Description
Valentines Day Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe: Sweet and colorful heart-shaped cookies with creamy frosting, perfect for spreading love and joy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5–6 tablespoons warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (clear if available)
- Gel food coloring (red, pink, white)
- Sprinkles, sanding sugar, or decorative candies
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Beat on medium speed until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed. Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. The dough should come together and feel soft but not sticky.
- Step 2: Chill and Roll the Dough Divide the dough in half and form each portion into a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. This short chill makes the dough easier to handle without requiring overnight refrigeration. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Working with one disc at a time, place the dough between two sheets of parchment and roll to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out hearts using cookie cutters of your preferred size.
- Step 3: Bake to Perfection Transfer the cut cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart. For extra insurance against spreading, place the cookie-filled baking sheets in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden and the centers are set but not browned. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 4: Prepare the Royal Icing In a large bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add 5 tablespoons of warm water and the vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form. The icing should be thick but smooth. Divide the icing into separate bowls for different colors. Add gel food coloring a little at a time to achieve desired shades of pink, red, and leave some white. Cover bowls with damp towels when not in use to prevent drying.
- Step 5: Decorate Your Valentine Cookies Prepare piping bags fitted with small round tips for outlining. For flooding consistency, add a few drops of water to portions of each color and stir gently until it reaches a honey-like consistency. Outline the cookies with the thicker icing, then fill with flooding consistency. Use a toothpick to spread the icing to edges and pop any air bubbles. While the icing is still wet, add sprinkles or other decorations if desired. For more elaborate designs, allow the base layer to dry completely (4-6 hours or overnight) before adding additional details with the stiffer icing.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 calories
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg