How to Make Valentine Cactus Cookies

It’s no secret that cactus-themed everything is so hot right now. Actually, it's been popular for a while; I'm just a little late to the game.

I can understand the cactus popularity. Cacti and succulents are a fun, modern trend, perfect for occasions like Cinco de Mayo, summer time, and fiesta-themed parties.

With Valentine's Day around the corner, a cactus also makes the cutest puns for the upcoming holiday! These Valentine cactus cookies will surely warm the heart of the loved one you’re “stuck" on.

Here’s how you can create your own Valentine cactus cookies for the special, pun-loving person in your life.

Cookie Cutter for the Valentine Cactus Cookies

Available in the shop is this new Valentine cactus cookie cutter.

The cookie cutter itself was designed to create a sturdy cookie. I kept the "arms" close to the body to prevent any breakage while handling, and to ensure an overall solid cookie shape.

Template for the Valentine Cactus Cookies

I think, for the most part, these Valentine Cactus cookies are relatively easy to decorate. However, to help with the decorating process, I made a PDF template of the cactus designs seen in this post.

Included in the PDF file are two designs: one of a male version, and a second of a female cactus with a flower.

You can download the Valentine cactus cookie templates HERE.

If you have a Kopykake or Pico projector, just print it out (or pull it up on your mobile device) and you are good to go. For those without a projector, follow the suggested steps below by tracing the design onto the cookie with an edible food marker.

The Decorating Process

For these Valentine Cactus Cookies, you will need the following suggested colors:

• Cactus Green flood icing (I mixed Americolor Gold with Mint Green.)
• Darker Green piping icing (I mixed the Cactus Green icing above with a touch of Americolor Forest Green.)
• Valentine Red medium icing. (I used Americolor Tulip Red.)
• Light Blue medium icing (I mixed Americolor Sky Blue with a touch of Americolor Mint Green.)
• Pink medium icing (I used a tiny amount of Americolor Tulip Red.)
• Black icing (I used Americolor Super Black.)

Step 1

Begin by outlining and flooding the top section of the cactus cookie with green icing. Then quickly add two dots of pink icing for the cheeks. If you have to, give the cookie a shake to smooth the icing surface.

Once that icing had a chance to set, outline and flood the bottom section with the light blue icing. Let this icing set for 20 minutes.

Step 2

After the base layer had time to dry, add the center heart with red icing, and the rim of the pot with light blue icing. Let this icing set for 20 minutes. (For help with the placement of the heart, you may have to use the template for guidance.)

Once set, add the right "arm" of the cactus and the facial details. Let the cookie dry completely before moving on (about 2-4 hours).

Step 3

The last step is to add the cactus ridges with the darker green piping icing.

Video Tutorial

The steps above are summarized in the time-lapsed video below.

These Valentine cactus cookies are sized to fit in these single 4″x4″ gift boxes from ClearBags.com.

Printable Gift Tags

To enhance the presentation of these cookie favors, my brother at Owl House Co. created a few pun-filled tag options.

There's a male and female version to match the Valentine cactus cookie designs. Also, there's two clever pun messages to choose from: "I'm stuck on you!" and "You are succulent!"

In addition to the traditional tags, we tried something new by offering tent topper options, as well.

These are stapled to the tops of 4-inch wide cello bags. These are great if you would like to provide a more affordable option in place of having to provide a gift box.

If you like these tent topper options, please let us know! We'll try to do the same for the remaining Valentine's Day collection.