Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate love than with heart-shaped sugar cookies? These delightful treats are not only fun to make but also perfect for sharing with friends, family, or that special someone in your life. With their sweet vanilla flavor and fun, colorful decorations, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. I’ve been baking these Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies for years, and they never fail to impress!
Why you’ll love this dish
You might wonder why sugar cookies are a Valentine’s Day staple. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Not only is it easy to whip up with minimal ingredients, but it’s also an ideal activity for kids and adults alike. Perfect for parties, school events, or as thoughtful gifts, these cookies offer a creative outlet for decorating and expressing your affection.
Imagine sharing a batch of these cookies with loved ones or surprising a friend with a sweet treat—it’s a gesture that never goes unnoticed.
"I made these for a Valentine’s party, and they were a huge hit! The kids loved decorating them, and the cookies were soft and flavorful. I’ll definitely be making them again!" – Sarah, happy baker
Step-by-step overview
Preparing Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies is straightforward and fun!
- Make the Dough: Start by creaming the butter and sugar, followed by mixing in the egg and extracts. Then, blend your dry ingredients until you form a soft dough.
- Chill: Shape the dough into discs, wrap them, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This step is crucial for easier rolling.
- Bake and Cool: Roll out the dough, cut out your hearts, and bake until golden. Let them cool before icing.
- Decorate: Prepare a colorful royal icing to outline and flood your cookies, and add heart-shaped sprinkles for that festive touch.
Each step is simple, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all experience levels!
What you’ll need
Gather these ingredients to bring your Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies to life:
- 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
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5–6 tablespoons warm water
- Gel food coloring (pink, red, white)
- Heart-shaped sprinkles for decoration
Feel free to swap the almond extract if you’re sensitive to it or prefer a more vanilla-forward flavor!
