Valentine’s Day Cookies

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to love, and what better way to express your affection than by baking heart-shaped cookies? These delightful Valentine’s Day Cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. This article will cover everything from ingredients to step-by-step instructions, nutrition facts, and frequently asked questions about this scrumptious recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these cookies will become a favorite for you and your loved ones!

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup pink or red sprinkles
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar for icing
• 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
• Food coloring (optional, for icing)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Add Sprinkles

Fold in the pink or red sprinkles into your cookie dough for a festive touch. These will add color and a crunch to each bite.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain slightly soft.

Cooling and Icing:

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Icing

In a small mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar and milk to create the icing. If you’d like to add color, make sure to add a small amount of food coloring to achieve your desired hue.

Step 9: Decorate Your Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the icing over them using a piping bag or a spoon. You can add extra sprinkles on top for decoration before the icing sets.

Recipe Card:

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 32 minutes | Category: Dessert | Method: Baking | Cuisine: American

Nutrition Card:

Calories: 150 | Sugar: 12g | Fat: 8g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fiber: 0g | Protein: 1g | Yields: 24 cookies

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, the texture and flavor may vary. For best results, use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

2. How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Valentine’s Day cookies can stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

3. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! You can use vegan butter and replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce to make the recipe vegan-friendly.

4. What can I use instead of sprinkles?

If you don’t have sprinkles, you can use mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.

5. Can I cut these cookies into shapes?

Absolutely! You can roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to cut into heart shapes or any other shapes before baking.

I’m so glad you’re here. If you enjoyed this recipe or found it helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family; great food is meant to be shared! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, kitchen tips, and daily cooking inspiration. Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to bringing you even more tasty ideas straight from my kitchen.

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