Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies

Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat to celebrate love and affection on this special day. With their beautiful heart shapes and delightful flavors, these cookies can serve as a sweet gift for loved ones or as a holiday treat for family and friends. Made with simple ingredients, decorated with festive icing, and customizable to fit any theme, this sugar cookie recipe will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also make your celebration more memorable. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed ingredient list, step-by-step instructions on how to make these delightful cookies, a nutrition card, and even answer the most frequently asked questions about baking sugar cookies. Get ready to spread the love with these charming Valentine’s Day treats.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Valentine’s Day sugar cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons almond extract (optional)
• Royal icing or frosting for decoration
• Sprinkles (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your very own Valentine’s Day sugar cookies:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until well combined.

Step 2: Combine and Chill

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until everything is just combined. Once the dough comes together, shape it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

Roll and Cut the Cookies

After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters in various heart shapes to cut out the cookies. Place the cookie shapes onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating Your Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to decorate! You can use royal icing or your favorite frosting to add color and flair to your Valentine’s Day sugar cookies. Here are a few decorating ideas:

• Dip part of the cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles.
• Use piping bags to create intricate designs, hearts, or messages.
• Top each cookie with edible glitter for a sparkle effect.
• Mix different colors of icing to create a fun rainbow effect.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 1 hour (includes chilling time)

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Category: Dessert

Method: Baking

Cuisine: American

Nutrition Card

Calories: Approximately 120 per cookie

Sugar: 8g

Fat: 5g

Carbohydrates: 15g

Fiber: 0g

Protein: 1g

Yields: Approximately 24 cookies

FAQs

How long do sugar cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, sugar cookies can stay fresh for about one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.

Can I freeze sugar cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze sugar cookie dough! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.

What can I use instead of almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract or prefer not to use it, you can replace it with additional vanilla extract or use other flavor extracts, such as lemon or coconut, for a different twist on the flavor.

How can I prevent sugar cookies from spreading?

To prevent your sugar cookies from spreading during baking, make sure you chill the dough adequately before rolling it out. Additionally, avoid over-beating the dough after adding the flour. The cooler the dough, the better it holds its shape.

What type of icing is best for sugar cookies?

Royal icing is an excellent choice for decorating sugar cookies, as it dries hard and gives a smooth finish. However, buttercream frosting can also be used for a more creamy texture and taste, though it doesn’t harden as thoroughly as royal icing.

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