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Valentine Sugar Cookies

Delicate, buttery cookies with a delightful mix of vanilla and almond flavors, perfect for sharing love this Valentine’s Day.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Base Ingredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached) This forms the body of your cookies, providing that classic cookie texture.
  • 2 tsp baking powder Helps the cookies rise slightly, making them soft and fluffy.
  • 1 cup butter (salted, cold & cut into chunks, 2 sticks) Cold butter ensures a tender cookie and adds a rich flavor.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Creates a delightful balance with the butter.
  • 1 large egg Acts as a binder, helping maintain the structure of the dough.
  • 3/4 tsp vanilla extract Infuses a warm sweetness in every bite.
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract Adds a lovely hint of nutty sweetness.
Frosting Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup butter (softened, 1 stick) Gives your frosting the ideal creamy consistency.
  • 4 cups powdered sugar Sweetens your frosting to perfection.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances the flavors in your frosting.
  • 2 tbsp milk For the desired consistency of your frosting.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar For a simple glaze if you prefer that over frosting.
  • 3 tbsp milk To thin your glaze to the preferred pouring consistency.
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla A touch of flavor for your glaze.
  • 1-2 drops liquid food coloring (red) For a festive Valentine spirit.
  • Sprinkles (Valentine's Day themed) To add a finishing touch and visually pop!

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a small bowl, stir together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the cold chunks of salted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
  5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture until just blended.
  6. Flour your surface, then roll out the dough to just over 1/4" thick.
  7. Use heart and X and O cookie cutters to cut out cookies. Place them on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
  8. Freeze the cut cookies for 5-7 minutes.
Baking
  1. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
  2. Cool on the baking sheet for about 3 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
Frosting/Glaze
  1. For buttercream frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and beat until well combined. Stir in vanilla extract and milk until smooth.
  2. For glaze, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, and stir in food coloring if desired.

Notes

For a softer cookie, remember to use cold butter and don’t skip the chilling step. Use a piping bag for frosting or glaze to achieve a professional look. For festive decorations, add colorful icing and sprinkles.