The Best Valentine Sugar Cookies

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to bake something sweet and festive, and these Valentine Sugar Cookies are just the treat to share! With a buttery, soft texture and a delightful vanilla flavor, these cookies are not only adorable but also irresistibly delicious. Decorate them with royal icing or sprinkles for a charming finish that will warm anyone’s heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Soft and Buttery: These sugar cookies are tender with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Festive for Valentine’s Day: With their heart shapes and vibrant decorations, they’re a show-stopper.
• Customizable: You can decorate them however you like—go classic with pink and red or get creative with unique designs.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are beginner-friendly.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: Get the kids involved in cutting out shapes and decorating for a fun family activity.

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
• Pure vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for royal icing)
• Food coloring (optional, for decorations)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes, placing them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or food coloring as desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional, for easier rolling)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
• Almond-Flavored Cookies: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Colored Dough: Add a few drops of food coloring to the dough before rolling it out for colorful cookies.
• Sprinkle Fun: Mix festive sprinkles directly into the dough for extra flair.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
• Reheating: These cookies do not require reheating, but you can warm them slightly in a microwave for a softer texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

2. How do I ensure my cookies keep their shape?

Chill the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.

3. What’s the best icing for decorating?

Royal icing is ideal because it sets firmly and allows for detailed designs.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can work as a substitute.

5. How thick should I roll out the dough?

Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness to ensure soft and sturdy cookies.

6. Can I skip the egg?

You can substitute the egg with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water.

7. Do I have to use food coloring?

No, food coloring is optional. You can leave the icing plain or use natural food colorings.

8. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Use a plant-based butter alternative and ensure your decorations are dairy-free.

9. Why are my cookies hard?

Overbaking is the most common cause. Remove the cookies as soon as the edges start to color.

10. Can I use self-rising flour?

Self-rising flour is not recommended as it contains leavening agents that may affect the texture.

Conclusion

These Valentine Sugar Cookies are a sweet and thoughtful way to celebrate love, whether for a significant other, friends, or family. With their charming shapes and customizable decorations, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Whip up a batch today and share the love!

Print