Valentine’s Day Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe

Description

These heart-shaped sugar cookies are a perfect treat to share with loved ones on Valentine’s Day. They’re soft, buttery, and have the ideal amount of sweetness, making them perfect for decorating with royal icing or enjoying as they are. Whether you’re baking with kids or planning a special surprise, this simple yet delicious recipe is sure to win hearts.

Ingredients

• For the cookies:

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk)

• For the royal icing (optional):

  • 2 egg whites (or 1/4 cup meringue powder)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Food coloring (for decorating)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

4. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Add the heavy cream to bring everything together into a dough.

6. Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make rolling out easier.

7. Roll and Cut: Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.

8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Decorate (Optional): If you’re using royal icing, beat the egg whites (or meringue powder) with powdered sugar and lemon juice to stiff peaks. Divide into bowls and color as desired. Decorate the cookies with the icing once fully cooled.

Equipment Needed

• Electric mixer (hand or stand)
• Cookie cutters (heart-shaped)
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mats
• Wire rack (for cooling)
• Bowls (for mixing icing)
• Whisk (for royal icing)

How To Store

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator and then follow the instructions.

Print Recipe

Valentine's Day Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe

These heart-shaped sugar cookies are a perfect treat to share with loved ones on Valentine's Day. They're soft, buttery, and have the ideal amount of sweetness, making them perfect for decorating with royal icing or enjoying as they are. Whether you're baking with kids or planning a special surprise, this simple yet delicious recipe is sure to win hearts.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Servings: 24

Equipment

• Electric mixer (hand or stand)
• Cookie cutters (heart-shaped)
• Rolling Pin
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mats
• Wire rack (for cooling)
• Bowls (for mixing icing)
• Whisk (for royal icing)

Ingredients

• For the cookies:
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
• For the royal icing optional:
• 2 egg whites or 1/4 cup meringue powder
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Food coloring for decorating

Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
• Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated.
• Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Add the heavy cream to bring everything together into a dough.
• Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make rolling out easier.
• Roll and Cut: Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Decorate (Optional): If you’re using royal icing, beat the egg whites (or meringue powder) with powdered sugar and lemon juice to stiff peaks. Divide into bowls and color as desired. Decorate the cookies with the icing once fully cooled.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Can I use margarine instead of butter?

It’s best to use butter for a rich flavor and texture, but margarine can be substituted if needed. Just keep in mind it may alter the taste slightly.

How do I know when my sugar cookies are done baking?

The edges of the cookies will turn golden brown, but the centers will still look slightly soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

 Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate it. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to decorate or serve.

 Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes! You can freeze the baked and decorated cookies or freeze the dough itself to bake at a later time.

Can I make the dough without an electric mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix the dough by hand using a wooden spoon or spatula.

How thick should I roll the dough?

Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick to get a soft, chewy texture. If you prefer crispier cookies, roll it a little thinner.

 Why did my sugar cookies spread too much during baking?

The dough may have been too warm when placed on the baking sheets. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.

Can I use store-bought icing?

Yes, store-bought royal icing or buttercream can be used if you prefer a quicker decorating method.

What can I use if I don’t have heart-shaped cookie cutters?

If you don’t have heart-shaped cutters, you can use any other shape you like or simply cut out hearts by hand using a knife.

How do I make the royal icing set faster?

You can speed up the drying time by using a fan or leaving the decorated cookies in a cool, dry area. Keep in mind that royal icing dries best at room temperature.