Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that capture the spirit of love and celebration. These cookies are not only delicious but also offer a canvas for creativity, making them a favorite for gifting and sharing. With their sweet, buttery flavor and soft texture, they are perfect for showing affection on a special day. Whether you’re baking for your partner, friends, or family, this recipe is a wonderful way to spread joy and sweetness.

Why make this recipe

This recipe is easy and beginner-friendly, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Unlike store-bought cookies, homemade versions allow you to control the ingredients and flavors. You can customize them to your liking, adding your favorite colors and decorations. This recipe saves time, as it utilizes simple processes that yield impressive results. It’s also a fun family activity that everyone can enjoy, bringing loved ones together in the kitchen. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, allowing you to create something special without breaking the bank.

What makes Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe special

What sets this sugar cookie recipe apart is its unique texture and rich flavor. The cookies have a perfect balance of softness and light crispness, ideal for holding up under a layer of royal icing. The addition of almond extract adds a subtle depth to the flavor, elevating the overall taste. Not only do they look charming with heart shapes and lovely decorations, but they also carry a homemade value that store-bought cookies simply can’t match. Each bite is a reminder of the care and effort you put into creating something special for your loved ones.

Is Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe healthy

While these cookies are certainly a treat, they offer a balance of flavors and ingredients without compromising on delight. The recipe uses all-natural ingredients, ensuring that you know exactly what goes into each bite. Since they are made at home, you can also manage portion sizes, making them a more mindful indulgence. Enjoying a cookie or two as part of a balanced diet can be a joyful experience, especially during the festive season.

How to make Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

Making these cookies is a straightforward and stress-free process. Start with mixing the dry ingredients and then beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. After that, combine everything to form the dough and let it chill for an hour. This helps with rolling and shaping. Once you’ve cut out your cookies and baked them to perfection, the fun continues with decorating them. The entire process is simple, allowing even beginner bakers to succeed and impress.

Ingredients

To whip up these delightful cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• 5-6 tablespoons warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (clear if available)
• Gel food coloring (red, pink, white)
• Sprinkles, sanding sugar, or decorative candies

Directions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a stand mixer bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, egg yolk, both extracts, and beat well. Slowly add the flour mixture, mixing until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
2. Chill and Roll the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out each disc to 1/4-inch thickness between two sheets of parchment. Cut out heart shapes.
3. Bake to Perfection: Place cookies on the prepared sheets, spaced 1.5 inches apart. For best results, chill the sheets in the freezer for 10 minutes. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are just set. Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Royal Icing: In a large bowl, mix powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add 5 tablespoons of warm water and the vanilla extract. Beat on low until combined, then beat on medium-high for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form. Divide and color the icing using gel food coloring. Cover with damp towels.
5. Decorate Your Valentine Cookies: Fill piping bags with icing fitted with small tips. To flood, add water to achieve a honey-like consistency. Outline cookies with thick icing, then flood the centers. Use a toothpick to spread icing and pop bubbles. Add decorations while icing is wet, or allow a base layer to dry before adding details.

How to serve Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

These beautiful cookies are a delightful addition to any occasion. They are perfect for breakfast, served with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also share them as a sweet snack during lunch or enjoy them for dessert. Consider packaging them as gifts for friends or loved ones, showing that you’ve thought of them on this special day. For a fun twist, add them to a dessert platter alongside fruits or other treats for a buffet-style presentation.

 

Best occasions to make Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

This recipe is ideal for various occasions beyond Valentine’s Day. Bake them for family gatherings, birthday parties, or even just as a sweet treat after dinner. They also make great snacks for a cozy movie night or a school bake sale. Anytime you want to add a touch of love and sweetness, these cookies fit right in.

How to store Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

To keep your cookies fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container. This will help them maintain their softness and flavor for up to a week. If you need to store them for longer, consider refrigerating them. For extended storage, you can freeze the cookies, just be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Can you make Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe ahead of time

Yes, you can easily prepare these cookies ahead of time. The dough can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. Once baked and decorated, cookies can be stored as mentioned above. If you have leftover cookies, they can be frozen, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for your next gathering.

Tips to make Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Texture: For softer cookies, avoid overbaking. Keep an eye on them, as they can quickly go from perfect to overdone.
• Flavor: Don’t skip the almond extract, as it enhances the cookie’s sweetness.
• Common Mistakes: Make sure to measure flour correctly, as too much can lead to dry cookies. Use a scale for precision if possible.
• Beginner Success: If using royal icing for the first time, practice a bit on parchment paper to get the feel of piping.

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Variation

Feel free to play with this recipe. Swap the almond extract for another flavor, like lemon or orange zest, for a citrus twist. For a chocolate version, replace a portion of the flour with cocoa powder. You could also consider adding sprinkles to the dough to mix in some fun colors.

FAQs

Q: How do I store Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies?

A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to a week.

Q: Can I substitute ingredients in Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies?

A: Yes, you can swap the butter for margarine or use different extracts to flavor the cookies.

Q: How far in advance can I make Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies?

A: You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and bake them whenever you’re ready. After baking, store them for a week or freeze for longer storage.