The popular Dunkin’ Valentine’s Day menu debuted on Wednesday, January 31st, with several sweet, irresistible flavors. However, when we first tried to sample the selection, we made the mistake of waiting until after school. The next day, we headed to Dunkin in the morning to avoid the risk of ordering items that were sold out for the day.  

First, we considered our criteria for voting: 

Taste: Too sweet? Equitable amount of filling? Frosting-to-donut ratio? 

Appearance: Size of donut? Festive shape? Sprinkles? Frosting color and amount?  

Cost: Is it worth the money? 

After taste-testing every Valentine’s Day item available, we compiled our recommendations:

Brownie Batter Donut #1:  This notable fan favorite is a chocolate donut filled with gooey brownie batter topped with chocolate icing and Valentine’s Day-themed sprinkles.  This heart-shaped donut has become one of Dukin’s most requested items, receiving an overall score of 9.5/10.  

Cupid’s Choice Donut #2: Yet another heart-shaped pastry for the festive season, the Cupid’s Choice Donut does not miss the mark. Coated in the classic Dunkin’ strawberry frosting and red and pink sprinkles, the “heart” of the donut was overflowing with Bavarian Kreme. This appearance was simple yet bright–the taste was close to perfection, and the cost was 100% worth it, earning an overall 8.5/10. 

Frosty Red Velvet Donut #3: As a perfect complement to the Pink Velvet Macchiato, this decadent donut has a chocolaty red velvet foundation that is topped with a creaming vanilla frosting and sprinkled with cream cheese-flavored sprinkles. Although eating this donut can be messy, the vanilla portions complement the intense chocolate flavor. Based solely on appearance, this donut should receive a 10/10; the deep ruby red color of the donut goes hand-in-hand with the snowy appearance of the topping. If you have a sweet tooth, this donut is made for you. The donut had a subtle sweetness, but the frosting and crumble pacts in the punch. The similar cost is very reasonable, at only $1.79 per donut. In our eyes, this donut stands at a solid 8/10. 

Strawberry Frosted Heart Donut #4: An original flavor at Dunkin’, the Strawberry Frosted Donut makes its debut as a Valentine’s Day flavor by being transformed into a new heart shape. The donut’s flavor and appearance look similar to its original, yet adding the heart shape and red and pink sprinkles gives it a brand-new look. Though enjoyed by many, this donut is nothing special, so we deemed it a 7.5/10.

Jelly Heart Donut #5: Not usually a first choice, the Jelly Donut, now heart-shaped, was delicious (similar to all Dunkin’ flavors) but did not stand out. The jelly was rich, yet not proportional per donut, which we assume is difficult to gauge. Similar to the Red Velvet Donut in messiness, make sure you ask for some napkins, as the powdered sugar becomes a flurry in your car. Contrary to popular belief, this mysterious jelly contains fruit and vegetable concentrates. A long-standing flavor, this donut gets a 7/10. 

Chocolate Frosted Heart Donut #6: This donut is a classic, even representing the donut emoji on the iPhone; it’s also a favorite for many children and a reliable donut experience.  Although we agree this donut tasted good, it doesn’t compare to the complexity of the other flavors, and it is lacking in creativity. Consequently, we believe this heart-shaped donut earns a 6.5/10.  

Pink Velvet Macchiato #7:  The Pink Velvet Macchiato is festive for any Valentine’s occasion, with a striking pink layer, bold expresso with notes of cream cheese frosting, and red velvet cake flavor.  However, this drink didn’t meet our expectations. After ordering two drinks, we deemed the service inadequate. Both drinks looked and tasted significantly different, with limited strawberry syrup leaving a bittersweet aftertaste that put a damper on our anticipations–we rate it a 6/10.  

Boston Kreme Donut #8: The New England-dedicated donut, Boston Kreme, has an eggy custard with a chocolate ganache-inspired topping.  Both donuts were lacking in the filling department, and no one wanted an under-filled donut. We give this donut a 5/10–the worst donut we tried.    

At Dunkin’, seasonal items are always fun to try, but this Valentine’s Day lineup has stolen our hearts.