Name: Valentine Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting and Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached); 2 tsp baking powder; 1 cup butter (salted, cold & cut into chunks, 2 sticks); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 3/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp almond extract; 1/2 cup butter (softened, 1 stick); 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp milk (or more as needed); 2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tbsp milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1-2 drops liquid red food coloring; Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached)

2 tsp baking powder

1 cup salted butter, cold and cut into chunks (2 sticks)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

3/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp almond extract

1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick) – for buttercream frosting

4 cups powdered sugar – for buttercream frosting

1 tsp vanilla extract – for buttercream frosting

2 tbsp milk (or more as needed) – for buttercream frosting

2 cups powdered sugar – for glaze

3 tbsp milk – for glaze

1/2 tsp vanilla extract – for glaze

1-2 drops red liquid food coloring – for glaze

Valentine’s Day-themed sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: In a small bowl, stir together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.

Step 3: In a larger bowl, cream the cold butter chunks with the granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to form a dough.

Step 5: Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to just over 1/4 inch thickness. Use heart or “X” and “O” cookie cutters to cut shapes, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Freeze the cut cookies for 5 to 7 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.

Step 7: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Step 9 (For buttercream frosting): In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat on low speed to begin blending.

Step 10: Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well until the frosting is creamy and spreads easily but still holds its shape. Add more milk if necessary, but use about 2 to 3 tablespoons total.

Step 11: Once the buttercream reaches the right consistency, spread or pipe it onto cooled cookies.

Step 12 (For glaze): In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth and runny.

Step 13: Dip each cooled cookie into the glaze and place back on the cooling rack to let excess drip off.

Step 14: Immediately sprinkle Valentine-themed sprinkles on the glazed cookies.

Step 15: Allow the glaze to dry for 1 to 2 hours before serving or packaging.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough for a fresh twist.

Use unbleached flour for a better texture and richer taste.

If you prefer, substitute almond extract with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract.

To make gluten-free cookies, replace the flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Customize the glaze color with different food coloring to match other occasions.

Storage

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months and decorate after thawing. If the frosting softens, let cookies come to room temperature before serving. Glazed cookies are best eaten within 2 days to maintain glaze texture.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated until ready to roll and cut.

What if I don’t have heart-shaped cookie cutters?

Any cookie cutter shapes will work well—circles, stars, or even freehand shapes. The dough can also be sliced into squares or rectangles for a simpler look.