Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to spread love, and what better way to do it than with homemade sugar cookies? These sweet treats are not only delicious but also a fun and creative way to show someone you care. Whether you’re baking them for a special someone, your kids, or even your friends, sugar cookies are a timeless classic that never fails to impress. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can cut them into heart shapes, decorate them with vibrant pink and red icing, or even personalize them with heartfelt messages.
What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to follow, even for beginners. With a crumbly, buttery texture and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are the perfect canvas for your Valentine’s Day creativity. From rolling and cutting to icing and sprinkling, this is a recipe that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. So preheat your oven, gather your favorite decorations, and let’s whip up some love in cookie form!
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter (softened)- 1 cup (2 sticks)
- White Sugar- 1 cup
- 1 large Egg
- Vanilla Extract- 1 teaspoon
- Almond Extract (optional)- 1/2 teaspoon
- All Purpose Flour- 2-1/2 cups
- Baking Powder- 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt- 1/4 teaspoon
Icing
- Powdered Sugar- 2 cups
- Milk- 3 tablespoons
- Light Corn Syrup- 1 tablespoon
- Vanilla Extract
- Gel Food Coloring
- Salt- 1 teaspoon
What You’ll Need
- Two Large Mixing Bowls
- Cookie Cutters
- Cookie Sheet
- Parchment Paper
How to Make Sugar Cookies
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough starts to come together. It should form a soft but not sticky dough.
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). This step is crucial for rolling out dough and maintaining the shapes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Transfer the shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place the cut-out cookies in the fridge or freezer for 10–15 minutes to firm up and prevent spreading.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To Make the Icing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. The icing should be smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Allow the icing to dry fully (about 2–4 hours at room temperature) before stacking or packaging the cookies.
- Use toothpicks for precision when creating intricate designs.
Let us know what you thought of these valentine’s day sugar cookie, and feel free to check out some of our other Valentine’s day recipes.