Valentine's Day Heart Sugar Cookies Recipe

Delight your loved ones on Valentine's Day with these adorable heart-shaped sugar cookies. These cookies are not only sweet and tasty, but also add a festive touch to any Valentine's Day celebration. The recipe is simple to follow and the ingredients are easily available, making this a fun and enjoyable baking experience.

Photos of Valentine’s Day Heart Sugar Cookies Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are quite straightforward and commonly found in most households. However, you might need to pick up meringue powder and Americolor soft gel paste color kit from the supermarket if they are not readily available in your pantry. The meringue powder is essential for making the royal icing, while the color kit will give your icing a vibrant and appealing look.

Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies Ingredients

All-purpose flour: A common baking ingredient that provides structure to the cookies.

Baking powder: Leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.

Salt: Enhances the other flavors in the cookies.

Butter: Adds richness and moisture.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their texture.

Egg: Binds the ingredients together.

Vanilla extract: Provides flavor.

Almond extract: Gives the cookies a hint of almond flavor.

Confectioners’ sugar: Used to make the icing.

Meringue powder: Provides structure to the icing.

Water: Thins the icing to the right consistency.

Americolor soft gel paste color kit: Used to color the icing.

One reader, Hannie Miguel says:

These heart-shaped sugar cookies were a hit! The recipe was easy to follow, and the cookies turned out beautifully. They were delicious and the perfect treat for Valentine's Day. The royal icing was a fun touch, and the colors made them look so festive. Highly recommend for a sweet and special holiday treat!

Hannie Miguel

Techniques Required for Making Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

How to make the cookie dough: Combine the dry ingredients and beat the wet ingredients until smooth. Then, mix the dry and wet ingredients until combined, and chill the dough before rolling and cutting.

How to roll and cut the cookies: Roll the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness, cut out heart shapes, and bake until lightly browned around the edges.

How to make royal icing: Beat all of the icing ingredients together until smooth and drizzling consistency is achieved.

How to decorate the cookies with royal icing: Separate the icing into different bowls, add food coloring, and use piping bags to decorate the cookies with the colored icing. Use a round icing tip for writing.

How To Make Valentine’s Day Heart Sugar Cookies

Surprise your special someone with these pretty and tasty sugar cookies that are shaped like hearts, and come topped with cute pastel-colored icing!

Preparation: 49 minutes

Cooking: 11 minutes

Chill Time: 5 hours

Total: 6 hours

Serves:

Ingredients

2¼cupsall-purpose flour,spoon and leveled
½tspbaking powder
¼tspsalt
¾cupbutter,unsalted, softened to room temperature
¾cupgranulated sugar
1large egg,at room temperature
2tsppure vanilla extract
¼-½tspalmond extract,optional, for added flavor

For Royal Icing:

4cupsconfectioners’ sugar,sifted
3tbspmeringue powder
10tbspwater,at room temperature
Americolor Soft Gel Paste Color Kit for coloring

Instructions

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
In a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed for about 1 minute until smooth.
Add the granulated sugar and beat on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until creamed.
Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract and beat on high speed for about 1 minute until combined.
Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed to combine.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low until combined.
If the dough seems too soft, add 1 tablespoon more flour so it’s a better consistency for rolling.
Divide the dough into 2 equal parts.
Roll each portion out onto a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured silicone baking mat (or a nonstick silicone mat) to about ¼-inch thickness.
The rolled-out dough can be any shape, as long as it is evenly ¼-inch thick.
Stack the pieces, with parchment paper between the 2, onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours and up to 2 days.
Once chilled, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Remove one of the dough pieces from the refrigerator and using a heart cookie cutter, cut into heart shapes.
Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all is used. Repeat with 2nd dough piece.
Bake for 10 to 11 minutes, until lightly browned around the edges.
Make sure to rotate the baking sheet halfway through bake time.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Royal Icing:

In a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat all of the icing ingredients together on high speed for 5 minutes.
When lifting the whisk up off the icing, the icing should drizzle down and smooth out within 10 to 12 seconds.
If it’s too thick, add a little more water. (around 12 to 14 tablespoons of water in total.)
If it’s too thin, add a little more sifted confectioners’ sugar.
Separate the icing into 6 different bowls.
Stir in 1 tiny drop of the following colors into each bowl, 1 color per bowl: pink, violet, green, yellow, and orange.
The 6th bowl is for the writing. Use 2 to 3 drops of red.
Add the icing to a piping bag fitted with round icing tip #5.
Decorate the cookies with colored icing.
Use a round icing tip #1 for writing.
Do not cover cookies as icing sets. Icing will set within 2 to 3 hours.

Recipe Notes

Freezing Instructions: Plain or decorated sugar cookies freeze well up to 3 months. Wait for the icing to set completely before layering between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-friendly container. To thaw, thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. The cookie dough can freeze for up to 3 months before rolling it out. Prepare the dough through step 7, divide in half, flatten both halves into a disk as we do with pie crust, wrap each in plastic wrap, then freeze. To thaw, thaw the disks in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature for about 1 hour. Roll out the dough as directed in step 8, then chill rolled out dough in the refrigerator for 45 minutes to 1 hour before cutting into shapes and baking.
If chilling for more than a couple hours, cover the top dough piece with a single piece of parchment paper.
Decorated or plain cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 206.92kcal
Fat: 5.83g
Saturated Fat: 3.58g
Trans Fat: 0.22g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.51g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.29g
Carbohydrates: 35.13g
Fiber: 0.30g
Sugar: 26.16g
Protein: 1.50g
Cholesterol: 22.08mg
Sodium: 36.17mg
Calcium: 12.16mg
Potassium: 23.66mg
Iron: 0.59mg
Vitamin A: 49.78µg

Essential Technique Tip for Perfect Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

When rolling out your cookie dough, ensure it's evenly spread to about ¼-inch thickness. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and have a consistent texture. If the dough is uneven, some parts of your cookies might be overcooked or undercooked. Using a rolling pin with adjustable rings can help achieve an even thickness. Also, chilling the dough before cutting out shapes makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Valentine's Day Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Prepare the dough: Make the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling and cutting.

Chill the dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Use pre-made icing: Consider using pre-made royal icing or store-bought cookie icing to save time on decorating.

Bake in batches: While one batch of cookies is baking, prepare the next batch for the oven to maximize efficiency.

Use a cookie press: Consider using a cookie press to quickly create uniform shapes without the need for rolling and cutting.

Substitute Ingredients For Valentine’s Day Heart Sugar Cookies Recipe

all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour: This substitute is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies. It can be used in a 1:1 ratio in most recipes.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a substitute for baking powder by using four times the amount of baking soda as the original baking powder called for in the recipe.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free substitute for butter in baking. It adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of granulated sugar. It adds a unique flavor and sweetness to the cookies.
large egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg: To make a flaxseed egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gel-like. This can be used as a vegan substitute for eggs.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can be used to add a nutty and sweet flavor to the cookies, providing a delicious alternative to vanilla extract.
almond extract - Substitute with orange extract: Orange extract can add a citrusy and refreshing flavor to the cookies, offering a unique twist to the traditional almond extract.
confectioners’ sugar - Substitute with powdered erythritol: Powdered erythritol is a low-calorie sweetener that can be used as a sugar substitute in the royal icing, making it suitable for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
meringue powder - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, can be whipped to create a vegan alternative to meringue powder for the royal icing.
water - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used to add a tangy flavor to the royal icing, replacing the water while enhancing the overall taste of the cookies.

Creative Ways to Present Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies for Valentine's Day

Heart-shaped cookies: The heart shape symbolizes love and care, making it a perfect choice for Valentine's Day. The cookies should be perfectly shaped and uniform in size, with a smooth and even surface.
Colorful royal icing: The royal icing should be skillfully applied in vibrant colors, enhancing the visual appeal of the cookies. Each color should be distinct and visually striking, adding to the overall presentation.
Elevated plating: Arrange the cookies on a pristine white platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing. The platter should complement the cookies, allowing their vibrant colors to stand out.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by delicately placing edible flowers around the cookies. This adds a sophisticated and romantic element to the presentation.
Use gold leaf accents: For an extra touch of luxury, delicately place edible gold leaf accents on the cookies. This adds a touch of opulence and sophistication to the overall presentation.
Serve with champagne: Pair the heart-shaped cookies with a glass of champagne for an indulgent and romantic touch. The effervescence of the champagne complements the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Essential Tools for Making Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies

Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and for preparing the cookie dough.
Heart-shaped cookie cutter: This tool is used to cut the cookie dough into heart shapes, perfect for Valentine's Day.
Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line the baking sheets, preventing the cookies from sticking and making cleanup easier.
Hand mixer or stand mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer is used to cream the butter and sugar and to mix the cookie dough ingredients together.
Rolling pin: A rolling pin is used to roll out the cookie dough to an even thickness before cutting out the heart shapes.
Baking sheets: Baking sheets are used to bake the heart-shaped cookies in the oven.
Piping bags and icing tips: Piping bags and icing tips are used to decorate the cookies with royal icing in various colors.

How To Store and Freeze Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies

Allow the sugar cookies to cool completely before storing.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
To keep the cookies soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and keep the cookies from becoming too hard.
If you want to store the cookies for a longer period, you can freeze them:
- Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour.
- Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them come to room temperature before serving. This should take about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
If you have decorated the cookies with royal icing, make sure the icing has completely hardened before storing or freezing the cookies. This will help prevent the icing from smudging or getting damaged.
When thawing frozen cookies, be sure to keep them in their container or bag until they have reached room temperature to prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the cookies, which can make them soggy.

Random Fact about Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies:

The heart-shaped sugar cookies are a popular treat for Valentine's Day, but did you know that the tradition of giving heart-shaped sweets dates back to the Middle Ages? In the 13th century, it was believed that the heart was the source of all human emotions, and offering heart-shaped confections was a way to express love and affection. This tradition has evolved over the centuries, and today, heart-shaped cookies remain a beloved symbol of love and friendship.

Is Making Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this heart-shaped sugar cookies recipe is quite high. The ingredients are common pantry staples, and the recipe yields a large batch of cookies. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly treat. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9 out of 10, considering the simplicity, versatility, and delightful outcome.

Are Valentine's Day Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?

The Valentine's Day heart-shaped sugar cookies recipe, while undeniably delightful and festive, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients – all-purpose flour, butter, and sugar – are high in calories, saturated fat, and simple carbohydrates. The recipe also includes a generous amount of royal icing, which is primarily made of confectioners' sugar, further increasing the overall sugar content.

However, there are ways to make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste or appearance:

Substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
Reduce the amount of butter and replace some of it with Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce
Cut back on the sugar in the cookie dough and experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in the royal icing to decrease the sugar content
Opt for natural food coloring alternatives, such as beet juice for pink or turmeric for yellow, to avoid artificial additives
Decrease the amount of icing used on each cookie or consider drizzling instead of fully coating them

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced treat that still captures the spirit of Valentine's Day. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying these cookies as part of a varied, nutrient-dense diet is the best approach to overall health and wellness.

Editor's Thoughts on These Delightful Valentine's Day Treats

The heart-shaped sugar cookies recipe is a classic and delightful choice for Valentine's Day. The combination of vanilla and almond extracts adds a lovely flavor to the cookies, and the royal icing provides a beautiful and colorful finish. The recipe's clear instructions make it accessible for both experienced and novice bakers, and the use of Americolor soft gel paste color kit allows for vibrant and visually appealing decorations. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to spread love and joy through the art of baking.

Enhance Your Valentine’s Day Heart Sugar Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and parmesan cheese, topped with chives for a burst of freshness.

Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and drizzled with a balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits, such as juicy strawberries, sweet pineapple, and tangy kiwi, tossed in a light honey-lime dressing.

Chicken Alfredo: Tender pieces of grilled chicken smothered in a rich and creamy alfredo sauce, served over a bed of fettuccine pasta for a comforting and satisfying dish.

Alternative Valentine's Day Cookie Recipes to Try

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The rich flavors of tomato and basil come together in a velvety smooth soup that will warm you up from the inside out.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus is taken to a whole new level with the addition of garlic and parmesan. This simple yet flavorful side dish is the perfect way to elevate your meal with minimal effort.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Indulge in a healthy and delicious dessert with this mango coconut chia pudding. The tropical flavors of mango and coconut come together in a creamy and satisfying treat that you can feel good about enjoying.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Valentine's Day Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushroom caps with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with a colorful and refreshing appetizer of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves threaded onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish with tender chicken and a rich, savory sauce. Pair it with your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Wellington: Impress your guests with a classic and elegant dish featuring tender beef fillet wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a show-stopping dinner.

Why trust this Valentine’s Day Heart Sugar Cookies Recipe:

This recipe guarantees delicious heart-shaped sugar cookies that are perfect for Valentine's Day celebrations. The combination of vanilla extract and a hint of almond extract adds a delightful flavor, while the royal icing provides a beautiful and colorful finish. The detailed instructions ensure that even novice bakers can achieve excellent results. Trust the rave reviews from our community and indulge in these delightful treats that are sure to impress your loved ones.

Bake up some love this Valentine's Day with our Heart Sugar Cookies Recipe! Share your experience making these sweet treats and any creative twists you added in the Baking and Desserts forum.

FAQ:

Can I make the cookie dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the cookie dough in advance. After preparing the dough, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, simply let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and cutting the cookies.

Can I use different shapes for the cookies?

Absolutely! While this recipe is for heart-shaped cookies, you can use any cookie cutter shape you prefer. Just ensure that the dough is rolled out to an even ¼-inch thickness for consistent baking.

Can I skip the almond extract in the cookie dough?

Yes, you can omit the almond extract if you prefer. The cookies will still have a delightful flavor from the vanilla extract. Feel free to adjust the flavorings to your liking.

How long does the royal icing take to set?

The royal icing will set within 2 to 3 hours. Once decorated, it's best to let the cookies sit undisturbed until the icing has fully set.

Can I store the decorated cookies?

Once the royal icing has set, you can store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Be sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.