29 Sweet Valentine Treats for Kids

Red Velvet Spritz Cookies

6 Reviews

Total Time:30 min

Servings:about 8-1/2 dozen

Test Kitchen Approved

From the Recipe Creator: I had never come across a red velvet spritz recipe, so I decided to create one. The hint of cocoa makes these taste like red velvet cake. Add peppermint flavoring for a little extra kick. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

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Valentine Treats for Kids FAQ

How can I make allergy-friendly Valentine treats for kids?

There are plenty of ways to make Valentine’s Day desserts while keeping common food allergies—like gluten, nuts and dairy—in mind. A good rule of thumb is to avoid nuts altogether. Even if your own child doesn’t have a nut allergy, many classrooms are nut-free. Adding them to brownies, cookies or bars can pose a risk for classmates with severe sensitivities.

If gluten is the concern, try swapping traditional all-purpose flour for gluten-free options such as chickpea flour, brown rice flour or a gluten-free baking blend designed to mimic regular flour. These alternatives work well in cookies, cupcakes and brownies without sacrificing texture or flavor.

For kids who are lactose intolerant or avoiding dairy, plant-based milks like oat, almond (if nut-free policies allow) or soy are easy substitutes in most recipes. You can also use dairy-free butter, coconut oil or vegan chocolate chips to re-create classic Valentine treats without milk or cream.

Can kid-friendly Valentine’s goodies be made ahead of time?

You bet—and we highly recommend it. February 14 should be spent exchanging Valentines and devouring festive treats, not elbows-deep in baking supplies.

Make-ahead recipes like cake pops, Rice Krispies bars, red velvet spritz cookies, Jell-O hearts and roses can all be prepared a few days in advance. Simply store them in airtight containers for easy, mess-free transport to parties and classrooms.

For desserts that require frosting, wait to add it until just before serving. Applying homemade or store-bought icing at the last minute helps prevent smudging and ensures your treats look as good as they taste.

How do I package Valentine goodies for gifts?

This is the perfect moment to get creative. After all, the outsides of your fun Valentine’s desserts should be just as cute as what’s inside. Fill heart-printed clear cellophane bags with goodies and tie them off with red or pink string, ribbon or baker’s twine. Then, add a handmade note or Valentine tag for a personal touch.

You can also opt for festive treat boxes with lids (many are available online) featuring playful designs like Xs and Os, hearts or lip prints. For a more old-fashioned, retro vibe, try Valentine-themed stamps from Etsy and make your own wrapping paper using brown paper bags or kraft paper.

Storing baked goods in parchment or waxed paper before wrapping helps keep treats fresh while adding an extra layer of surprise when they’re unwrapped.