Got a significant other (or BFF?) who deserves a Valentine's Day surprise? Write sweet nothings (or inside jokes) on parchment paper and stick the notes inside cookies with confetti sprinkles. When the treats are broken open, a celebratory shower of color — and your kind words! — will appear. Here's how to make 'em.

Each finished cookie is essentially three layered sugar cookies — one with a cut-out in the middle for holding the note and sprinkles, and two whole cookies to sandwich it. Nesting rectangle cookie cutters make easy work of cutting the dough into even shapes. If you don’t have these cutters, you can cut rectangles from a piece of heavy craft paper; you'll want one rectangle that is 4-in x 2-in, and another that is 1 3/4-in x 1-in. For each complete cookie, cut three large rectangles and cut a smaller rectangle from the center of one of the three pieces.

Place the cut-out dough on parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes (get the full recipe instructions here). You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn golden. Let the cookies cool completely before icing.

Hidden in each cookie, your Valentine will find a sweet sentiment of love! Cut a sheet of food-safe paper into strips (we used baking parchment) and write your heartfelt emotions on one side of the paper.