It’s pretty much a given that everyone will flock to the store to buy Valentine’s Day chocolates and desserts, so why not do something special and make your own this year?
Whether you’re treating your significant other, your BFF, or yourself, these copycat dessert recipes are the ultimate way to show your love. Because the only thing better than a bag of Reese’s, a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, or a Magnolia Bakery cupcake is the homemade version.
1. Georgetown Cupcake’s Red Velvet Cupcakes
Red velvet cupcakes are meant for Valentine’s Day, and this recipe from Georgetown Cupcake is as good as it gets.
Get the recipe: Georgetown Cupcake’s red velvet cupcakes
2. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Your Reese’s-obsessed partner will absolutely worship you if you go above and beyond by making your own peanut butter cups instead of buying them from the store.
Get the recipe: homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
3. Krispy Kreme Glazed Doughnuts
Let’s be real: the most romantic breakfast in bed is a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Make your own at home in your PJs without having to run to your nearest location.
Get the recipe: Krispy Kreme glazed doughnuts
4. Serendipity 3’s Frozen Hot Chocolate
New York City’s Serendipity 3 is a romantic spot for Valentine’s Day, but you can make its famous frozen hot chocolate no matter where you live. Serve it in a large glass with two decorative straws for sharing!
Get the recipe: Serendipity 3’s Frozen Hot Chocolate
5. Thin Mints
Sure, Valentine’s Day falls within Girl Scout cookie season, but a homemade version of Thin Mints is way more impressive than the box.
Get the recipe: homemade Thin Mints
6. Dominique Ansel’s Blossoming Hot Chocolate
Dominique Ansel’s Blossoming Hot Chocolate is one of the coolest and coziest takes on hot chocolate, but it’s only available in NYC. We hacked the recipe for the flower-shaped marshmallow that you can add to your favorite hot cocoa.
Get the recipe: Dominique Ansel’s Blossoming Marshmallow
7. Magnolia Bakery’s Vanilla Cupcakes
Vanilla cupcakes don’t get much better than the ones from Magnolia Bakery, which are perfectly moist and topped with a rich buttercream frosting. Dye the frosting pink or red to make them even more V-Day appropriate.
Get the recipe: Magnolia Bakery’s vanilla cupcakes
8. Starbucks-Inspired Chocolate Croissant
If your honey’s ideal breakfast is a coffee and a chocolate croissant from Starbucks, surprise them with a homemade croissant that’s even better.
Get the recipe: two-ingredient chocolate croissant
9. S’mores Girl Scout Cookies
The new S’mores Girl Scout cookies are a dream, but if you can’t find them near you, surprise your valentine with our homemade version.
Get the recipe: Girl Scout-inspired s’mores cookies
10. Tim Tams
An Australian favorite, Tim Tams are kind of like chocolate-dipped chocolate Oreos, except even better. Tim Tams are now available in the US, but if you’ve got a superfan on your hands, the homemade version will be greatly appreciated.
Get the recipe: homemade Tim Tams