Valentine’s Day Hershey’s Cookie Cups Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet, adorable treat to celebrate the season of love, I’ve got just the thing! This Valentine’s Day Hershey’s Cookie Cups Recipe is hands down one of my go-to desserts when I want something festive but fuss-free. Imagine bite-sized sugar cookie cups hugging a melty Hershey’s hug in the center—guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try one. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you end up with perfectly tender, chocolaty delights that’ll have your friends and family asking for seconds.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, plus a few festive extras. I love using a pre-made sugar cookie mix because it saves me time and still tastes fantastic—and the melted butter and egg help bind everything perfectly. The pink or red food coloring is more than just for color; it makes these cookie cups feel special and on-theme for Valentine’s Day.

• Sugar cookie mix: Choose a quality mix for best results—this is the base for your cookie cup structure.
• Salted butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps the dough become wonderfully tender.
• All-purpose flour: A little extra flour ensures the dough holds up well around the candy center.
• Large egg: Brings the dough together and adds a nice crumb texture.
• Pink or red food coloring: Because this is Valentine’s Day, right? Feel free to adjust the shade to get just the right look.
• Hershey’s hugs (unwrapped): The star of the show—milk chocolate with white chocolate stripes, they melt so beautifully inside the cookie cups.
• Decorative sprinkles (optional): For that extra festive pop and texture on top.

Variations

I love that this Valentine’s Day Hershey’s Cookie Cups Recipe is totally customizable. Over the years, I’ve tried swapping the candy or fiddling with colors, and you can make it your own too! Don’t hesitate to experiment to fit your style or dietary needs—this recipe is forgiving and delicious every time.

• Swap the chocolate: Instead of Hershey’s hugs, try mini peanut butter cups or white chocolate chips for a new twist—I found my family particularly loved the peanut butter version!
• Use natural food coloring: If you prefer natural ingredients, beet juice or raspberry powder can add color without artificial dyes.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix and GF flour blend to make this treat safe for gluten-sensitive friends without sacrificing flavor.
• Sprinkles & toppings: Feel free to sprinkle crushed candy canes or edible glitter for extra sparkle and seasonal fun.

How to Make Valentine’s Day Hershey’s Cookie Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prep your pan and ingredients

First things first—spray a mini cupcake pan generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This little step is crucial because these cookie cups will bake evenly on a non-stick surface, and you want them to pop out beautifully once they’re cooked.

Step 2: Mix your cookie dough

In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, flour, the egg, and your pink or red food coloring. I usually start with a few drops of coloring and add more until I get a sweet rosy hue. Beat everything until just combined—don’t overmix or your cookies might get tough.

Step 3: Shape and fill each cookie cup

Grab about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your palm to roughly the size of your hand. Place one unwrapped Hershey’s hug right in the middle, then carefully wrap the dough around it, sealing it like a little dough ball with a hidden chocolate surprise inside. Place each dough ball upright into the prepared muffin pan. Keep going until you run out of dough—about enough to fill 24-26 cavities.

Step 4: Bake and decorate

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the outside to look set but not overly browned—the inside is where the magic happens with that gooey Hershey’s hug. When they’re out, sprinkle some decorative sprinkles on top while they’re still warm for that perfect pop of color and fun.

Step 5: Cool and enjoy

Let your cookie cups cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before gently removing and serving. The chocolate will be melty but not lava-hot, so you and your guests can enjoy that delightful combo of soft cookie and warm chocolate center. I promise, once you try one, you’ll be hooked!

How to Serve Valentine’s Day Hershey’s Cookie Cups Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping these with a sprinkle of festive red and white nonpareils or tiny heart-shaped sprinkles right after baking—it melts right into the tops and adds just the right bit of crunch and color. For a slightly grown-up twist, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate works beautifully.

Side Dishes

These little cookie cups pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a rich, creamy hot cocoa. If you’re serving at a party, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside makes for a dreamy dessert duo. For a refreshing balance, I often serve fresh berries or even a few slices of citrus fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

For Valentine’s Day, I like to arrange these cookie cups in pretty little paper cupcake liners and place them all on a tiered dessert stand—it turns them into a sweet centerpiece. Gift-wise, a cute box tied with a ribbon turns them into an instant homemade present. Simple yet stunning!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delicious and fresh for up to two weeks, so you can make them ahead of time without stress. Just keep them away from heat or humidity to maintain their soft texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these before without any issues! Just wrap each cookie cup individually in plastic wrap or foil, then arrange in a freezer-safe container or bag. They last well for 5-6 months, perfect if you want to prep early and pull treats out for another occasion.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes, enough to soften the chocolate center again without drying out the cookie. You can also microwave one for about 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but watch closely so it doesn’t get too hot or lose texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Valentine’s Day Hershey’s Cookie Cups Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday treats because it blends nostalgia and creativity with super simple steps. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these cookie cups deliver that cozy homemade feel with a little extra love baked right in. I know you’ll enjoy making and sharing them just as much as I do—so grab your mini cupcake pan and get baking. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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