Valentine’s Day Cookies

These Valentine’s Day cookies are the perfect treat to celebrate love and sweetness! These beautifully decorated heart-shaped cookies are soft, buttery, and full of flavor. The simple sugar cookie base is topped with royal icing, allowing for creative and personalized designs, making them ideal for gifting or serving at a romantic dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any romantic occasion
• Customizable with colors and designs
• Great for gifting or sharing with loved ones
• Soft and delicious with a buttery taste
• Fun to make with kids or friends
• Suitable for various decorations or icing flavors
• Can be made ahead and stored
• Excellent for pairing with tea or coffee
• Easy to follow for both beginners and experienced bakers
• Adaptable for different shapes and themes

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
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Royal icing
• Food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
2. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Roll and cut the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Decorate: Prepare the royal icing according to the package or recipe instructions. Divide the icing into bowls and add food coloring if desired. Using a piping bag or a spoon, decorate the cooled cookies with icing. Let the icing set completely before serving or storing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 1 hour
• Cook time: 8-10 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist.
• Lemon zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the dough for a fresh citrus flavor.
• Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Flavored icing: Add a few drops of almond or mint extract to the royal icing for extra flavor.
• Vegan: Use a plant-based butter substitute and an egg replacer to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Sprinkles: Top the cookies with colorful sprinkles before the icing dries for a fun, textured look.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: These cookies do not require reheating. If frozen, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.

FAQs

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Ensure you don’t overbake them. Removing them from the oven when the edges just start to turn golden will keep the cookies soft.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw the frozen dough in the fridge before using.

Can I use store-bought icing instead of royal icing?

Yes, store-bought icing works perfectly fine. You can also use buttercream or any other icing of your choice.

Can I make these cookies without a cookie cutter?

Absolutely! You can shape the dough by hand or use a knife to cut out heart shapes.

How long does it take for royal icing to set?

It usually takes around 4-6 hours for royal icing to fully harden, depending on humidity levels.

Can I substitute margarine for butter in this recipe?

Yes, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Butter is recommended for a richer taste.

How can I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling it out?

Sprinkle a bit of flour on your rolling surface and rolling pin. Chilling the dough properly also helps reduce stickiness.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes, feel free to add mix-ins like finely chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra texture.

What type of food coloring should I use?

Gel food coloring works best because it provides vibrant color without thinning out the icing.

How should I package these cookies for gifting?

Once the icing has fully set, place the cookies in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap or treat bags for gifting.

Conclusion

These Valentine’s Day cookies are a wonderful way to share love and sweetness with friends, family, or that special someone. With endless options for customization, they can be as unique as the person you’re giving them to. Whether you make them for a party, a romantic gift, or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to impress!

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