Valentine's Day DIY: Chocolate Treats

We've been getting in the Valentine's Day spirit here at Honest and today we're totally falling for these delectable DIY desserts from Kristin O'Connor. We love how easy it is to customize this recipe based on your family's favorites and we think your little ones will get a kick out of it too. Get creative and let us know which flavor combo you like the best!

Ingredients

1 (10 oz) bag dark chocolate chips

1.5 oz 100% dark chocolate, broken into small pieces

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping ideas 

1/4 cup dried goji berries

1/4 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup cocoa nibs

1/4 cup dried cherries

2 tablespoons naturally dyed sugar sprinkles

2 tablespoons maple sugar

Tools

Heart shaped cookie cutters (I like to use multiple sizes), parchment paper, baking sheet, refrigerator

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Pour chocolate chips, 100% dark chocolate and ground cinnamon into a glass or metal bowl and place over a saucepan filled about 2” with water. You can also use a double boiler for this, if you have one; simply place chocolate and cinnamon in the top of the double boiler and fill the bottom pot with about 2” of water. The key is to have enough water below the bowl or double boiler to steam the chocolate, but make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl.

3. Place the pot (with bowl over top) over medium heat and gently stir the chocolate until it has completely melted. This will take about 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Once the chocolate has melted, pour the chocolate onto the parchment lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to help you smooth the chocolate out into an even layer that is about 1/4” in thickness. (the thickness is really just a preference, you don’t have to get too crazy making sure it is perfect — it is more important that the chocolate is relatively even).

5. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to help the chocolate set and harden. This takes about 20 minutes total, depending on how cold your fridge is.

6. Part way through cooling, about 6-8 minutes after you place the chocolate in the refrigerator, remove and place on the counter. The chocolate should be partially cooled and the consistency of a soft paste. Press heart shaped cookie cutters into the chocolate and gently wiggle to make sure you are making a clear cut. Decorate hearts with toppings in any shape or fashion you wish. (Honest Tip: To keep sprinkles confined to one heart shape, add the sprinkles while your cookie cutter is still in the chocolate! If you want to get fancy, you can also use a straw to poke a hole in the top of your chocolate heart and use it has a tag on the outside of a bag containing the rest of your homemade chocolates.)

7. Place the cut and decorated chocolate back into the refrigerator on the same sheet pan without removing the cut chocolate from the tray. Let it cool the rest of the way (about an additional 15 minutes). When the chocolate is completely cooled, it will be hard and you can snap apart the ‘scrap’ chocolate bits to reveal your hearts…of course you know what to do with the scraps.

8. Remove hearts from the tray using an offset spatula and place on a serving platter.

9. Store chocolate in a cool-dry place for up to a week. This is a great, make-ahead treat!

~Kristin O’Connor

Kristin is a published author and private chef focused on encouraging optimal wellness. The Kristin O’Connor brand of gluten-free, eco-friendly products is a true culmination of her passion for health and devotion to philanthropy, bearing a mantra as wholesome and pleasing as her food! For more inspiration, check out her website and Instagram.

For more Valentine's Day fun click here, here or here!