Introduction
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to express your love through sweet treats that warm the heart. These delightful heart-shaped sugar cookies are not only easy to make but also bring a burst of joy with every bite. Adorned with colorful sprinkles and a glossy royal icing finish, they are both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Whether you’re baking for your loved ones, friends, or enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, these cookies are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face!
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 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
- 1/2 cup royal icing or your choice of icing for decorating
- Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the next steps.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter-sugar mixture, beating until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and flatten each into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies.
- Place the heart cookies on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking!
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- After the cookies are fully cooled, indulge your creative side by decorating them with royal icing and colorful sprinkles as desired.
Notes or Tips
For perfectly shaped cookies, ensure your dough is well-chilled before rolling it out. You can also get creative with flavors—try adding citrus zest for a refreshing twist. If you want an even softer cookie, you might reduce the baking time slightly, but keep an eye on them in the oven!
Cooking Techniques
Rolling cookie dough and cutting out shapes is a fun and rewarding process! When rolling out the dough, use a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking. If you encounter any cracks in the dough while cutting, just gently press them back together with your fingers. Chilling the dough not only helps maintain the shape while baking but also enhances the flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully.
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies? Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before rolling it out, and they can last up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
What might I use instead of royal icing? If you’re looking for a simpler decorating option, powdered sugar mixed with milk or water makes a wonderfully sweet glaze!
Conclusion
These charming heart-shaped sugar cookies are sure to sweeten any Valentine’s Day celebration. Not only are they fun to bake, but they also offer endless possibilities for decoration and personalization. Whether you’re enjoying a sweet moment with a loved one or sharing with friends, these cookies are a delightful way to spread joy and love!