Homemade cupcakes are a more thoughtful token of love or friendship on February 14 than any mass-produced sweet. The cupcakes below are all easy to decorate and (save for the brownie cupcake) can be made with two dozen cupcakes in any flavor. Prepare a batch for your sweetheart, box them up for a child’s classroom party, or hand-deliver them one by one to neighbors and office mates.

　　

Ingredients

makes 24 per recipe

　　

Handwritten Valentines

Step 1

Inspired by the popular supermarket-variety cream-filled chocolate treats, these cupcakes are both playful and sophisticated. Make chocolate ganache glaze (page 312). Dip each cupcake into glaze, letting excess drip off; invert and let set, 30 minutes. Fill a paper cornet (see page 298) with 2 ounces melted, cooled white chocolate; write messages on cupcakes, working from left to right edges without stopping (practice on parchment paper). Cupcakes can be stored up to 2 days at room temperature in airtight containers.

　　

Hugs and Kisses

Step 2

These cupcakes look particularly charming when arranged in an alternating pattern. Using an offset spatula, spread cupcakes with a smooth layer of Swiss meringue buttercream (page 304). Press small cinnamon red-hot candies (you’ll need about 3/4 cup) into the frosting to form Xs, Os, and heart shapes. Frosted cupcakes can be refrigerated up to 3 days in airtight containers; bring to room temperature and adorn with candies just before serving.

　　

Brownie cut-out Hearts

Step 3

What better gift for a chocolate lover than heart-shaped brownies stacked atop frosted brownie cupcakes? Prepare the brownie recipe on page 322; it yields 2 dozen cupcakes and an 8-inch square for cutting out hearts. Using an offset spatula, spread cupcakes with fluffy vanilla frosting (page 302) tinted pink with gel-paste food color. Cut out hearts from the brownie square using a 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter. Place hearts on frosted cupcakes, pressing gently to adhere. Decorated cupcakes can be refrigerated up to 3 days in airtight containers; bring to room temperature before serving.

　　

Candy Sprinkle Hearts

Step 4

If you’re short on time, or baking for a large crowd, you can rely on these easy-to-decorate cupcakes. Using an offset spatula, spread cupcakes with fluffy vanilla frosting (page 302) and sprinkle the tops with tiny candy hearts (see Sources, page 342). Frosted cupcakes can be refrigerated up to 3 days in airtight containers; bring to room temperature and sprinkle with heart candies just before serving.

　　Martha Stewart's Cupcakes