Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies

There’s something truly special about baking cookies, especially when those cookies are shaped like hearts and meant for sharing. Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies evoke a sense of love and warmth in every bite. Just imagining a cozy kitchen filled with the sweet scents of vanilla and almond extract instantly brings a smile to my face. This recipe is all about creating cherished moments, whether you’re baking with grandchildren, surprising a partner, or treating yourself to some sweet comfort.

This delightful cookie recipe features simple yet essential ingredients. With ¾ cup of butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and a large egg, you have the perfect base for a tender cookie. The hints of vanilla and optional almond extracts add depth to the flavor, making each bite a little bit of heaven. The dough combines 3 cups of flour with baking powder and salt, resulting in a soft, slightly sticky texture that bakes beautifully. Topped with vanilla frosting dyed in pink and red, these cookies not only taste divine but look gorgeous too.

Preparing these cookies involves combining the ingredients in a straightforward way. You start by creaming the butter and sugar together, creating a fluffy mixture. Minors like stirring in the egg and extracts soon follow, ensuring all flavors meld together. Once you add the dry ingredients and create your dough, a little patience is required as it chills for an hour. The easy process continues with rolling out the dough, cutting out hearts, and baking them to perfection. When they’re cooled and frosted with vibrant colors and sprinkles, they become a beautiful treat to share.

For those looking to add a bit of joy to their Valentine’s Day, these sugar cookies are perfect. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering, packing them as gifts, or enjoying them after a cozy dinner at home, they deliver smiles and sweet memories.

Why You’ll Love This Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies

• Quick to Make: This recipe comes together easily, making it perfect for even novice bakers.
• Simple Ingredients: You’ll find most ingredients in your kitchen already.
• Comfort Food: Fresh-baked cookies provide that warm, nostalgic feeling we all crave.
• Customizable Toppings: You can personalize with different colors and sprinkles for any occasion.
• Fun Activity: Ideal for baking with kids or friends, turning cooking into a bonding experience.

Butter Tips

The star ingredient in our Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies is, of course, the butter. When selecting butter, opt for unsalted butter for more control over your cookie’s richness. It’s also best to let your butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before beginning to bake. This helps it cream well with the sugar, resulting in light and fluffy cookies. If you forget to take it out, you can microwave it briefly (10 seconds at a time) until softened but not melted.

Options for Substitutions

• Butter: You can use margarine or coconut oil as a butter alternative.
• Sugar: Substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
• Egg: Flaxseed meal mixed with water can replace the egg for a vegan option.
• Vanilla Extract: If you don’t have vanilla, almond extract adds a different but lovely flavor.
• Flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier version; just adjust the quantity slightly.
• Frosting: Cream cheese frosting offers a tangy twist compared to vanilla frosting.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

Baking can be fun, but it’s easy to make a few common mistakes along the way. One frequent issue is overcreaming the butter and sugar. While you want a light and airy combination, be sure to stop mixing when it achieves a fluffy consistency, as overmixing can result in tougher cookies.

Another pitfall is not chilling the dough long enough. Chilling helps the cookies set up properly and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven. If you skip this step, you might end up with cookies that lose their lovely shapes.

It’s also essential to avoid overbaking the cookies. Check them at the lower end of the baking time; they should be set but still pale. Once you see a hint of golden brown on the bottom, remove them to cool, as they will continue to set as they cool down.

Lastly, when frosting, be mindful that the cookies must be completely cooled. If the cookies are warm, the frosting will melt into a puddle, which, while still delicious, isn’t the intended design.

What to Serve With Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies?

These heart-shaped delights pair beautifully with a variety of treats. A warm cup of tea or coffee is classic and offers a lovely contrast to the sweetness. Consider serving them alongside fresh berries for a refreshing touch that balances the rich flavors. For a celebration, a glass of sparkling grape juice or non-alcoholic cider can create a festive atmosphere.

Storage Instructions

Store: Keep your cooled sugar cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the undecorated cookies in a single layer then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.
Reheat: To enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds or until gently warmed, being careful not to overheat.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: About 24 cookies

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 2400-2700
Protein: 25-30g
Fat: 100-120g
Carbohydrates: 350-400g

Ingredients

• ¾ cup Butter
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 Large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• ½ teaspoon Almond Extract (optional)
• 3 cups Flour + more for rolling
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• 1 can Vanilla Frosting
• Red and pink food coloring
• Sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

Begin by taking the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a mixing bowl, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, taking about 2-3 minutes. This is foundational as it imparts air into the dough.

Step 2: Stir in Egg and Vanilla

Add in your large egg along with the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). Mix until everything is well combined. The batter will loosen up and become slightly smooth during this step.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your butter mixture, stirring until it starts to combine. You may find the dough is soft and sticky, which is normal, so don’t worry.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll out later.

Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Once your dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350℉. Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Out Cookies

On a floured surface, take your chilled dough and roll it out to about ¼ of an inch thick. Use your heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes, placing them 1 to 2 inches apart on your lined cookie sheets. Remember, they won’t spread much while baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake your heart-shaped cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes until the bottoms are just slightly golden, but the tops should remain mostly white. Keep an eye on them!

Step 8: Decorate as They Cool

Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack. While they cool, separate your vanilla frosting into three bowls. Tint one with red food coloring, another with pink, and leave the last one white. Mix until fully colored, then frost the cookies using a knife or piping bag. Sprinkle with festive decorations before serving.

In summary, these Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies are a great way to express affection through baking. With simple steps and readily available ingredients, even new bakers can succeed. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the process of creating something lovely for yourself or your loved ones. Don’t forget to share your experience or explore more recipes that bring joy to your kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before rolling and baking.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Just be sure to freeze them in a single layer before storing in a bag.

What can I add to the frosting for flavor?

You can enhance the flavor of your frosting by using extracts like almond or lemon, or even adding a dash of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.

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