Introduction
Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show your loved ones just how much you care, and what better way to do that than with a batch of heart-shaped sugar cookies? These delightful treats are not only adorable but also bursting with a sweet, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or that special someone, these cookies will surely spread the love. Let’s dive into the recipe and make some sweet memories!
Ingredients
- 3 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 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture will provide the perfect base for your cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is where the magic begins!
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture, mixing until everything is well combined. The aroma from the extracts will make your kitchen smell incredible!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain that light, tender texture.
- Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. Chilling the dough helps to achieve those perfect cookie shapes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents any sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness, allowing for those lovely heart shapes.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Feel free to get creative with different sizes!
- Sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top of each cookie before baking—this adds a festive touch that’s hard to resist.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want that golden hint, not a brown cookie!
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking as you move them.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of sweetness, consider drizzling some icing over the cooled cookies or adding some food coloring to the icing for a festive flair. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them ideal for sharing throughout the Valentine season!
Cooking Techniques
The key to achieving the best sugar cookies lies in the chilling process and the baking time. Make sure the dough is firm before rolling, as this ensures your cookies hold their shape while baking. Baking them until they’re just lightly golden will give you that soft, chewy center that’s simply irresistible!
FAQ
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Wrap the disks of dough tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
What can I substitute for the almond extract?
If you’re not a fan of almond flavor, feel free to substitute with an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract or any other flavor extract you love!
Conclusion
These heart sugar cookies are not just a treat; they are a delightful way to express your love this Valentine’s Day. With their charming shape and sweet flavor, they are sure to bring smiles all around. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and create some sweet memories with this fun and easy recipe. Enjoy every bite and the joy it brings!