Description
These Easy Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies are sweet, soft, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. With a buttery base, a delicate vanilla flavor, and a simple decoration of colorful sprinkles or frosting, these cookies make a festive treat for Valentine’s Day—or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon milk (if needed to adjust dough consistency)
For decorating (optional):
- Colored sugar sprinkles (red, pink, or white)
- Royal icing or melted chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until combined.
- Combine the Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to bring it together.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
- Roll and Cut the Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters (or any shape you prefer) to cut out the cookies. Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
- Decorate: Before baking, you can sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar for a festive touch. Alternatively, you can bake them plain and add royal icing or melted chocolate after they cool.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies are soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate (Optional): Once the cookies have cooled, decorate them with royal icing, sprinkles, or melted chocolate for extra flair.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Easy Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies with a glass of milk or pack them up as a sweet gift!
Notes
- You can store these cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- If you don’t want to use food coloring for the dough, you can simply decorate with frosting and sprinkles.
- These cookies freeze well. Just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American