
You need 3 large egg whites at room temperature for this recipe. Add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
Include 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Add a few drops of red or pink food coloring if you want colored kisses.
You can also use 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a different taste.
Cooking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in a clean bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
Gradually add the sugar one tablespoon at a time while continuing to beat the mixture. Keep mixing until stiff peaks form and the mixture looks glossy.
This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Fold in the vanilla extract and food coloring if using.
Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small kiss shapes onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
Bake for 90 minutes without opening the oven door. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside for at least one hour.
This helps them dry out completely and prevents cracking.
Serving Suggestion
Package the meringue kisses in small clear bags tied with ribbon for your dessert box. You can also place them in a decorative tin with tissue paper between layers.
These cookies pair well with other treats like chocolate truffles or shortbread. They add visual interest to your box because of their delicate swirled shape.
Serve them at room temperature for the best texture.
Chocolate Lava Cakes
Chocolate lava cakes are a dessert that never fails to impress in a Valentine’s Day dessert box. When you cut into them, warm chocolate flows out from the center.
This creates a stunning moment that makes the dessert feel special. These individual cakes have a soft exterior with a gooey, molten chocolate center.
They look like they came from a fancy restaurant, but you can make them at home with basic ingredients. The best part is they only take about 25 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
You need butter, dark or semi-sweet chocolate, eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and flour. Using quality chocolate makes a big difference in the final taste and texture.
Some recipes add a pinch of salt or vanilla extract for extra flavor. You can also dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
Cooking Instructions
Start by greasing your ramekins with butter and dusting them with cocoa powder. This helps the cakes release easily after baking.
Melt the butter and chocolate together in a bowl. You can do this in the microwave or over a double boiler.
Mix the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar in a separate bowl until they become thick and pale. Fold the melted chocolate into the egg mixture.
Add the flour and gently mix until just combined. Pour the batter into your prepared ramekins, filling them about three-quarters full.
Bake the cakes at 425°F for 12 to 14 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers will still jiggle slightly.
Let them cool for one minute, then run a knife around the edges and flip them onto plates.
Serving Suggestion
Serve the cakes immediately while they’re still warm and the centers are flowing.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries pair well with the rich chocolate.
You can also garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color in your Valentine’s Day dessert box.
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I’m Nina, and I’m very passionate about spirituality. Exploring the depths of the soul and connecting with the divine has always been my source of inspiration. Join me on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace through my writing.