Chocolate comes from the cacao plant, native to Mexico and Central America, but you need not travel that far to find a Valentine’s Day treat. 

Chocolate specialty shops in Newton are gearing up for the holiday with heart-shaped molds, fresh strawberries, and fruit-flavored fillings. 

We checked in with a few shops to see what they recommend to customers looking for a bestselling treat or a new discovery. All advise ordering ahead of February 14 for the best selection.

There’s no guarantee that any gift will be an aphrodisiac, but we can tell you that chocolate contains compounds associated with feelings of happiness.

Sweet Dream The blackboard at this shop in Newton Centre lists 46 flavors of truffles, including matcha and espresso martini. It’s hard to go wrong with any of them, but Anton Chernyshov, who runs the business with his parents, says that he recommends the sea salt caramel truffle for a romantic gift. 

Ukranian truffles at Sweet Dream. Photo: Clara Silverstein

“It’s good for Valentine’s Day because when you’re in a relationship, sometimes you have smooth, caramel moments, and sometimes salted moments,” he says. “It gives the flavors of the full relationship.”

The caramel is covered in a dark chocolate shell drizzled with additional chocolate and sprinkled with salt.

Those who want something different might select the Ukraine truffle, which Chernyshov describes as “my Mom’s favorite candy ever.” This truffle tucks a chewy dried plum and an almond inside chocolate decorated with yellow and blue, the colors of the Ukrainian flag. 

Chernyshov says this flavor combination is often found in candies in Ukraine, his mother’s native country. The family makes their truffles in Dante Confections in North Billerica. Sweet Dream is their retail store. You can purchase truffles individually or build your own assortment.

Hilliards Chocolates This company started in 1924 and once operated a chain of stores in greater Boston, including some in Newton. 

The opening of the West Newton store last year brought Hilliards back to the city to sell made-in-house candies and roasted nuts. Customers look forward to the arrival of chocolate-covered strawberries each February.

Cupcake truffles at Hilliard’s. Photo: Clara Silverstein

 “We only have them available on Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day,” says Adena Nestler, the Hilliards retail director. 

Long stems are left on the fresh fruit to make for easy dipping—first in white chocolate, then in a choice of dark or milk chocolate. Finishing touches might include sprinkles, white coconut, and red sugar. This perishable treat can be ordered in advance for pick-up at the store.

For something unique, Nestler points to the cupcake truffle. This treat puts cake batter-flavored ganache inside a white chocolate coating and covers it with multi-colored sprinkles. 

“People come right up to the case and say they want cake balls, but we know they mean truffles,” said Nestler.

In Newton, many customers are also partial to dark chocolate covered almond toffee crunch, also known as buttercrunch. This treat also comes in a bite-sized version covered in milk chocolate, a children’s favorite.

Beth’s Chocolate Chocolatier Beth Kirsch started her company 10 years ago to craft small batches of artisan chocolates. Many flavors are inspired by New England products she tasted, such as Bergamot tea from MEM Tea Imports in Somerville, and maple liqueur.

Beth’s Chocolate raspberry chambord bonbons. Photo: Brian Samuels Photography

She said fruit-filled chocolates are popular on Valentine’s Day, especially the heart-shaped raspberry Chambord bonbons. To make these, Kirsch hand-paints each mold with a red accent and pours in dark chocolate. The creamy dark chocolate ganache in the center is laced with fresh raspberry purée and a splash of Chambord raspberry liqueur. 

For something tangier, she makes dark chocolate passion fruit bonbons. “The fruity-tart taste of passion fruit with dark chocolate is such a nice combination,” she says.

New this year, Kirsch offers Maya Mountain chocolates, a collaboration with Amy Vachon of Sotto Chocolate in Watertown.

“It’s fun to work with another one-woman chocolate company,” says Kirsch. Vachon makes the chocolate by grinding and processing cacao beans sourced in Belize. Kirsch molds the chocolate into mini mountain-shaped bonbons painted dark green. Maya Mountain chocolate bars are also available.

Kirsch creates her chocolate bonbons in a licensed kitchen in her Newton home. Because she makes small batches, what’s available changes frequently, but she welcomes orders online, inquiries, and visitors by appointment.

Clara Silverstein is a cookbook author with extensive knowledge of Newton history. She can be reached at clara@clarasilverstein.com.