Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies: A Valentine’s Delight

These heart-shaped sugar cookies are sure to become a Valentine’s Day favorite. They’re not just cookies—they’re little tokens of love, made with care and creativity. Whether you enjoy baking solo or turn it into a group activity, the joy these cookies bring is unmatched. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!

Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love, and what better way to express it than with a batch of heart-shaped sugar cookies? These delightful treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones, gifting to friends, or adding a sweet touch to a romantic dinner.

I remember the first time I made these cookies—it was a snowy Valentine’s Day, and the simple act of decorating them with my kids turned into a cherished family tradition.

Let me guide you through the process of making these delectable cookies that are as fun to bake as they are to eat.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Perfect for Any Skill Level: Whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.
  2. Customizable Designs: From intricate lace-like patterns to playful sprinkles, you can decorate these cookies however you like.
  3. Great for Gifting: Package these cookies in a cute box, and you have the perfect homemade Valentine’s gift.
  4. Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared in advance, making it easy to plan your baking schedule.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together.
  5. Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

2. Roll Out and Cut the Cookies

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out one portion of the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
  3. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
  4. Re-roll the scraps and repeat until all the dough is used.
  5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Royal Icing

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 5 tablespoons of water. Beat on medium speed until the icing forms stiff peaks.
  2. If the icing is too thick, add more water 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches a pipeable consistency.
  3. Divide the icing into small bowls and tint each with gel food coloring. Transfer the icing to piping bags fitted with small round tips.

4. Decorate the Cookies

  1. Outline the edges of each cookie with royal icing, then fill in the center. Use a toothpick to smooth out the icing and eliminate air bubbles.
  2. Add decorative details like polka dots, stripes, or lace patterns while the base icing is still wet.
  3. Sprinkle edible glitter or add sugar pearls for extra flair. Allow the icing to dry completely before stacking or storing the cookies.

Variations

  1. Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Replace ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey twist.
  2. Citrus-Flavored Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, zesty flavor.
  3. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the baked cookies (without icing) for up to 3 months. Just thaw and decorate when ready.

2. How do I store decorated cookies?

Store the fully decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

3. What if I don’t have meringue powder for the icing?

You can use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk, but it may not set as firmly as royal icing.


How to Serve

Heart-shaped sugar cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways:

  • As a Dessert: Serve them alongside coffee or tea after a Valentine’s meal.
  • In a Gift Box: Wrap them in cellophane or place them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful gift.
  • At a Party: Arrange them on a platter as part of a Valentine’s dessert spread.

Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

These heart-shaped sugar cookies are sure to become a Valentine’s Day favorite. They’re not just cookies—they’re little tokens of love, made with care and creativity.
257
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies:

  • 2 ¾ cups 340g all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract optional

For the Royal Icing:

  • 4 cups 480g powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 5 –6 tablespoons water
  • Gel food coloring in pink red, and white

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in egg and extracts.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients to form a dough. Chill for 1 hour.
  • Roll out dough, cut heart shapes, and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely.
  • Make royal icing by beating powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until stiff peaks form. Tint with gel food coloring.
  • Decorate cookies with royal icing and let dry completely before serving.
Keyword Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies
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