Description
These Valentine’s Day cookies are perfect for showing someone you care. Soft, buttery, and sweet, they’re shaped into hearts and decorated with festive pink and red icing. These cookies are easy to make and fun to decorate, making them a delightful treat for the holiday!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Red and pink food coloring
- Royal icing (for decorating)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until well combined.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky but firm.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll and cut the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate with royal icing and sprinkles as desired. Use red and pink food coloring for the icing to make festive designs.
Notes
- If you want softer cookies, slightly underbake them for a chewier texture.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- You can make the dough in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before using.