Valentines Day Sugar Cookie Recipe

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Some days feel like a marathon I didn’t sign up for — and snacks still have to bring comfort. One busy afternoon, I wanted to make something sweet and special for my family to celebrate Valentine’s Day without spending hours in the kitchen. Inspired by Courtney, the friendly and passionate food blogger who loves to share simple, family-friendly recipes, I whipped up this Valentines Day Sugar Cookie Recipe. It’s perfect for creating heart-shaped sugar cookies with fun decorating ideas that bring a little festive magic to your kitchen. If you like the recipe, please share it!

What is Valentines Day Sugar Cookie Recipe?

Valentines Day Sugar Cookie Recipe is a classic sugar cookie base made especially festive with heart shapes and colorful decorations perfect for the season of love. It’s a go-to for family baking time that’s simple, yummy, and easily customized. These cookies bring that warm, comforting feeling to Valentines Day and work well alongside other Valentines Day baked goods like spritz cookies or even a Crumbl cookie copycat. Think of it as your sweet little tradition starter, perfect for Christmas sugar cookies too, just with a Valentine twist!

Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional for a subtle flavor twist)
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk
  • Red, pink, and white royal icing or store-bought decorative icing
  • Assorted sprinkles (heart-shaped or Valentine-themed)
  • Edible glitter or colored sugar for extra sparkle

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer (hand or stand)
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Rolling pin
  • Heart-shaped cookie cutters (various sizes)
  • Cooling rack
  • Small bowls or piping bags for decorating

How to Make Valentines Day Sugar Cookie Recipe

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 2:

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.

Step 3:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.

Step 4:

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.

Step 5:

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.

Step 6:

Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least an hour.

Step 7:

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Step 8:

Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 9:

Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just lightly golden.

Step 10:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes; then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Step 11:

Decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar as desired. Use piping bags for detailed Valentines cookies decorated ideas.

Step 12:

Allow icing to set before serving or storing.

Some Tips!

  • For soft sugar cookies, don’t overbake; watch closely from 8 minutes onward.
  • Use chilled dough to help maintain shapes and prevent spreading.
  • Almond extract is optional but adds a lovely subtle flavor that’s perfect for Valentine chocolate chip cookies too.
  • If short on time, decorate with colored sugar and sprinkles instead of royal icing.
  • Get creative with Valentines cookies decorated ideas by mixing colors and textures of icing and decorations.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover Valentines Day sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the undecorated cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.

What to Eat With

These Valentines Day sugar cookies pair wonderfully with other Christmas baking recipes like spritz cookies and Christmas sugar cookies for a festive baked goods spread. They’re also great alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate or served with some Valentine chocolate chip cookies for that sweet tooth fix during the holiday season.

FAQ

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend suitable for cookies.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough before cutting.

What’s the best way to decorate Valentines Day sugar cookies?

Royal icing works great for detailed designs; you can also use colored sugar and sprinkles for a quick and fun finish.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can try replacing butter with vegan butter and egg with a flax egg, but texture may vary.

How do I keep decorated sugar cookies fresh?

Store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature once the icing has fully dried.

Conclusion

This Valentines Day Sugar Cookie Recipe is a timeless, sweet treat that brings joy with every bite and is perfect for creating festive heart-shaped sugar cookies decorated with love. It fits beautifully with Valentines Day baking ideas and is a fun cozy activity to enjoy with family. Whether you keep it simple or go all out with decorations, these cookies will be a yummy highlight of your Valentines Day baked goods. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful cookies this season!

Valentines Day Sugar Cookie Recipe
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Valentines Day Sugar Cookie Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

24

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

180

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

This Valentine’s Day sugar cookie recipe makes soft, heart-shaped cookies perfect for decorating. An easy, family-friendly baking idea for festive Valentine’s Day treats.

Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
    1 tsp baking soda
    1/2 tsp baking powder
    1 cup unsalted butter, softened
    1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
    1 large egg
    1 tsp vanilla extract
    1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
    3–4 tbsp buttermilk
    Royal icing (red, pink, white) or decorative icing
    Valentine-themed sprinkles
    Edible glitter or colored sugar (optional)

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, until just combined. Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  • Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut heart-shaped cookies and place on lined baking sheets.
  • Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely, then decorate with icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter.

Notes

  • Chill dough to keep cookie shapes crisp.
    Do not overbake for soft sugar cookies.
    Almond extract adds extra flavor but is optional.
    Use colored sugar for a quick decorating option.
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Sarah

My name is Sarah. The short version about the Wine and Mommy Time mommy: I have a husband, two kids, and an 80 pound Pitbull who thinks he’s a lap dog.

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