Valentine’s Sugar Cookies Sweet Treats For Your Loved One

Name: Valentine's Sugar Cookies Sweet Treats For Your Loved One
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, plus more as needed; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted; 3 tablespoons meringue powder; 9–10 tablespoons room-temperature water; Gel food coloring kit for tinting

Recipe By:

jesseca

Posted:

January 1, 2025

Updated:

January 1, 2025

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show your affection than with homemade Valentine’s Sugar Cookies Sweet Treats For Your Loved One? These cookies are not only delicious but also come with a personal touch that store-bought options simply can’t match. Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces when they receive a beautifully decorated cookie just for them. Baking sugar cookies is a wonderful way to channel your creativity and share some love. Plus, the process is super fun!

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As you embark on your cookie-making adventure, you’ll find that the aromatic scent of baked cookies fills your kitchen, making everything feel warm and inviting. Don’t forget to have fun decorating your cookies! You can go wild with colors and shapes or keep it classic and simple. So, grab your apron and let’s get started on creating these marvelous treats that are sure to bring joy this Valentine’s Day!

Why This Recipe Works

Creating the perfect Valentine’s sugar cookies isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about crafting something special. This particular recipe strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. You’ll love how the butter and sugar meld together to create a cookie that’s soft and tender.

Moreover, it’s easy to follow with approachable techniques, making it perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Since the designs resemble traditional Valentine’s treats, they’re visually appealing and sure to win hearts. As you bake, the joy of creating something lovely that your loved ones can savor will make every moment worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Valentine’s Sugar Cookies Sweet Treats For Your Loved One

These cookies are the quintessential treat for expressing love on Valentine’s Day. They are ideal for sharing that special feeling with family and friends. The best part? You can customize them with various decorations and messages. This versatility makes them perfect for every occasion.

Whether you’re putting together a thoughtful gift for someone special or simply enjoying them with your loved ones at home, these cookies create lasting memories. Baking brings people together. With each cookie, you’re not just sharing a sweet, but a moment filled with love and joy.

Valentine's Sugar Cookies Sweet Treats For Your Loved One

Ingredients for Valentine’s Sugar Cookies

Before we roll up our sleeves, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:

2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Royal Icing

This is where your cookies will truly shine:

4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
3 tablespoons meringue powder
9–10 tablespoons room-temperature water
Gel food coloring kit for tinting

Preparing Your Valentine’s Sugar Cookies

Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

First things first, let’s get that dry mixture ready. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly. Setting this aside lets the flavors come together beautifully.

Cream Butter and Sugar

Now, let’s move on to the buttery goodness! In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed until smooth and creamy, which usually takes about 2 minutes. Next, add in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract if you’re feeling adventurous. Mix until everything is combined for that rich taste.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Keep the mixer on low speed as you blend. If you find the dough is too sticky, simply add an additional tablespoon of flour until you reach a nice, workable consistency.

Roll Out the Dough

Time to shape our cookies! Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each piece out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Dust with flour as needed and place each rolled dough between parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Chill the Dough

Now it’s time for a little rest. Stack the rolled dough pieces with parchment paper in between, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. If you like, you can leave them for up to 2 days, which will help the flavors meld together and give the cookies optimal firmness.

Preheat the Oven

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Don’t forget to prepare your baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats to prevent any sticking!

Cut Out Cookies

Remove one piece of dough from the fridge. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies, and use the remaining dough to form additional cookies. Remember to keep them about 3 inches apart on the baking sheets, as they will expand slightly while baking.

Bake the Sugar Cookies

Bake your sugar cookies for 11–12 minutes until they are lightly golden around the edges. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before moving them over to a wire rack.

Making the Royal Icing

Combine Icing Ingredients

While your cookies cool, let’s whip up that royal icing! In a large bowl, combine the sifted confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder along with 9 tablespoons of room-temperature water. Beat on high speed for approximately 1.5–2 minutes until smooth and drizzling consistency appears. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to adjust with more water.

Tint the Icing

To make your cookies pop, divide the icing into several bowls, tinting each with gel food coloring to your desired shades. Get creative with your color choices!

Pipe and Decorate Cookies

Using piping bags, you can outline and fill your cookies with the tinted icings. This is the fun part! Allow the icing to dry for at least 2 hours before adding any details or messages with the red icing.

Serving Suggestions

When it’s time to share your creations, consider displaying your cookies on a decorative platter. They make a stunning centerpiece! Pair them with milk or hot cocoa for a cozy, sweet treat. If you want to gift them, cute cookie bags add that personal touch-your loved ones will adore.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cookies turn out perfect, here are some tips:

Measure your flour correctly to prevent dry dough.
Use butter at room temperature to enhance the creaming process.
Chilling the dough makes rolling and cutting much easier.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with different shapes for various occasions. Adding sprinkles on top of the icing can add flair and enhance the fun! You can also use flavor extracts like peppermint for a refreshing twist.

Storage Tips

To keep those cookies fresh:

Store cookies covered at room temperature for up to 5 days, or pop them in the fridge for a bit longer—up to 10 days.
You can freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to decorate, just thaw them out and let your creativity run wild.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, it works, but the cookies may have a different texture and flavor.

2. How should I store the decorated cookies?
Place them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.

4. Why is my royal icing too thick?
If your icing is too thick, add water in small increments until it reaches the right consistency.

5. Can I use powdered egg whites for royal icing?
Yes, but ensure it’s meringue powder you’re using and not plain egg white powder.

These delightful Valentine’s Sugar Cookies are perfect for celebrating love and creating joyous moments. Whether gifted or enjoyed at home, they bring sweetness to your special day. With each heart-shaped bite, you spread love, making every celebration unforgettable. Happy baking!

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Valentine’s Sugar Cookies Sweet Treats For Your Loved One

Why This Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This Valentine’s Sugar Cookies Sweet Treats For Your Loved One