Best Homemade Valentine's Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These soft and buttery cut-out cookies are the perfect treat for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want something sweet and homemade. With a rich vanilla flavor, tender texture, and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies are ideal for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar. The dough is easy to work with, holds its shape beautifully when baked, and results in cookies that are crisp around the edges and soft in the center. Whether you're baking for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or a cozy afternoon at home, this recipe delivers consistently delicious and beautiful cookies every time.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Extra flour for rolling the dough
- Optional: sprinkles, colored sugar, or icing for decorating
Instructions
- Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer is helpful for this, but you can also do it by hand. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, resulting in a tender cookie.
- Step 2: Beat in Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing will result in tough cookies. A few streaks of flour are okay.
- Step 5: Chill the Dough: This is a crucial step! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). Chilling relaxes the gluten, preventing the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
- Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 7: Roll and Cut the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters in heart shapes, stars, or any other Valentine's Day-inspired designs.
- Step 8: Decorate the Cookies: If using sprinkles, gently press them onto the cookies. You can also create more elaborate designs with icing or colored sugar. Get creative!
- Step 9: Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Step 10: Cool the Cookies:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Pro Tip 1: Prevent Flat Cookies: Chilling the dough is key to preventing flat cookies. It allows the gluten to relax, making the cookies hold their shape during baking. Also, don't overbake them! They should be golden brown around the edges.
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. They also freeze beautifully, making them a great option for gifting!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 per cookie (depending on size and decorations).
- Protein: Approximately 2-3 grams per cookie.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use chocolate chips in these cookies? A: Absolutely! Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a richer flavor.
- Q: Will these cookies be soft or crispy? A: The cookies will be soft and chewy due to the chilling process and the type of flour used.
- Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time? A: Yes! You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also bake them a day ahead and store them at room temperature.
- Q: What if my cookies spread too thin? A: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, don't overmix the dough.
- Q: Can I add different flavors to the dough? A: Definitely! Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even lemon zest for a unique twist.