Valentine Crinkle Cookies

Name: Valentine Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15.25 ounces) White cake mix; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; White sanding sugar (optional); 24 chocolate heart candies

By:

Marry

Published:

December 22, 2025

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show your love than with some delicious Valentine Crinkle Cookies? These treats are not only super easy to whip up, but they also look impressive with that charming crinkly top and surprise chocolate heart inside. Imagine biting into a sweet, soft cookie and discovering that delightful burst of chocolate! Plus, they’re perfect for baking with friends or family, creating sweet memories in the kitchen.

Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get mixing! With just a few ingredients, you’ll have the perfect cookies for sharing, gifting, or even indulging all by yourself (no judgment here!). So, let’s sweeten up the season of love with some irresistible Valentine Crinkle Cookies that will definitely steal the show!

Why This Recipe Works

Valentine Crinkle Cookies are a beautiful combination of flavor and presentation, making them perfect for expressing love on this special day. Utilizing a simple cake mix elevates these cookies with minimal effort, creating a delightful treat that captures the essence of Valentine’s Day. The crinkly surface and heart-shaped chocolate center not only enhance their charm but also ensure a tender, moist cookie, making every bite irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Valentine Crinkle Cookies

These Valentine Crinkle Cookies check all the boxes for a delightful dessert: they’re quick, easy, and outrageously scrumptious! With just five ingredients, you’ll have the ideal treat to make with loved ones. The festive white sanding sugar adds a touch of sparkle, while the chocolate hearts ensure an enchanting surprise, delivering love in every bite!

Ingredients for Valentine Crinkle Cookies

1 (15.25 ounces) White cake mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
White sanding sugar (optional)
24 chocolate heart candies

Making Valentine Crinkle Cookies

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies cook evenly and achieve that perfect crinkle. While the oven heats up, you can prepare your baking sheet.

Mix the Ingredients

In a standing mixer, combine the white cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is thoroughly mixed, creating a uniform dough. If you don’t have a mixer, a sturdy bowl and whisk work just as well!

Shape the Cookie Dough

Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scooper, portion the dough and roll each scoop into a ball with your hands. This part is fun! You’ll start to see those cookie balls come together, and you can already imagine the deliciousness.

Coat with Sanding Sugar

Pour the white sanding sugar into a small bowl. Roll each cookie dough ball in the sanding sugar to create a sparkling top, adding a festive flair to your cookies. This little touch makes your Valentine Crinkle Cookies stand out!

Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. This spacing allows room for the cookies to spread as they bake. You don’t want them to stick together!

Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they start to crack on the top but remain soft inside. Don’t worry if they appear a bit soft; they’ll firm up as they cool.

Add the Chocolate Heart

Once you’ve removed the cookies from the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for one minute. Gently press a chocolate heart candy into the center of each cookie before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This little surprise at the center makes everyone smile!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful Valentine Crinkle Cookies fresh from the oven or packaged in decorative boxes as gifts. They make perfect little tokens of affection! Pair them with a tall glass of milk or a hot cup of cocoa for an extra special treat. Imagine curling up with your favorite beverage and enjoying these sweet bites!

Tips for Success

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly, here are some handy tips:

Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a creamier dough.
Experiment with different flavors of cake mix, like red velvet or chocolate, for unique variations.
If using sanding sugar, go for coarse sugar to enhance the visual appeal of your cookies.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with these Valentine Crinkle Cookies! Here are a few variations to consider:

Add a touch of vanilla or almond extract to the dough for added depth.
Substitute chocolate hearts with other sweet treats like mini marshmallows or caramel candies for delightful surprises.
For added texture, mix in chopped nuts or sprinkles before baking.

Storage Tips

To keep your leftover cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the unbaked dough in individual balls. This way, you can bake as needed and enjoy fresh cookies anytime!

Pairing Ideas

These Valentine Crinkle Cookies pair beautifully with:

Fresh strawberries or raspberries to complement the sweetness.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
A glass of chilled sparkling juice or sweet wine for a romantic touch.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or red velvet to create new variations.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should have a cracked surface and a soft center. They will continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven.

3. Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it, baking them fresh when needed.

4. What if I don’t have sanding sugar?
You can omit the sanding sugar; however, it adds an appealing visual aspect and slight crunch.

5. How long can I store these cookies?
Stored in an airtight container, they will stay fresh for about a week. You can freeze them for up to three months.

These Valentine Crinkle Cookies are a wonderful way to share love and joy with family and friends. With their ease of preparation and delightful taste, they are bound to become a cherished part of your Valentine’s Day traditions. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or shared as gifts, these cookies offer a sweet reminder of love in its many forms.