The scent of warm sugar cookies fills the kitchen, and suddenly it feels like Valentine’s Day magic. These Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups are soft, colorful, and filled with a sweet surprise—a melty Hershey’s Hug tucked inside. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have bite-sized treats perfect for parties, gift boxes, or cozy family nights.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups
You’ll love these cookie cups because they’re so simple to make. There’s no complicated dough or fancy steps—just a few pantry staples and a bit of color. Each cup is the perfect single-serving dessert, and kids can help shape them too. Plus, they bake quickly and always turn out beautifully golden with a soft, chewy center.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need a 17.5 oz package of sugar cookie mix, melted salted butter, flour, one egg, and a touch of pink or red food coloring for that festive look. Hershey’s Hugs sit in the center for creamy sweetness, and sprinkles add sparkle while warm. This recipe makes 25 cookie cups, ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish.
Helpful Substitutions and Variations
You can easily switch things up. Try snickerdoodle mix instead of sugar cookie mix (just skip the cinnamon sugar). Use unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt if that’s what you have. Natural coloring like strawberry or raspberry juice works great too. For the candy, swap Hugs for Rolos, caramel M&Ms, or Reese’s minis. Add fun toppings like chocolate drizzle, frosting, or mini M&Ms for even more Valentine flair.
Tools That Make This Recipe Easier
You’ll need a mini cupcake pan, a mixing bowl, and measuring cups. Non-stick spray helps the cookie cups release easily. A rolling pin or clean hands will help flatten the dough, and a cooling rack keeps their shape while cooling. Using the right tools keeps each cookie cup even and picture-perfect.

How To Make Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups
Step 1 — Prepare the Pan and Mix the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray your mini cupcake pan. In a large bowl, mix the sugar cookie mix with melted butter, flour, egg, and food coloring. Stir until the dough is just combined and smooth.
Step 2 — Shape the Dough Around the Candy
Scoop about one tablespoon of dough. Flatten it slightly and place a Hershey’s Hug in the center. Wrap the dough around the candy and fix any cracks so it’s sealed and round.
Step 3 — Bake and Decorate
Place each dough ball upright in the pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges set. Then, while still warm, gently press sprinkles into the tops so they stick well. Let the cookie cups cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before removing them.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cookie Cups
To avoid cracking, don’t overmix your dough. If cracks appear, fix them before baking. Keep your candy centered by wrapping the dough evenly around it. Add food coloring sparingly for a pretty pastel pink. Finally, let the cookie cups cool in the pan; it helps them hold their shape without breaking.
Storage and Freezer Instructions
Store your cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap each cup individually and freeze for up to six months. To enjoy again, thaw at room temperature for about an hour they’ll taste freshly baked every time.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to chill the dough?
No, you don’t. This dough is ready to bake right after mixing.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! Bake them the night before and store in an airtight container. Add frosting or drizzle right before serving.
Can I swap out the Hershey’s Hugs?
Definitely. Reese’s, Rolos, or caramel-filled candies all work without changing the baking time.
Any tips for baking with kids?
Let kids choose the sprinkle colors or help shape the dough. It’s a fun and easy kitchen project.
More Such Recipes
- soft pumpkin oatmeal cookies for cozy holiday treats
- cinnamon roll dump cake for a sweet Valentine’s brunch
- simple churro cheesecake for festive dessert tables
- chocolate no-bake cookies recipe for last-minute Valentine sweets
- chewy chocolate chip cookies for classic Valentine’s Day indulgence
- caramel apple cheesecake bars as a decadent romantic dessert
- apple pie bites recipe to pair with cookie cups for themed parties

Conclusion
These Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups are the perfect way to share a little love from your kitchen. They’re quick, cute, and always a hit with family and friends. With their warm sugar cookie shells and hidden chocolate centers, they turn any moment into a sweet celebration. Find even more ideas on Pinterest or follow along on Facebook for festive bakes you’ll love to share.
Print
Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups | Amazing Easy Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 25 cookie cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, colorful Valentine’s Day Cookie Cups with a creamy Hershey’s Hug center. Ready in 35 minutes for parties, gifting, or sweet celebrations.
Ingredients
17.5 oz package sugar cookie mix
½ cup salted butter, melted
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 large egg, room temperature
Pink or red food coloring
24–26 unwrapped Hershey’s Hugs
Decorative sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a mini cupcake pan with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, mix sugar cookie mix, melted butter, flour, egg, and food coloring until just combined.
3. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten using hands or a rolling pin, and place a Hershey’s Hug in the center.
4. Wrap dough around the candy to form a ball, fixing any cracks.
5. Place each dough ball upright into the pan.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes until set on the outside.
7. Remove from oven and gently press sprinkles into the tops while warm.
8. Let cool for 15 minutes before removing from the pan and serving.
Notes
Cool cookie cups in the pan for 15 minutes before removing to prevent breaking.
Fix cracks when forming dough around the candy.
Press sprinkles into the warm tops immediately after baking so they stick better.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Freeze individually wrapped cookie cups for up to six months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Valentine's Day Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie cup
- Calories: 138
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 17mg

Hello. Can I use a cream cheese filling for the strawberry cups?
Yes, you can. Bake the cookie cups first and let them cool completely, then fill with a sweetened cream cheese mixture and add the strawberry topping. Since it is dairy based, store the filled cups in the fridge and enjoy within 2 to 3 days.