Perfect Valentine's Sugar Cookies
Introduction
These soft and buttery sugar cookies are the perfect homemade treat for holidays, special occasions, or simply when you're craving something sweet and comforting. With their rich vanilla flavor, tender crumb, and beautifully golden edges, these cookies are easy to make and even more fun to decorate. Thanks to a combination of granulated and powdered sugar, they stay soft in the center while holding their shape perfectly when baked. Whether you're baking with family, preparing treats for a celebration, or just enjoying a cozy afternoon in the kitchen, this recipe guarantees delicious, bakery-style sugar cookies every single time.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Extra flour for rolling
- Optional: frosting, sprinkles, or colored sugar for decorating
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Get those baking sheets ready to shine!
- Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be pale and airy. Don't rush this step! It's crucial for a tender cookie.
- Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – this can lead to tough cookies. A few streaks of flour are okay.
- Step 6: Chill the Dough: This is important! Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). Chilling helps prevent spreading and allows the flavors to meld. This is a game-changer for cookie texture.
- Step 7: Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters (hearts, stars, etc.) to cut out your desired shapes.
- Step 8: Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies.
- Step 9: Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with frosting, sprinkles, or other decorations of your choice.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Pro Tip 1: Don't Overbake! Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking and remove them from the oven as soon as they reach a golden brown color.
- 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. Frozen cookies can be baked directly from frozen, but they may take a little longer to bake.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 per cookie (depending on size)
- Protein: Approximately 2-3 grams per cookie
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I substitute the butter with another fat? A: While butter provides the best flavor and texture, you can substitute it with vegetable shortening or coconut oil. However, the resulting cookies will have a slightly different taste and texture.
- Q: Does this recipe require a lot of baking powder? A: Yes, a little goes a long way! We use a touch (1 1/2 tsp) to give the cookies a nice rise and a soft crumb. Don't add too much, or they'll be too puffy.
- Q: I’m allergic to nuts – can I make these? A: Absolutely! This recipe is naturally nut-free. Just be sure to use a clean mixing bowl and utensils to avoid cross-contamination if you’re baking for someone with a nut allergy.
- Q: Can I make these gluten-free? A: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a little extra liquid to compensate for the difference in texture.
- Q: Can these be decorated with royal icing? A: Definitely! Royal icing is perfect for creating intricate designs and decorations on sugar cookies. It dries hard and provides a beautiful, polished finish.