12 Must-Haves for a Despicably Cool Minions Party

Marvel at this gorgeous pink dessert recipe: Luscious layers of homemade peach jam are sandwiched by moist vanilla cake. The ombre frosting gives an elegant hint of the fruity surprise hiding within. (via Live for Cake)

Pink Champagne Macarons

Nothing screams Galentine’s Day like all things bubbly and pink. That’s why these macarons, made with sparkling moscato, are the perfect pink dessert recipe. (via Sprinkles for Breakfast)

Pink Mint Chocolate Bark

Stained Glass Cookie Pops

These Valentine's cookies take some real skill, but the heavy-lifting for this recipe will be well-worth it once you see your date's face upon their first bite. (via Brit + Co)

Celebrity Crush Cookies

You're already getting together with your girls for Galentine's Day, so there's no reason to not make this cheeky Valentine's Day cookie recipe with your closest circle! Decorating these treats with the names of your fave celeb crushes will definitely get the gossip going! (via Brit + Co)

Cupid's Arrow Cookies

If they just can't resist a sweet treat, aim right for their heart with these adorable Cupid's arrow cookies. (via Brit + Co)

Conversation Heart Sugar Cookie Bars

Even though they're not technically Valentine's cookies, these cookie bars still deliver on the sweetness you know and love from the OG. The thick layer of icing and conversation heart toppings are super cute! (via Brit + Co)

Conversation Heart Cookies

We love the idea of writing personalized messages to each of your Galentines on these heart cookies. Bonus tip: to keep everything nice, neat, and legible, invest in a food coloring pen rather than trying to write on these babies with a piping bag. (via Bake at 350)

Easy Strawberry Crinkle Cookies

Crunchy and flaky on the outside, yet soft and gooey on the inside, these pink crinkle cookies pair perfectly with a V-Day nightcap. (via Meatloaf and Melodrama)

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Valentine's Hearts

Why have we not been dipping cookie dough in melted chocolate for years?! This delectable V-Day dessert features a chocolate chips, peanut butter, *and* cookie dough, all dipped in a warm and creamy bath of chocolate fondue. We love. (via OMG Chocolate Desserts)

Valentine Chalkboard Cookies

Here's another creative Valentine's cookie idea that lets you share personalized messages with every Valentine on your list: cover your heart-shaped cookies with black frosting, wait for it to dry, then write some sweet messages with white food coloring for the chalkboard-like effect. Cute, right? (via Saving With Sarah)

Oreo Cheesecake Cookies

These treats require just five ingredients — well, six, if you add food coloring to make them a thematic pink. (via Nest of Posies and Baker by Nature)

Teddy Bear Graham Cookies Holding Conversation Hearts

These Valentine's Day cookies are as simple as buying some Teddy Grahams and affixing conversation hearts to their lil' bellies with some frosting. The kiddos will adore these! (via Hello, Wonderful)

Valentine's Day Chocolate-Covered Vegan Oreos

No-bake dessert recipes are a total life hack, especially around the holidays when you don't have much energy for anything else other than making sure your Valentine's Day cards make it to the post office. This recipe uses Oreos, melted chocolate, and sprinkles. Easy! (via The Edgy Veg)

Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Hearts

All you need to make some stellar V-Day treats is a heart-shaped cookie cutter and a dream. And chocolate, of course – always need some chocolate! (via Hello Little Home)

Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

Two of our fave desserts – cookies and red velvet cake – amazingly come together in these decadent Valentine's cookies. The heart wants what it wants, and what we want is ten of these, please. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Valentine Butter Cookies

These low-key love day cookies are extremely easy to customize based on who you plan to share them with. Run with the recipient's favorite color for the main frosting – they'll certainly appreciate the special, personalized touch from you! (via Where Is My Spoon?)

Cherry-Kissed Coconut Macaroons

Fresh cherries and coconut flakes combine in a truly otherworldly way with this Valentine's cookies recipe. Equally sweet and tangy, your V-Day date will instantly fall in love with your baking skills shown through these bites. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Cardamom & Rose Palmiers

If you're not so big on small talk, let the romantic, floral allure of cardamom and rose do the talking. Bet you your Valentine has never tasted cookies like these. (via Signature Concoctions)

Valentine's Day Oreos

Sure, specialty Oreo flavors can be fun, but the homemade variety are so much sweeter. These almost remind us of Oreo Cakesters, which are the crème de la crème, TBH. (via Sincerely Jean)

Small Batch Sugar Cookies

How cute are these mini sugar cookies? Smear on red and pink frosting, and sprinkle them with colorful sprinkles to your heart's delight. (via Dessert for Two)

Take a Pizza My Heart Cookies

These Valentine's cookies might just be better than an actual heart-shaped pizza. Though this recipe requires some time and effort to decorate, the end result is *so* worth it. You'll need piping bags, icing tips, cookie dough, toothpicks, and red heart sprinkles to make 'em. (via Bake at 350)

Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Cookies

If you're not a huge fan of sugar cookies or anything pink (if so, are you okay?!), these peanut butter cookies may be more up your alley. They're made with brown sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract, and — bonus — they're ready in only 30 minutes. (via The Semi-Sweet Sisters)

Valentine's Day Oreo Pops

Treat yourself and your sweethearts to cookies on a stick this year! This Valentine's Day cookie recipe also leverages store-bought Oreos to deliver maximum yum. (via Happiness Is Homemade)

Very Valentine Pudding Cookies

These bites are essentially pudding, but in cookie form. They're incredibly soft, gooey, and chocolatey. The chocoholics in your life will have to try hard not to inhale them, we swear. (via Crazy for Crust)

Linzer Cookies

These traditional Linzer cookies are comprised of a tart jam filling and two sugary shortbread cookies. Almond and cinnamon also make a few guest appearances, making for a totally yummy dessert. (via Cooking Classy)

4-Ingredient Strawberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft, sweet, and strawberry-infused, these cookies give you a nice alternative to the traditional chocolate chip. And, as a *major* bonus, you only need four ingredients: strawberry cake mix, vegetable oil, white chocolate chips, and eggs. (via Easy Peasy Pleasy)

Vegan Valentine's Day Cookie Pops

Saying “I love you" doesn't have to put your sweetie into a sugar coma. Try this gluten-free shortbread cookie recipe with a sugar-free frosting! Freeze-dried raspberries add some nice color and texture to this healthier alternative. (via Wallflower Kitchen)

Chocolate Valentine Kiss Cookies

Sharing a kiss is always sweet, but it hits different when the smooch arrives atop miniature chocolate cookies. 😉 (via The Kitchen Is My Playground)

Mason Jar Cookies

There's just something so special about receiving DIY Valentine's Day gifts. Take these mason jar cookies for example – we're totally into the detail + sugary goodness. (via The Crafting Foodie)

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cookies

A simple box of strawberry cake mix will make anybody blush when it's transformed into soft and chewy cookies that are dipped in white chocolate and adorned with heart-shaped sprinkles. (via I Heart Naptime)

Valentine's Day Fortune Cookies

This pink pomegranate fortune cookie recipe will let your S.O. know just how fortunate you feel to have them in your life. (via What Jew Wanna Eat)

Copycat Lofthouse Cookies

If you're addicted to Lofthouse cookies (we're guilty, too), this Valentine's cookie recipe will definitely come in handy. (via Cincy Shopper)

Valentine's Cookie Box

Give your sweetie your heart (literally) by baking these cookies that stack into a treasure box. One look at these, and they won't want to hide their favorite treats inside for long. (via Glorious Treats)

Valentine's Day Cookies

Share the love with the ultimate chocolate chip cookie lover in your life using this Valentine's Day cookie recipe. Yup, no sugar cookie recipe here – just a delicious chocolate chip cookie covered in lots of frosting and sprinkles. (via Fashionable Hostess)

Heart-Shaped Valentines Oreos

All you need is four ingredients to make quite possibly the best V-Day cookie you've ever made in your life. These taste like Oreos (!) and are double-stuffed with pink frosting for an even more festive treat. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars

These sugar cookie bars are the perfect alternative to your average (albeit delicious) Valentine's cookie. Feel free to get as creative as you'd like with sprinkles and toppings, but we're personally loving the little gummy hearts. (via Dessert for Two)

Soft M&M Chocolate Cookies

It's all in the details with this cookie recipe. We simply can't get enough of those red, white, and pink M&M's peeking out of the top of the cookies! (via Averie Cooks)

Heart-Shaped Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Here's to showing peanut butter cookies more love than ever before. Not only are these heart-shaped cookies made using a simple peanut butter cookie recipe, but the chocolates on top are filled with it, too. Oh, happy day! (via Kara Creates)

What Happens During Venus Retrograde?

When a planet advances far ahead from its course in our orbit, the Sun pulls it back in line in space so it won't veer off track within the line-up of the other planets. Venus undergoes this backward spin every 18 months, and it actually forms a 5-petaled rose when seen from a geocentric perspective during this orbital dance! We can always count on Venus and its romantic touch.

From a general perspective, Venus in retrograde presents lessons about paying attention to our love life, values, and even how we radiate our inner and outer beauty. Retrogrades present a period of inner reflection, and when Venus is involved, it will involve our inner nature and how it clashes with vanity. It's also recommended to hold off on trying a dramatic hair transformation during this transit or scheduling cosmetic procedures. Although it can be tempting, it may lead to unexpected results. This Venus retrograde period will invoke a review regarding your standards inside and out.

The average time that Venus goes in between signs is about 20 days, but when a retrograde occurs, our love and our inner values will undergo a review within a 2-month range. This Venus in Aries retrograde will help you understand your individuality and name your relationship terms.

If you're single, this is your moment to reflect and celebrate you! This Venus retrograde will allow you to step into self-empowerment and set the stage to attract better relationship connections as you hold yourself on a pedestal. If you're in a relationship, you and your significant other will see each other in a different light, involving leadership and the need for progression. Expressing what you want while understanding the importance of initiating your desired changes will get things moving once Venus Direct occurs on April 13. Everything about yourself and the reasoning behind your connection will come to light.

Another thing to note is that you should look at what house Venus will reside in your birth chart while it retrogrades in the sign of Aries. This will reveal which area needs focus in your life.

What Is Happening During this 2025 Venus Retrograde?

Now to better understand how this retrograde will impact you, let’s take a closer look at Venus and its current filter. The love planet entered the Mars-ruled sign of Aries on February 4, and the overall tone will stir themes involving power play and aggression in love and relationships. The cardinal fire sign Aries rules the 1st house of self, identity, and initiation, and with Venus positioned in this house, we are likely feeling the pull to start things up or have the desire to be seen. Backtrack and begin reviewing your organization and paying attention to the details before starting anything. You will be better prepared and attract the desired results when Venus Direct happens. Generally, this energy can be translated as selfish, arrogant, and controlling. Become a leader based on the greater good. Controlling others to yield to your demands will only backfire.

Also, the balancing act beckons as tempers can run high, or you can feel discouraged when your ideas are not being received. The powerful flair of Venus in Aries can also lead to feelings of separation or selfishness. Negotiating and holding space to understand others will keep you balanced during this retrograde period. When Venus backspins into the Neptune-ruled sign of Pisces on March 27, expect to feel more introspective and begin to prioritize relaxation. The mutable sign Pisces rules the 12th house of dreams, subconscious realms, and isolation. It is not an ideal time to push through to make things happen, only inner reflection. Our dreams may get visceral, and our moods may heighten emotionally. Create art, listen to music, or work through any unresolved matters you may have overlooked. Peace follows as you clear out.

What are some things to avoid during this 2025 Venus Retrograde?

• Beginning new relationships
• Getting married/wedding planning
• Major beauty transformations (hair, cosmetic procedures)
• Initiate new business ventures or investments
• Major purchases lead to overspending (car, furniture, art, house, business)

What are some things to do during Venus Retrograde?

• Reflect on your relationship
• Talk to your ex if you need closure (don't rekindle...yet)
• Review the state of your finances, investments, assets
• Declutter your living surroundings and sell quality items for profit
• Beauty and self-care rituals
• Meditation
• Journaling
• Self-Care Routines
• Energy Healing

How Venus Retrograde 2025 Will Impact the Zodiac Signs

Anyone with cardinal sign positions such as the sun, moon, rising, or other astrological placements in Aries, Libra, Capricorn, and Cancer will experience the impact of this Venus retrograde more so than other signs. Also, when Venus ingresses into Pisces on March 27, the mutable signs Pisces, Virgo, Gemini, and Sagittarius will be impacted. Here is the general overview of what to expect during this 2025 Venus Retrograde. Read for your sun and rising sign for extended insight!

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

What do you see when you look into the mirror, Aries? Venus retrograde begins in your sign before retreating into your 12th house next month, and the love planet urges you to reflect on your self-worth, beauty, and past relationships. Nostalgia may pull your heartstrings, and hidden emotions resurface. Focus on self-care and healing rather than seeking external validation.

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Observe your internal landscape as Venus retrograde unveils, inspires you to go through inner work, and prompts you to beautify your soul. When it progresses into your 11th house later this month, Venus will prompt you to pay attention to your friendships, support systems, and personal dreams. You may re-evaluate certain relationships, realizing who truly stands by your side. If past friendships resurface, reflect on whether they align with your growth. Avoid making impulsive social commitments, as clarity will come after April 12 when Venus moves forward again.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Your views will alter your feelings in your networks and friendship circles as Venus retrograde will help you see how far you are progressing with your goals and whether you are being given authentic support. Later this month, the love planet moves back into your 10th house, granting you focus on career matters. You may find yourself questioning your professional relationships or re-evaluating your public image. Avoid making major career decisions or committing to new collaborations until Venus moves direct on April 12.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Venus's retrograde encourages you to review your current situation in your career. It may prompt you to pick up on an old endeavor or reflect on who you want to be professionally. Later this month, the love planet will move back into your 9th house. It will help you stand still and observe your inner beliefs. You may question whether your current path aligns with your values. This is a time for internal reflection rather than drastic action, as Venus will move direct on April 12.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

As the prideful sign, Venus retrograde in your 9th house prompts you to look deeper and yet at all angles involving your passions before proceeding. Confidence is birthed as you open yourself to new approaches. Later this month, the love planet moves back into your 8th house, beckoning deep reflection on your intimate relationships and financial matters. Past connections may resurface, urging you to redefine trust and shared resources. Avoid making major financial commitments until Venus moves direct on April 12.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Venus retrograde shakes up your 8th house, granting you space to review your inner needs and views on intimate connections. When the love planet backspins into your 7th house later this month, past relationship dynamics may resurface, allowing you to review commitments and lingering issues. Avoid making long-term relationship decisions until Venus Direct on April 12.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Venus retrograde begins its backspin in your 7th house, and these next few weeks will inspire you to reflect on how balanced you are feeling lately between love and daily responsibilities. To restore your well-being, allow the people-pleasing to take the backseat. Later this month, Venus moves back into your 6th house, helping you rethink how much energy you dedicate to others versus yourself. Hold off on major relationship decisions until Venus Direct occurs on April 12.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Venus retrograde helps you recalibrate your mind, body, and spirit with its sluggish motion in your 6th house. You may feel a little run down, and the best anecdote is through mindfulness practices and continued self-care. Venus' lesson is to observe how much you spend your energy. Intention breathes preservation. When the love planet moves into your 5th house later this month, it inspires you to reflect on your creative pursuits, romantic connections, and personal passions. Past lovers or unfinished artistic projects may resurface. Avoid making major romantic decisions until Venus moves direct on April 12.

Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Love and the source of your joy grab your attention as Venus begins its backspin in your 5th house of romance and creativity. Your children will be the primary focus, and the love planet will show how you genuinely connect with them. It is also a period for inner child work or revisiting old projects. Later this month, Venus will move into your 4th house, encouraging you to beautify the home and hold off from scheduling renovations. Declutter your home and reorganize your living space.

Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)

Venus begins its backward dance in your 4th house, prompting you to reconnect with your roots. Stability can be found as you are open to being vulnerable with your family. As the love planet moves into your 3rd house, it will bring up past matters involving communication and messages exchanged with siblings or close connections. Clear the air by revisiting what has not been resolved.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

It will be time to retrace your steps and observe how you articulate your messages as Venus retrograde slows down in your 3rd house of communication. You may feel overwhelmed and burnt out from brainstorming an endless stream of ideas. Your close connections may have difficulty keeping up, so have a journal handy to look back on when Venus Direct motion happens on April 12. When Venus moves into your 2nd house on March 27, avoid big purchases and focus on re-evaluating how you create stability through money and possessions.

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

Venus retrograde begins its slow dance in your 2nd house on March 1. Analyze your finances and spending habits. When filing for taxes, look closely at everything before submitting your information to your accountant. As Venus crosses back into your 1st house, luckily, this will be an opportune time to beautify your inner and outer beauty. Avoid booking cosmetic procedures or trying a new haircut. You may question your image or values—take this time to nurture your sense of self before Venus moves direct on April 12.