Strawberry Pancakes
If one is looking for an easy Valentine-themed breakfast, strawberry pancakes are the way to go. These light and fluffy pancakes are easy to make and add an extra burst of flavor coming from the fresh strawberries. Enjoy this delightful and simple recipe for a fun Valentine’s Day treat.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cup plain flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Touch of salt
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 1.25 cup milk
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced into cubes
Step 1: Whisk together the dry ingredients.
Step 2: Melt butter in a microwave safe bowl. Whisk together with the other wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients together.
Step 4: Dice strawberries into cubes, add into batter.
Step 5: Heat a pan to medium heat with butter.
Step 6: Pour batter into pan until the size is to your preference, and then flip to the other side once bubbles form around the border.
Step 7: Repeat until all the batter is used.
Chocolate Loaves:
Chocolate loaves are for those with a strong sweet tooth and want to stick to a classic “chocolate for Valentine’s” theme. One can also add in extra elements, such as coffee or cinnamon for a different taste. While a bit more difficult to bake, these loaves come out of the oven soft and tasty.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter,
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Put the butter, cocoa and milk in a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave on high for about 3 minutes. Whisk to combine.
Step 3: Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Once combined, add in cocoa mixture.
Step 4: Cover a mini-loaf baking pan with vegetable oil, divide batter evenly in pan, bake for 30-40 minutes, remove and cool once fully baked.
Step 5: Top with powdered sugar.
Valentine’s Sugar Cookies:
Sometimes, less is more, which is the case for these Valentine’s sugar cookies. Much like normal sugar cookies, these are simple and easy to make, with icing that takes it to the next level. If one is looking for a quick and simple homemade gift for that special someone, these cookies are the way to go.
Ingredients:
Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook’s Note), plus more for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (12 tablespoons), at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Icing:
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Red gel food coloring
- Pink gel food coloring
- Sprinkles (optional)
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: For the cookies: Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
Step 3: Combine the butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated. Add the flour mixture and mix until well combined.
Step 4: Roll the dough out evenly and cut with heart-shaped cookie cutters. Place onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-14 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack once finished.
Step 5: For the icing: Whisk the confectioners’ sugar, milk and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth. Add in 4 drops of red dye
Step 6: Dip cookies face-side down. Allow excess icing to drip before placing back onto the cooling rack. Add sprinkles if using.