Valentine’s Day is all about spreading love, and what better way to do that than with homemade heart-shaped cookies? These delightful treats are not only delicious but also a fun way to get creative in the kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a special someone, friends, or family, these colorful cookies decorated with royal icing will bring a festive touch to any celebration. Let’s get baking and make this Valentine’s Day extra sweet!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
For the Royal Icing:
3 cups powdered sugar
2 large egg whites (or 4 tablespoons meringue powder + 6 tablespoons water)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gel food coloring (red, pink, or any desired colors)
Water (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix well. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating.
Make the Royal Icing: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, egg whites (or meringue powder + water), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add water a teaspoon at a time until the icing reaches your desired consistency.
Decorate: Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint each with gel food coloring. Use piping bags to outline and flood the cookies with icing. Let them dry before adding additional details like messages or patterns.
Set and Enjoy: Allow the icing to set completely before serving or packaging as gifts. Enjoy your homemade Valentine’s Day cookies!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Decorating Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel-based food coloring provides vibrant colors without altering the icing’s consistency.
Piping Precision: Outline cookies first before flooding with thinner icing for a professional finish.
Let Icing Dry Completely: Allow at least 4-6 hours for the icing to fully set before stacking or packaging.
These heart-shaped Valentine’s Day cookies are a perfect way to celebrate love and friendship. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and a joy to share. Whether you stick to classic red and pink hues or get creative with your designs, these cookies are sure to impress. Pair them with chocolate-dipped treats or jam thumbprints for a delightful Valentine’s dessert platter. Happy baking and happy Valentine’s Day!