Lovely Valentine’s Day: 8 Valentine’s Treats to Make With Your Toddler

Being home alone the past few months with an infant and a toddler, all sense of time and day have gone out the window. There’s a 95% change that I won’t know what day of the week it is (what’s a “weekend” anymore?), and even less clue about the time besides the general – as my toddler would say “the sun is awake!” So you can imagine my surprise when I started hearing people (i.e. the TV) talk about Valentine’s Day approaching. Wait, it’s not still January 2?! So to hop on the love train, here’s a collection of adorable and delicious-looking Valentine’s Day treats that look easy enough to make with a toddler. Because, ya know, anything that entertains a toddler for longer than 5 minutes is pure gold in my book. And we all know what’s going to happen to these goodies once they’re done: Little Miss will get to eat one of them, and then Mommy and Daddy will devour the rest while she’s asleep. Now that’s love. So dust off those heart-shaped cookie cutters, and let’s get cooking!

Cupid Crispies – These would be the perfect Valentine’s treats  to send to school/daycare with your little one, or to munch on at home.

Homemade Oreos with Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling  – You had my heart at homemade oreos. At least the strawberry cream cheese filling adds a little bit of protein to this otherwise delectable sweet. Have your toddler help mix up the batter and filling. But don’t turn your back unless you want that whole batter disappearing in the blink of an eye!

Red Velvet & Strawberry Trifle  – A cool, creamy and refreshing dessert, have your toddler help scoop the different components into a clear glass or trifle bowl (if you’re fancy enough to own such a thing.)

Valentine’s Day Pretzel Rods  – These adorable pretzel rods couldn’t be easier to make (I made similar ones for Little Miss’ past two birthdays) and the salty-sweet combo makes for a delicious snack. Kids will love helping you dip the rods into the melted chocolate and rolling it in sprinkles.

Valentine Rice Krispie Pops  – Too. Cute. I love anything Rice Krispy treats-like, and these are no exception. They’re easy to make and involve sprinkles aka the perfect toddler afternoon activity.

Heart Brownie Pizza Brownie + fresh strawberries = major yum. 

Cherry Hand Pies – Confession: I hate making pie crust, but these are so sweet looking that I may just have to lift the ban on dough making in my kitchen. Young kids can help by being the official cookie-cutter wielder, or helping to scoop the cherry filling inside.

Ice Cream Sandwiches with Bittersweet Heart Cookies  – OMG how yummy do these look? (Hubby, I’m talking to you.) Now these look a bit more labor intensive than some of the other recipes, but you know your toddler will adore you for making these with them. Just watch out for the inevitable sugar rush – and crash – afterwards.