Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show a little extra love, and what better way than with homemade treats instead of store-bought gifts? These pink, vegan, and gluten-free homemade heart-shaped cookies are filled with rich chocolate goodness (yes please!).  And the best part... they’re made without artificial flavouring or colouring. Perfect for anyone with allergies or simply for those who want a healthier yet indulgent treat. Sharing is optional hahaha.

Recipe by The Pretty Bee

Servings: Makes about 12 delicious cookies.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup gluten-free flour blend
• ½ cup almond flour
• ½ cup coconut sugar (or Xylitol if you want it sugar-free)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp beetroot juice (for natural pink colour)
• 2-3 tbsp unsweetened almond milk

For the Chocolate Filling:

• ½ cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp coconut cream

Instructions

1. Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl (gluten-free flour blend, almond flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt).
2. Add the wet ingredients (melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and beetroot juice), and mix until combined.
3. Gradually add the almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together but isn’t sticky.

2. Shape the Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C and line a baking tray with reusable silicone baking sheets.
2. Roll out the dough between two reusable baking sheets to about ¼-inch thickness.
3. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or your hands to make the heart shapes and place them on the prepared tray.
4. Re-roll the scraps and repeat until all the dough is used.

3. Bake the Cookies:

1. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; they’ll firm up as they cool.
2. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Prepare the Chocolate Filling:

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the dark chocolate chips with coconut cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
2. Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly to thicken.

5. Assemble the Cookies:

1. Spread a small amount of chocolate filling on the flat side of one cookie.
2. Gently press another cookie on top to sandwich the filling.
3. Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
4. Lick the bowl, we all know we do it.

Pro Tips for Perfect Love Cookies

• Rolling the dough: Keep the dough chilled if it becomes too soft. Cold dough is easier to work with!
• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week. If you’re feeling extra romantic, warm them slightly before serving.
• Clean-up made easy: Melted chocolate can be tricky. Soak your utensils in hot water as soon as you’re done using them for effortless cleaning.

A Heartfelt Treat

These vegan, gluten-free, heart-shaped cookies are the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat. Whether you’re sharing them with a partner, gifting them to a friend, or treating yourself (because self-love is important too!), these cookies express thoughtfulness and love. Plus, they’re almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

If you make these cookies, don’t forget to tag @goforzero_au on social media. We’d love to see your creations!

With love, always!

GFZ team x