Description
Delightful sugar cookies perfect for Valentine’s Day, featuring a sweet, buttery flavor and a soft texture, ideal for gifting and sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
For softer cookies, avoid overbaking. The almond extract enhances sweetness, so don’t skip it. Measure flour correctly to prevent dry cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg