Many people think of Valentine’s Day as the love-themed holiday. They associate it with romance and sappy movies and couples and candlelit dinners. But when I think of Valentine’s Day, only one thing comes to mind – and that thing is chocolate.

To me, this is just another food-centric holiday – just another excuse to bake your little heart out and eat until you’re pregnant with food quintuplets, regardless of your relationship status.

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GIF courtesy of giphy.com

So when you do indulge this Valentine’s Day, and you KNOW you will, why settle for a lame box of store-bought chocolates just like every other year? Instead, try something new and check out these ah-mazing desserts.

1. Chocolate-Covered Slutty Rice Krispie Treats

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Photo by Phoebe Melnick

Meet the slutty brownie’s even tastier cousin. Recipe here.

2. Hot Chocolate Cookies

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Photo by Ashley Kim

Why drink your hot chocolate when you can bake it into something this delicious?

3. Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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Photo by Analiese Trimber

When you combine your favorite breakfast food and your favorite cookie, magic happens. Get the recipe here.

4. Strawberry And Chocolate Waffles

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Photo by Serena Ajbani

Because chocolate-covered waffles are always a good idea. Recipe here.

5. Chocolate Chip Cookie-Stuffed Brownie Cupcakes

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Photo by Julia Benson

We’re not sure if it’s a cupcake, a brownie, or a cookie. We just know it’s delicious. Find the recipe here.

6. Chocolate Linguine With Chocolate Sauce and Berries

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Photo by Benjamin Martin

Who said you can’t have dessert for dinner? Get the recipe.

7. Dark Chocolate Macarons

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Photo by Bon Jin

There’s no need to go all the way to Laduree for the perfect macaron.

#SpoonTip: But if trendy NYC desserts are indeed your thing, check these out.

8. Chocolate Chip Caramel Peanut Butter Bars

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Photo by Claire Thompson

Sweet, gooey, tooth-rotting, and delicious. Recipe here.

9. Chocolate Biscoff Crunch Ice Cream Cake

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Photo by Shivangi Surana

If you still haven’t tried Biscoff, you haven’t lived. Use this recipe.

10. Cinnamon Roll Waffle Sandwich with Bacon, Nutella, PB and Chocolate Chips

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Photo by Phoebe Melnick

All of your favorite things combined into one unreal handheld dessert.

11. Double Chocolate Fudge Avocado Cookies

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Photo by Katherine Baker

So good no one will ever suspect that they’re vegan. Recipe here.

#SpoonTip: Click here for even more vegan goodness.

12. Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Photo by Erin Grady

For when you want to put an elegant twist on the chocolate chip cookie. Find the recipe here.

13. Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

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Photo by Helena Lin

Mindblowingly tasty and even more mind-blowingly easy to make. Recipe here.

14. Peppermint Oreo Cupcakes

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Photo by Morgan Willie

Use up your leftover peppermint Oreos from the holidays in these cupcakes. Your tastebuds will thank you.

15. Almond Pecan Brownies

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Photo By Emily Stamp

I’m sure you’ll be NUTS for this crunchy and vegan take on the classic brownie. Find the recipe here.

16. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Biscotti

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Photo by Sayuri Sekimitsu

One of the world’s oldest and most delicious flavor combinations, guaranteed to impress. Recipe here.

#SpoonTip: Check out this article if you love all things chocolate and peanut butter.

17. Oreo Marshmallow Fluff Brownies

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Photo by Alison Mally

After eating these, we promise you’ll never look at brownies the same way again. Find the recipe here.

18. Chocolate Mocha Pancakes

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Photo by Sara Tane

These pancakes are the ultimate morning-after breakfast.

19. Chocolate Chip Cookie and Nutella Ice Box Cake

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Photo by Clarisse Callahan

Ice cream, cookies, and Nutella. Triple yes. Get the recipe here.

#SpoonTip: Real Nutella-lovers, click here.