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Valentine’s Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate love with a sweet and festive touch. These soft and buttery sugar cookies, cut into adorable heart shapes, are decorated with vibrant royal icing and colorful sprinkles.
Whether you’re making them for a special someone, a party, or just to enjoy a fun baking day, these cookies are sure to spread joy and sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Buttery: A melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Beautiful and Festive: Decorated with bright pink and red icing and sprinkles for a charming look.
- Perfect for Gifting: Ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion to show love.
- Easy to Customize: Use different colors, designs, and sprinkles to match your theme.
- Fun for All Ages: Great for decorating with kids and loved ones.
What to Serve with Valentine Sugar Cookies
- Hot Cocoa: A warm, chocolatey drink pairs beautifully with these cookies.
- Strawberry Milk: Adds a fun and fruity touch to your dessert spread.
- Fresh Berries: Serve alongside strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Whipped Cream: A light dip for an extra indulgent treat.
- Gift Boxes: Package them in cute boxes to share with friends and family.
Pro Tip Before Starting
Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling to ensure the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Easy Valentine Sugar Cookies
Soft and buttery heart-shaped sugar cookies decorated with vibrant royal icing and festive sprinkles, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Royal Icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5-6 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (pink and red)
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- Prepare the Royal Icing: In a bowl, beat the powdered sugar, meringue powder, vanilla, and water until smooth and glossy. Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring as desired.
- Decorate the Cookies: Pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies using a piping bag or zip-top bag. Decorate with festive sprinkles while the icing is still wet.
- Let the Icing Set: Allow the cookies to dry completely before stacking or packaging.
- Pro Tip After Decorating: For a professional finish, outline the cookies with a slightly thicker icing consistency, then fill them in with a thinner icing.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Decorate after thawing.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a subtle spice.
- Decorating Fun: Use edible glitter or gold dust for an extra touch of elegance.
Pro Tip After Decorating
For a professional finish, outline the cookies with a slightly thicker icing consistency, then fill them in with a thinner icing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
How do I get the icing to dry faster?
Place the decorated cookies in front of a fan or in a cool, dry place to speed up drying.
Can I use store-bought icing instead?
Absolutely! Store-bought royal icing or frosting works if you’re short on time.
Wrapping it up
Valentine Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat to share love and sweetness with friends and family.
With their buttery texture, festive decorations, and delicious flavor, they make a charming addition to any celebration.
Try this recipe today and create beautiful cookies that everyone will adore!
