Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the sweet scent of sugar cookies baking in the oven, especially when love is in the air! These delightful Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies are a perfect treat to share with your loved ones. Soft, buttery, and beautifully decorated, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Whether you’re celebrating with family or sending a batch to a friend, these cookies are baked with love and sprinkled with joy.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), filling your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This will be your dry mixture to create a perfectly balanced cookie.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this will be the rich base for your cookies.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating until everything is beautifully combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything comes together in a soft, tender dough.
- If you’re feeling creative, divide the dough and add food coloring to create vibrant shades that will make your cookies stand out!
- Roll the dough into small balls, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart.
- Using the bottom of a glass, gently flatten each ball to help them spread evenly while baking.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden, filling your home with the enticing aroma of freshly baked cookies.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before frosting, letting their sweet aroma linger.
- Once completely cooled, frost your lovely cookies with your favorite frosting and sprinkle them with colorful decorations, bringing them to life!
Notes or Tips
For an extra layer of flavor, consider using almond extract alongside the vanilla. The hints of nuttiness beautifully complement the sweetness of these cookies. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different food coloring to match your Valentine’s theme!
Cooking Techniques
Creating the perfect sugar cookie involves a few simple techniques:
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming. This process incorporates air and makes your cookies light and tender.
- Measuring Flour: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Cooling Cookies: Always let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt away.
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Once cooled, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container. Frost them once they’re thawed for best results.
What type of frosting works best?
A simple buttercream frosting or royal icing can elevate your sugar cookies to new heights! Both provide a lovely sweetness that complements the cookies beautifully.
Conclusion
These Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies are not just treats; they are little gifts of love. Each bite is a delicious reminder of the joyful moments shared with family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and get baking! Happy Valentine’s Day!