These Valentine’s Day cookies are the perfect way to spread some love! With soft, buttery dough and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are cut into heart shapes and decorated with a pop of pink and red icing, making them as sweet to look at as they are to eat.
Whether you’re surprising a special someone or treating yourself, these cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the season of love. The soft, chewy texture and sweet frosting are guaranteed to make anyone feel adored.
I first made these cookies for a Valentine’s Day party, and they were an instant hit. The best part?
Not only are they delicious, but they’re fun to decorate! I loved picking out sprinkles and edible glitter to make each cookie unique, and they brought so much cheer to the party.
These cookies are easy to make but still feel special, and you can customize the decorations to suit your personal style.
Pair these Valentine’s Day cookies with a steaming cup of hot chocolate for a cozy moment or with a few chocolate-covered strawberries for a sweet, indulgent treat. Either way, they make the perfect Valentine’s Day snack.
Bake a batch and share them with the ones you love—I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
Why I Love This Recipe?
- Perfect for Valentine’s Day: These cookies capture the sweetness and love of the holiday.
- Fun to Decorate: The decorating process is a blast—get creative with colors, sprinkles, and designs.
- Soft and Chewy: The texture is just right—light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Great for Gifting: Pack them up in a cute box and they make the perfect handmade gift.
Valentine’s Day Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Handheld or stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Sifter
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie cutter
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Baking sheets
- Wire Rack
- Small bowls for icing
- Hand mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment
- Piping bags and tips
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/4 cups 281g all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed for rolling and work surface
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup 12 Tbsp; 170g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup 150g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional, but makes the flavor outstanding*
- Royal Icing
- 4 cups 480g confectioners’ sugar, sifted (I use and recommend Domino brand)
- 3 Tablespoons meringue powder not plain egg white powder
- 9 –10 Tablespoons room-temperature water
- gel food coloring kit for tinting or any gel food coloring
Instructions
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat butter and sugar until smooth. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until dough forms.
- Divide dough, roll out on parchment paper to 1/4-inch thickness. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake cookies for 11-12 minutes.
- Make royal icing by mixing powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water.
- Color icing and decorate cookies. Allow them to set for 2 hours before writing on them.
- Store cookies at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for 10 days.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
| Fat | 8g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sugar | 18g |
Helpful Tips & Variations:
- Adding Texture:
Consider adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking for a touch of sparkle and texture. - Flavor Variations:
You can try replacing the almond extract with lemon zest or orange extract for a citrus twist. Or add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spiced flavor. - Royal Icing Tips:
- If the icing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- For intricate designs, pipe the icing onto the cookies and allow it to dry completely before adding more layers or details.
- Decorating Ideas:
Create holiday-themed designs like snowflakes, wreaths, or Christmas trees with the royal icing. Add edible glitter for extra festivity!
This recipe will yield beautifully decorated cookies perfect for holiday gatherings or as gifts!
