I love making these Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups because they are festive, simple, and full of sweet surprises. Each soft sugar cookie cup hides a chocolate kiss inside, making them perfect for kids, parties, or anyone who enjoys a fun Valentine’s Day treat. I often make these when I want something cute that doesn’t take a lot of time or complicated steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it uses a sugar cookie mix, which keeps things easy while still tasting homemade. I enjoy how customizable these cookie cups are with different colors and sprinkles. The surprise chocolate center makes them extra special, and they are great for gifting or sharing at school events and family gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
17.5 oz sugar cookie mix
½ cup salted butter, melted
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 large egg
Pink or red food coloring
24–26 Hershey’s Hugs
Decorative sprinkles
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a muffin pan. In a mixing bowl, I combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, flour, and egg until a soft dough forms. I then add a few drops of pink or red food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
I scoop the dough into the muffin pan, filling each cavity about halfway. I bake the cookie cups for about 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set. As soon as I remove them from the oven, I gently press a chocolate hug into the center of each cookie cup. I let them cool completely in the pan so they keep their shape, then finish by adding decorative sprinkles on top.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 24 to 26 cookie cups from this recipe.
Preparation time is around 10 minutes.
Baking time is 10 to 12 minutes.
Cooling time takes about 15 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes swap the Hershey’s Hugs for Hershey’s Kisses or mini peanut butter cups. When I want a different look, I use white or red dough and change the sprinkles to match other holidays. I also like adding a drop of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store these cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want them to last longer, I keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. I don’t usually reheat them, but if I want the chocolate center slightly soft, I warm one in the microwave for about 5 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make these cookie cups ahead of time?
I often make them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Do I have to use a muffin pan?
I recommend using a muffin pan because it helps the cookies hold their cup shape.
Can I freeze these cookie cups?
I freeze them without the chocolate inside for up to 2 months, then add the chocolate after thawing.
What food coloring works best?
I usually use gel food coloring because it gives a bright color without changing the dough texture.
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?
I have used homemade dough before, and it works well as long as it’s sturdy enough to hold its shape.
Conclusion
I enjoy making these Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups because they are easy, festive, and always a hit. The combination of soft sugar cookies and a hidden chocolate center makes them irresistible, and I love how simple they are to customize for any celebration.
Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups are festive and fun sugar cookie treats baked in a muffin pan, each with a surprise Hershey’s Hug in the center. Easy to make using a cookie mix and perfect for parties, gifting, or holiday baking with kids.
Total Time:37 minutes (including cooling)
Yield:24–26 cookie cups
Ingredients
17.5 oz sugar cookie mix
½ cup salted butter, melted
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 large egg
Pink or red food coloring
24–26 Hershey’s Hugs
Decorative sprinkles
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin pan.
In a bowl, mix together sugar cookie mix, melted butter, flour, and egg until a soft dough forms.
Add a few drops of food coloring and stir until evenly colored.
Scoop dough into muffin pan cavities, filling each about halfway.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
Immediately press a Hershey’s Hug into the center of each cookie cup.
Cool completely in the pan to help retain shape.
Top with decorative sprinkles before serving.
Notes
Use Hershey’s Kisses or mini peanut butter cups for variation.
Change sprinkle colors and dough color to match other holidays.
Add a drop of vanilla or almond extract for enhanced flavor.
Use gel food coloring for vibrant results without altering dough texture.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
