Valentine’s Day Cookies Recipe

Celebrate love and sweetness with these delightful Valentine’s Day Cookies! These buttery and tender cookies are perfect for gifting or enjoying with someone special. Decorated with pink, red, or heart-shaped designs, they’re as charming as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Fun: Perfectly themed for Valentine’s Day with beautiful decorations.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps for bakers of any skill level.
• Customizable: Shape and decorate them to match your style.
• Gift-Worthy: A thoughtful, homemade treat for loved ones.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

For the Decorations:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk (or plant-based milk)
• Food coloring (red and pink)
• Sprinkles, edible glitter, or small candies

Directions

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll and Cut Shapes: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies.
3. Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorate the Cookies:

1. Make the Icing: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of milk until smooth and spreadable. Add more milk for thinner icing or more powdered sugar for thicker icing.
2. Color the Icing: Divide the icing into separate bowls and color with food coloring to create red, pink, and white shades.
3. Decorate: Spread or pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies. Add sprinkles, glitter, or candies before the icing sets.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies (varies depending on size)
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Lover’s: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate cookies.
• Almond Twist: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Royal Icing: Use royal icing instead of a simple sugar glaze for intricate decorations.
• Stuffed Cookies: Add a small piece of chocolate or jam in the center of the cookie before baking.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Decorate after thawing.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

2. What’s the best way to get even thickness when rolling out the dough?

Use rolling pin guides or place two even dowels on either side of the dough to maintain consistent thickness.

3. Can I use store-bought icing?

Yes, ready-made icing works well if you’re short on time.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?

Chill the dough thoroughly before cutting shapes and avoid overworking the dough.

5. Can I use buttercream for decorating?

Yes, buttercream works for a softer, more textured decoration.

6. What kind of sprinkles are best?

Use Valentine-themed sprinkles like hearts, pink sugar, or pearl candies for a festive look.

7. How do I prevent the icing from running off the cookies?

Let the cookies cool completely and use a thicker consistency icing for outlining before filling.

8. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, use vegan butter, a flaxseed egg, and plant-based milk for a vegan version.

9. How do I fix sticky dough?

If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour while rolling out, but avoid overflouring to keep the cookies tender.

10. What’s the best way to package these cookies for gifting?

Arrange cookies in a decorative box or tin with parchment paper layers, or use clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon.

Conclusion

Valentine’s Day Cookies are a delicious and festive way to show your love. With their buttery flavor and charming decorations, they’re perfect for sharing with friends, family, or a special someone. Get creative with colors, shapes, and toppings, and make this Valentine’s Day extra sweet!

Print