Table of Contents: Best Valentine’s Day Cookies

Best Valentine’s Day Cookies

Remember the joy of exchanging little gifts and heartfelt notes? These Best Valentine’s Day Cookies aren’t just a recipe; they’re a way to rekindle those sweet memories and create new ones with the people you cherish. Whether you’re celebrating with a spouse, sending a treat to grandchildren, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile.

This recipe delivers top-rated Valentine’s cookies that are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat – perfect for adding a personal touch to your celebrations.

Valentine’s Day is about expressing affection, and what better way to do that than with a homemade treat? These cookies aren’t overly complicated, making them a manageable and rewarding baking project, even if you haven’t spent much time in the kitchen lately. They’re a delightful alternative to store-bought chocolates and offer a chance to slow down and enjoy the process of creating something special.

Beyond Valentine’s Day, this sugar cookie base is incredibly versatile – think birthdays, anniversaries, or just a little something to brighten someone’s day. These truly are romantic desserts that will be remembered long after the last crumb is gone.

This recipe falls into the category of holiday cookie recipes, but it’s one you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. The combination of a tender, buttery cookie and a vibrant, smooth royal icing is simply irresistible. We’ll guide you through every step, ensuring your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Alternate Names & Variations

These cookies go by many names! You might also find similar recipes called:

* Valentine Sugar Cookies
* Heart-Shaped Cookies
* Decorated Valentine Cookies
* Cut-Out Sugar Cookies (with a Valentine’s theme)
* Royal Icing Cookies for Valentine’s Day

For a slightly different flavor profile, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough. You can also experiment with different extracts in the dough, like orange or peppermint, to create unique top-rated Valentine’s cookies.

Ingredients: Best Valentine’s Day Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful treats:

* 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed for rolling and work surface
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
* 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
* 1 large egg, at room temperature
* 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
* 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but makes the flavor outstanding)

Royal Icing:

* 4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted (I use and recommend Domino brand)
* 3 Tablespoons meringue powder (not plain egg white powder)
* 9–10 Tablespoons room-temperature water
* Gel food coloring kit for tinting (or any gel food coloring)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 3-5 minutes. Chef’s Tip: Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. It should hold its shape but yield easily to pressure.
3. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).

4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. Chef’s Tip: Chilling the dough is crucial! It prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
6. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies.
8. Bake: Place cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Chef’s Tip: Ensure the cookies are completely cool before icing, or the icing will melt.

10. Make the Royal Icing: In a clean, grease-free bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder. Add the water, one tablespoon at a time, and beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
11. Color the Icing: Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint with gel food coloring as desired.
12. Decorate: Transfer the icing to piping bags fitted with small round tips. Decorate the cooled cookies as desired. Let the icing set completely (several hours or overnight) before storing.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes + decorating time
Servings: 4 (approximately 24 cookies)
Approximate Calories: 150-200 per cookie (depending on icing amount)

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This recipe consistently delivers perfect results because of the balance of ingredients and the importance placed on technique. The ratio of butter to sugar creates a tender, flavorful cookie. Chilling the dough is non-negotiable – it allows the gluten to relax and prevents excessive spreading, resulting in crisp, well-defined edges.

Using meringue powder in the royal icing provides stability and a beautiful sheen, making it ideal for intricate designs.

For those seeking easy comfort food for family dinners or a fun activity to do with family, these cookies fit the bill. They’re a wonderful way to involve children in the baking process, letting them help with rolling, cutting, and, of course, decorating!

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your decorations – sprinkles, edible glitter, and different icing techniques can all add a personal touch.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The icing will remain crisp if stored properly.

Freezing: Unbaked cookie dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking. Baked, undecorated cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

These holiday cookie recipes are often made in advance, so freezing is a great option for managing your time.

Conclusion: Best Valentine’s Day Cookies

So there you have it – a recipe for Best Valentine’s Day Cookies that’s sure to become a cherished tradition. Don’t be intimidated by the royal icing; it’s easier than it looks, and the results are well worth the effort. Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and enjoy the process of creating these sweet expressions of love.

I’d love to hear how your cookies turn out! Share your photos and comments below, and let me know if you have any questions. Happy baking, and Happy Valentine’s Day!

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