Valentine Sugar Cookies

These Valentine Sugar Cookies are easy to make, soft, sweet, and impossible to resist. Made with classic sugar cookie dough, they’re topped with smooth frosting and festive Valentine sprinkles that instantly spread love. Perfect for gifting, parties, or baking with family, these cookies are a fun and delicious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Below, you’ll find a simple recipe along with helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

If you like these Valentine Sugar Cookies, you should definitely try the Christmas Cheesecake Recipe and Italian Christmas Cookies recipes.

Ingredients for Valentine Sugar Cookies

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 drops pink liquid food coloring
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or water
• Valentine’s-themed sprinkles for decorating

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Cookie cutters (Heart shapes are ideal for Valentine’s Day)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper 

How to Make Valentine Sugar Cookies

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

Step 2: Beat softened butter and sugar until just combined, then add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

Step 3: Add the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix on low speed until a thick dough forms. Roll half the dough on a surface dusted with flour to 1/4 inch thickness.

Step 4: Cut hearts out with cookie cutters and place on prepared baking sheets 1 inch apart. 

Step 5: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 3–5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or water, and liquid food coloring until smooth.

Step 7: Put a thin layer of icing on top of each cookie. Add the Valentine’s sprinkles right away before the icing has time to set. Serve and enjoy.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Frosted cookies must be preserved for no more than five days at room temperature in an airtight container.

Freeze Cookies: Baked cookies (not iced or decorated) can be preserved for three months in the freezer. Let cookies cool thoroughly, then layer with parchment paper between the layers and place in a resealable plastic bag or freezer container. Let it defrost completely at room temperature before icing.

Freeze Cookie Dough: Cookie dough can be stored frozen for three months. Put the cookie dough in a freezer-safe plastic bag and tightly wrap it in plastic wrap. Roll out and cut to bake after letting it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Pro Tips for Perfect Valentine Sugar Cookies

1. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling to prevent cookies from spreading and to keep sharp heart shapes.
   
2. Use softened butter, not melted butter, for the best texture and shape retention.
   
3. Roll dough evenly to about ¼-inch thickness so all cookies bake at the same time.
   
4. Don’t overbake—remove cookies when edges are just lightly golden to keep them soft.
   
5. Let cookies cool completely before icing to prevent the frosting from melting.
   
6. Adjust icing consistency by adding milk or water one teaspoon at a time until smooth and spreadable.
   
7. Decorate immediately with sprinkles before the icing sets for the best hold and look.
   
8. Store cookies layered with parchment paper to keep decorations neat and intact.

Nutrition

• Calories: 200kcal
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Calcium: 15mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Potassium: 40mg
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Protein: 1.5g
• Iron: 0.6mg

More Valentines-Day Dessert To Try

• Valentine Shortbread Cookies
• Chocolate Heart Cookies
• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cupcakes
• Red Velvet Pound Cake Recipe

FAQs

May I use a different flour?

A: Best is all-purpose, but other gluten-free blends may be substituted, but texture will be slightly different.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

A: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Also, use softened butter not melted butter—to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Conclusion

Making Valentine’s Day sugar cookies is truly worth the effort. This step-by-step guide includes everything you need to create delicious, beautifully decorated cookies for your loved ones. So grab your supplies, get creative with the decorating, and enjoy these sweet Valentine’s Day treats.