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Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting and Red Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 80 reviews

This Valentine Sugar Cookie Recipe features soft, buttery heart-shaped cookies perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day. The dough is lightly flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, baked to a tender finish, and decorated with delicious buttercream frosting or a sweet glaze topped with festive sprinkles. These charming, festive treats are ideal for sharing with loved ones or gifting during the holiday.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 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

Buttercream Frosting (optional)

  • 1/2 cup butter (softened, 1 stick)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust as needed)

Glaze (optional)

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 drops liquid food coloring (red)
  • Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C) to prepare the baking environment for the cookies.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the cold, chunked butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.
  4. Add egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract thoroughly until combined.
  5. Combine dry ingredients into wet: Gradually stir the flour and baking powder mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to form the cookie dough.
  6. Roll out dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough out to just over 1/4 inch thick.
  7. Cut out cookies: Using heart-shaped or X and O cookie cutters, cut the dough into desired shapes and place the cut-outs onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
  8. Freeze dough: Place the baking sheet with cut cookies into the freezer for 5 to 7 minutes to firm the dough for even baking.
  9. Bake cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden.
  10. Cool cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer them to wire cooling racks to cool completely.
  11. Prepare buttercream frosting (optional): In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until well blended.
  12. Add milk gradually: With the mixer running, slowly pour in milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting becomes creamy, smooth, and spreadable, typically after 2 to 3 tablespoons. Adjust for desired consistency.
  13. Frost cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the buttercream frosting on top using a butter knife or spatula.
  14. Prepare glaze (optional): In a small bowl, stir together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth and runny.
  15. Glaze cookies: Dip each cooled cookie into the glaze and place them on a cooling rack to let excess glaze drip off.
  16. Add sprinkles: Immediately decorate the glazed cookies with Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles while glaze is still wet.
  17. Dry glaze: Allow the glazed cookies to dry for 1 to 2 hours until the glaze is set.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough after cutting helps maintain the cookie shapes during baking.
  • Make sure cookies cool completely before frosting or glazing to avoid melting toppings.
  • Milk quantity in frosting and glaze can be adjusted for preferred thickness.
  • Use unbleached flour for better texture and flavor.
  • These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a vegan alternative and use plant-based milk.

Keywords: Valentine's Day cookies, sugar cookies, heart-shaped cookies, buttercream frosting, glaze, holiday baking, homemade cookies

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/valentines-day-heart-shaped-sugar-cookies-with-buttercream-frosting-and-red-glaze-recipe/