These heart-shaped Valentine cookies are sweet and cute! Made with soft dough and a sprinkle of love, they’re perfect for sharing with someone special.
Who could resist a cookie that looks this good? I love to decorate them with colorful icing. It’s like giving a little hug in cookie form! 💕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives control over the salt level in your cookies. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Granulated Sugar: White sugar is standard for sweetening. You can replace half with brown sugar for a richer flavor and added moisture.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa adds delicious chocolate flavor. If you want a lighter cookie, skip this for a plain dough, or use carob powder as a caffeine-free alternative.
Food Coloring: Pink food coloring brings fun to your cookies. Gel colors work best as they provide vibrant shades without altering the dough’s consistency. You could use natural beet juice if you prefer something organic.
Decorating Icing: Royal icing firms up nicely for decorating, but if you want a simpler option, store-bought icing tubes are easy to use. Cream cheese frosting is tasty too!
How Do I Get My Cookies to Hold Their Shape?
Keeping cookies from spreading too much while baking is key for perfect shapes! Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Too warm butter leads to flat cookies.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling. This helps it firm up, making it easier to shape.
- Use parchment paper on your baking sheets to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape the dough gently but firmly. When using a cookie cutter, press down evenly to keep defined edges.
With these steps, you’ll have beautiful cookies that are perfect for decorating and sharing with loved ones!
Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate dough)
- Pink food coloring (for pink dough)
- Assorted Valentine-themed sprinkles (red, pink, white hearts and jimmies)
- White and pink royal icing or pre-made decorating icing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 8-10 minutes for baking. Then, allow some time for the cookies to cool and dry after decorating. All in all, you’ll need about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including assembly and resting time. Perfect for making with loved ones!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper so your delicious cookies won’t stick!
2. Mix the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy – this is where your cookies get their sweetness!
3. Combine Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the buttery mixture. Mix well until everything is fully combined, creating a smooth and creamy base.
4. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a different bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended. This is your dry mixture that will help the cookies rise just right!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies may turn out tough. We want them soft and chewy!
6. Divide and Color the Dough
Now, divide the cookie dough into two portions. Take one half and mix in the cocoa powder to create a chocolate dough. For the other half, add a few drops of pink food coloring and stir until you reach your desired shade.
7. Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls and place them onto the lined baking sheets. Gently press each one into a flat round shape, or use a heart cookie cutter to shape the pink dough into sweet hearts.
8. Bake
Bake the cookies in the oven for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool!
9. Cool the Cookies
After baking, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This is important, especially before decorating!
10. Decorate with Icing
Once cooled, it’s time to decorate! Use white and pink royal icing to pipe fun designs on your cookies. You can create lines, swirls, or even write little messages if you’d like!
11. Add Sprinkles
While the icing is still wet, sprinkle on your assorted Valentine-themed sprinkles. This will give them a lovely festive look!
12. Let It Set
Finally, let the icing dry completely before serving or storing your cookies. This might take about 30 minutes. Now your delicious Valentine Cookies are ready to enjoy!
Enjoy making and sharing these adorable and festive Valentine Cookies that are perfect for celebrating love!
Can I Use Substitute Ingredients in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re out of butter, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based alternative. For the egg, a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) works well as a vegan option. Just remember that substituting can slightly alter the texture.
How Should I Store the Valentine Cookies?
Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze the undecorated cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dough and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month. To use frozen dough, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve Vibrant Icing Colors?
For bright, vibrant icing, use gel food coloring instead of liquid. Gel colors provide more pigment without altering the icing’s consistency. Mix in small amounts until you achieve your desired shade!
