Name: Valentine's Day Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 38 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 2 egg yolks; 2 tablespoons sour cream; 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional); 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted); 3 tablespoons meringue powder; 9-12 tablespoons water (room temperature); gel food coloring

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something undeniably special about making Valentine’s Day Cookies. Every year, as February rolls around, I find myself eagerly anticipating the chance to whip up these sweet treats. The kitchen fills with the loving scent of freshly baked cookies, and I can’t help but reminisce about the first time I made them. It was a chilly winter afternoon, and I decided to surprise my loved ones with a batch of heart-shaped cookies. With flour dusting my apron and a sprinkle of sugar on my cheeks, I crafted each cookie with care. As I pulled them from the oven, the golden edges and the soft centers were just begging to be decorated. These cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re a way to share love and creativity. Whether for a romantic dinner, a fun family gathering, or a friendly get-together, there’s nothing quite like Valentine’s Day Cookies to spread joy and sweetness. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
38 mins

Prep Time:
30 mins

Cook Time:
8 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
120 kcal

Protein:
1 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
5 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

What You’ll Enjoy About This Valentine’s Day Cookies

A Delicious Tradition

Making Valentine’s Day Cookies has become a delightful tradition in my home. Each year, I look forward to experimenting with different flavors and decorations. The joy of baking together with family or friends makes this process even more special. It’s a chance to bond over something sweet and craft together. Plus, who wouldn’t want to indulge in a cookie that embodies love?

Creative Freedom

One of the things I love most about making these cookies is the creative freedom it offers. You can decorate them however you like, from classic pinks and reds to vibrant pastels. Whether you prefer simple icing designs or intricate decorations, the options are endless! This creative outlet allows everyone to express their personality and have fun.

Perfect for Any Occasion

While Valentine’s Day Cookies are perfect for February 14th, they can be enjoyed any time of the year. Their versatility means they’re great for anniversaries, birthdays, or even just a fun weekend baking project. Anytime you want to share a little love, a batch of these cookies fits the bill perfectly.

Family Friendly

Baking these cookies is an activity the whole family can enjoy. Kids love getting involved, from measuring out the ingredients to decorating the cookies. Not only does it create lasting memories, but it also encourages teamwork and creativity in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love a little cookie dough along the way?

Deliciously Sweet

At the end of the day, the best reason to make Valentine’s Day Cookies is simply because they taste amazing! The sweetness of the dough combined with the rich frosting creates a delightful treat that will leave everyone wanting more. Each bite is a reminder that love is about sharing and enjoying the sweet moments in life.

What Goes Into Valentine’s Day Cookies

The ingredients for Valentine’s Day Cookies come together beautifully to create a delicious and festive treat. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect cookie texture and flavor. You have the staple ingredients like all-purpose flour providing structure, granulated sugar adding sweetness, and unsalted butter bringing richness. The addition of powdered sugar and meringue powder will help you create a delightful frosting that not only tastes good but is also perfect for decorating. Let’s take a closer look at these ingredients!

2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the backbone of your cookies, providing structure and stability.
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and balances sweetness.
½ teaspoon baking powder – Ensures your cookies rise beautifully and have a light texture.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and a creamy texture to the dough.
⅔ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their texture.
2 egg yolks – Provides moisture and richness, giving the cookies a tender crumb.
2 tablespoons sour cream – Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to balance the sweetness.
1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract – Infuses the cookies with a warm, sweet flavor.
1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional) – A hint of citrus that brightens the flavor profile.
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted – Essential for making a smooth and sweet frosting.
3 tablespoons meringue powder – Helps stabilize the icing and gives it a nice sheen.
9-12 tablespoons water, room temperature – Used to achieve the desired consistency of the icing.
gel food coloring – Perfect for tinting your frosting to match your celebration.

The Method for Valentine’s Day Cookies

Making these cookies is a fun and rewarding process! Follow these steps to create your batch of Valentine’s Day Cookies. You’ll find that each step builds anticipation for the delicious results. Let’s dive into the method!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 to 3 cookie sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This step is crucial as it ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
In another medium bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. The lightness of the mixture means you’ve incorporated enough air, which is key for the cookie texture.
Add the egg yolks, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to tough cookies.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just barely combined. You want to see a few streaks of flour; it’s okay if the mixture isn’t fully homogeneous at this point.
This recipe doesn’t require chilling time, so you can go ahead and split the dough into 2 to 3 pieces. Roll each piece out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ¼ inch thick.
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies. Gather the scraps together, press them into a dough ball, and let them rest for about 5 minutes before rolling them out again to cut more cookies.
Place the cookies on the lined cookie sheets, leaving about 1 ½ inches between each cookie. This spacing allows them to spread without touching.
Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, rotating the pan at the 4-minute mark to ensure even baking. The edges should be just set, and the tops will remain very light in color.
Let the cookies cool on the pan for 2 minutes to allow their shape to set before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled, you can frost them or store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to frost.
For the icing, using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment, mix the powdered sugar and meringue powder together on low. Gradually add 4 to 5 tablespoons of water and mix on high speed for about 1 minute. You want the icing to be pretty stiff.
Adjust the consistency by adding additional water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the consistency of soft serve ice cream. Reserve about ⅓ cup of the icing in a separate bowl, covering tightly with plastic wrap for later use.
With the remaining icing, thin it out by adding water 1 to 2 teaspoons at a time until it drips back into the bowl and takes about 10 seconds to melt back into the icing. This will be used for flooding your cookies.
Separate the icing into small bowls and tint with gel food coloring to your desired colors. Use the reserved icing to create lettering by coloring it red or black.
To ice the cookies, fill your piping bags with the colored icing and snip the ends to create a small hole. Lightly trace the outer edge of the heart with the icing, using firm pressure to fill in the center. If there are any holes, use a toothpick to swirl the icing around.
Allow the icing to set for at least an hour until a crust forms. Once set, pipe your chosen words onto the cookies with the reserved icing. Let them sit uncovered at room temperature to fully dry, ideally overnight.
Once the icing is dry, your cookies can be stacked and stored in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

Things Worth Knowing

Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on the cookies in the oven; they can go from perfectly baked to overdone very quickly.
Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother dough and better incorporation.
Roll Evenly: Use a rolling pin with guides if available, to ensure even thickness across your cookies.
Storing Icing: If you’re not using the icing immediately, cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Make It Your Own

While the classic Valentine’s Day Cookies are delightful, there are ways to personalize them. Here are some tips to make this recipe your own!

Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different extracts like almond or hazelnut for a unique twist.
Change the Shapes: Use different cookie cutters to create various shapes for different occasions.
Add Sprinkles: Top your cookies with colorful sprinkles for extra fun and texture.
Fillings: Consider adding a layer of jam or chocolate ganache between two cookies for a delicious surprise.
Color Themes: Match the icing colors to your party theme for more festive cookies.
Decorate with Edible Glitter: Add a touch of sparkle to your cookies with edible glitter for that special occasion.

Great Combinations for Valentine’s Day Cookies

Pair with Hot Cocoa: These cookies are perfect alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa or milk.
Perfect for Gifting: Package them in a cute box or bag for a sweet gift for friends and loved ones.
Ideal for Parties: Serve them at your Valentine’s Day parties or any gathering.
Store in Airtight Containers: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Seasonal Decor: Use seasonal decorations to match the holiday or occasion when serving.
Lunchbox Treats: These cookies make for a wonderful surprise in lunchboxes.

FAQ

You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it will change the texture of your cookies slightly. Whole wheat flour can make the cookies denser, so you might want to start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose to see how you like the flavor and texture.

To keep your Valentine’s Day Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week. If you have leftovers, you can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Yes, you can decorate the cookies in advance. Just make sure to let the icing dry completely before stacking them. If you’re planning to store them, use wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

For these cookies, a royal icing made with powdered sugar and meringue powder is ideal. It dries hard, making it perfect for decorating. Alternatively, you can use buttercream for a softer finish, but it won’t set like royal icing.

Conclusion

The joy of creating Valentine’s Day Cookies lies in the love and care that goes into each batch. These cookies are not just tasty treats; they are expressions of affection and creativity that can be shared with anyone you cherish. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make your own batch. You won’t just be baking cookies; you’ll be creating lasting memories filled with sweetness and love.