The Best Valentine Sugar Cookies

These Valentine sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweetened to make your Valentine’s Day extra special. Cut into heart shapes and decorated with pink, red, or white icing, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, tender texture with a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
• Perfect for Valentine’s Day gifting, parties, or a fun baking activity.
• Easy to make and decorate with your favorite icing or sprinkles.
• Customizable for other occasions by changing the shapes and colors.
• A classic sugar cookie recipe that’s timeless and always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
• Royal icing or buttercream for decorating
• Food coloring and sprinkles (optional, for Valentine’s Day theme)

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.
6. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour.
7. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on wire racks.
10. Decorate with royal icing or buttercream, and add sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24–30 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Citrus twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing flavor.
• Chocolate lovers: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
• Vegan version: Replace butter with vegan butter and use a flaxseed egg substitute.
• Sprinkle fun: Mix Valentine-themed sprinkles directly into the dough for a festive look.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Decorated cookies should be stored in a single layer to avoid smudging the icing.
• Freezing: Freeze baked and undecorated cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before decorating.
• Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature and do not require reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

2. Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading during baking.

3. Can I use other cookie cutter shapes?

Absolutely! Use any shapes you like, depending on the occasion.

4. What type of icing works best for decorating?

Royal icing is ideal for intricate designs, while buttercream is great for spreading and piping.

5. How can I achieve vibrant icing colors?

Use gel food coloring for bold, vivid colors without thinning the icing.

6. Can I make these cookies softer?

Bake them for slightly less time and avoid over-mixing the dough.

7. Can I skip the almond extract?

Yes, the almond extract is optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor.

8. How can I store decorated cookies?

Store them in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper if stacking.

9. Can I make these cookies without a mixer?

Yes, you can mix the dough by hand or with a handheld mixer, but ensure the butter and sugar are well creamed.

10. Can kids help with this recipe?

Absolutely! Kids can help cut out shapes and decorate the cookies, making it a fun activity.

Conclusion

These Valentine sugar cookies are a perfect way to show your love this Valentine’s Day. With their buttery sweetness, tender crumb, and festive decorations, they’re a treat everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or a special celebration, this recipe is sure to impress. Get creative with the decorations and make memories while baking these delightful cookies!

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