Best of the Web: Chocolate Treats

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with rich, dark, decadent chocolate? For creative ways to savor the holiday’s signature flavor, we turned to some of our favorite bloggers, where we found mouthwatering inspiration for truffles, cakes, cookies, brownies and more. Here are a handful that made us swoon.

 

Chocolate Hazelnut Linzer Hearts by Smitten Kitchen These nutty cookie sandwiches are cut into hearts and spread with Nutella — perfect for a Valentine’s Day party.

Dark Chocolate Whipped Cream by Food52 No matter what you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a dollop of this will take it over the top.

Dried Cherry and Cacao Nib Brownies by Brooklyn Supper These brownies are filled with festive (and colorful!) surprises: tart dried cherries and crunchy cocoa nibs.

Nibby Chocolate Rye Muffins by A Sweet Spoonful These chocolatey muffins rely on whole-grain rye flour for an extra dose of hearty flavor.

Chocolate Shortbread Heart Cookies by Two Peas & Their Pod A smattering of red, pink and white sprinkles gives these crispy shortbread cookies a touch of charm.

Chocolate Chocolate Donut by Table for Two Surprise your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day with a breakfast of one of these cakey, creamy doughnuts, and you’ll earn big brownie points.

Red Velvet Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes with Chocolate Ganache Center by Half Baked Harvest Filled with gooey chocolate ganache, these crimson cakes would make a gorgeous finale to a special dinner.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes by Heather Christo Moist chocolate cupcakes, a layer of strawberry-cream cheese frosting, and a fresh chocolate-dipped strawberry — these cupcakes were meant for a V-day celebration.

Dark Chocolate Brownies by The Pioneer Woman No need to mess with a classic — these rich and decadent brownies will delight any chocoholic.

Flourless Chocolate Almond Cakes by A Couple Cooks These gluten-free treats are filled with ground almonds instead of flour, and they get an extra kick from a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne.

Raspberry Cheesecake Brownie Bites by Just a Taste A swirl of raspberry-laced cream cheese gives brownie bites a pop of color. These would make great gifts!

Raw Chamomile + Lavender + Bee Pollen Chocolate Truffles by Local Milk The mild, natural flavors of chamomile, lavender and bee pollen are unexpected pairings for rich chocolate truffles. (P.S.: These are vegan!)

 

Top images from Smitten Kitchen, A Couple Cooks, Table for Two, Heather Christo, Half Baked Harvest, Food52, Local Milk, Two Peas & Their Pod, Just a Taste