20 Valentine’s Day Recipes to Fall in Love With

I know a lot of you hate Valentine’s Day, whether it be because you’re single or because you resent being forced to buy gifts for your significant other. I fall into the former category (if my cat lady ways weren’t a good enough clue for you to figure that out already), but I’ve never hated Valentine’s Day because I’ve got a million other things to love besides a man.

Here are my Valentines this year:

• Mother & Father Cookie
• Sister Cookie
• My incredibly loving grandparents
• My best friend at college
• My cats, Mina & Mr. Poe
• My dog, Reese
• The best boss ever
• My wonderful, one-of-a-kind co-workers
• One particular co-worker who doubles as my fitness guru and friend
• And of course, my fantastic and supportive readers, AKA you!

I think that’s a lot to be grateful for this V-Day. If you’re just looking at romantic love this V-Day, then you’re being much too narrow-minded. There are all kinds of love around you, even if it’s just a furry friend. Show them so love, and more importantly, show yourself some love too. The absolute best way to do that is to make something delicious. People really appreciate that you put forth the love and sweat to make it yourself. Even if you’re just cooking for one this V-Day, you’ll be amazed by how much some wonderful homemade eats and treats will brighten the day.

Here are my top 20 Smart Cookie Valentine’s Day recipes, from confections sweeter than your sweetheart to romantic meals. Enjoy!

Psst…the numbers correlate with the photos up top!

1. Two-Bite Red Velvet Candy Cakes
2. Triple Chocolate Delirium Cupcakes
3. Chewy Red Velvet Bars w/ Whipped Cream Frosting
4. Strawberry Sweetheart Bars
5. Chocolate Chip Lava Cookies
6. 3-Ingredient White Chocolate Walnut Truffles
7. Vodka Blush Pizza
8. Soft Sweetheart Sugar Cookies
9. Fudge Brownie Thumbprint Cookies w/ Caramel Drizzle
10. Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Strawberry Buttercream Filling
11. Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
12. Sparkling Strawberry Cookies
13. Lil’ Pizza Bites – Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter!
14. Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo
15. Homemade Conversation Hearts
16. Copycat Chocolate Candy Shop Blizzards
17. Puppy Love Brownie Cupcakes
18. Tortellini Dippers w/ Four-Cheese Fondue and Pesto Dipping Sauce
19. Chocolate Oatmeal Krispie Bites
20. Strawberry Mousse Mini Pies

Happy Valentines Day, Smart Cookiers! You’re the best Valentine’s I could ask for.