Sugar Cookies for Valentine's Day
Delight in making sugar cookies this Valentine's Day with various textures, flavors, and beautiful decorations that celebrate love and creativity.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour The foundation of your cookies, providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt Enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds richness and a creamy texture.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their texture.
- 1 large egg Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Infuses flavor into the cookies.
Decoration Ingredients
- Food coloring For creating vibrant designs.
- Royal icing or fondant For decorating and adding a finishing touch.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together until thoroughly blended.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate
- Prepare royal icing or fondant to create different designs.
- Add food coloring to create a variety of shades.
- Use piping bags to create intricate designs.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality ingredients and ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling out.