Name: Valentine’s Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted COLD butter, sliced into tablespoon portions before mixing; 2 cups white granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons COLD half and half; 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract or peppermint extract); 3 COLD large eggs; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup half and half; Valentine’s themed sprinkles, for decorating

Introduction

These Valentine’s Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for celebrating love and friendship. Soft, buttery, and lightly flavored with almond extract, they’re decorated with festive sprinkles for a charming touch. Whether you’re sharing them or enjoying alone, these cookies are sure to sweeten your day.

The image shows heart-shaped sugar cookies arranged on a metal cooling rack and a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie is about one layer thick with a smooth, white icing layer covering the top, and decorated with various small sprinkles. The sprinkles are different colors and shapes, including red, pink, and white dots, tiny hearts, and lines. The cookies themselves are a light golden beige, and the white icing contrasts with the colorful sprinkles, creating a cheerful, festive look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted COLD butter, sliced into tablespoon portions before mixing

2 cups white granulated sugar

2 tablespoons COLD half and half

1 teaspoon almond extract, vanilla extract, or peppermint extract

3 COLD large eggs

4 cups all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

3 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup half and half

Valentine’s themed sprinkles, for decorating

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cold butter and sugar just until creamy. Avoid overbeating to keep the butter cold.

Step 3: Beat in the half and half and the extract of your choice. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing until well combined.

Step 4: Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until a thick dough forms. If the dough is too wet, gradually add extra flour (1/4 cup at a time) until smooth and manageable.

Step 5: On a floured surface, roll half of the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into heart shapes using cookie cutters. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 6: Arrange cookies about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 7–9 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until cookies are set and edges are lightly browned.

Step 7: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: To make the icing, whisk powdered sugar and half and half in a bowl until smooth and spreadable.

Step 9: Spread a thin layer of icing on each cookie and immediately decorate with Valentine’s themed sprinkles before the icing sets.

Tips & Variations

Keep all wet ingredients cold to ensure the cookies stay tender and don’t spread too much during baking.

Try swapping almond extract for vanilla or peppermint to customize the flavor.

If you prefer, use a piping bag to decorate cookies with icing for more intricate designs alongside sprinkles.

For a slight crunch, chill the cut-out cookies on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before baking.

FAQs

Can I use softened butter instead of cold butter?

Cold butter helps maintain the cookie’s texture and shape during baking. Using softened butter may cause the cookies to spread more and become less tender.

How do I prevent the icing from getting too runny?

Adjust the amount of half and half gradually while mixing the powdered sugar. The icing should be smooth but thick enough to hold its shape without dripping.