How far in advance can I make Valentine Sugar Cookies?

You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped. Baked cookies (undecorated) will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to 3 months in the freezer . For best results, decorate just before serving or gifting.

Can I freeze these sugar cookies?

Yes! Both the unbaked dough and baked, undecorated cookies freeze beautifully. For the dough, wrap tightly in plastic and store in a freezer-safe bag. For cookies, place in layers with parchment between each in an airtight container. Let them thaw at room temperature before decorating.

What icing works best for decorating Valentine Sugar Cookies?

A simple powdered sugar glaze (like the one in this recipe) works great for quick and easy decorating. If you want more precise designs, royal icing is a popular alternative, especially if you want the icing to harden completely for stacking or packaging. Add pink or red food coloring and festive sprinkles for that extra Valentine charm!

Valentine Sugar Cookies – Best Recipe for Soft Cookies

Name: Valentine Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: provides structure; 1 teaspoon baking powder: adds lightness and softness; 1/2 teaspoon salt: balances sweetness; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: adds rich flavor and soft texture; 1 cup granulated sugar: sweetens and adds tenderness; 1 large egg: binds ingredients and adds moisture; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances flavor; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): adds nutty aroma; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze): smooth and sweet icing base; 2–3 tablespoons milk: thins icing to spreading consistency; Red or pink food coloring: for festive decoration; Sprinkles or nonpareils: optional, for texture and visual appeal

Description

These Valentine Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for decorating. Shaped like Xs and Os, they’re ideal for Valentine’s Day celebrations, easy to make, and a joy to share with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: provides structure
1 teaspoon baking powder: adds lightness and softness
1/2 teaspoon salt: balances sweetness
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: adds rich flavor and soft texture
1 cup granulated sugar: sweetens and adds tenderness
1 large egg: binds ingredients and adds moisture
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances flavor
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): adds nutty aroma
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze): smooth and sweet icing base
2–3 tablespoons milk: thins icing to spreading consistency
Red or pink food coloring: for festive decoration
Sprinkles or nonpareils: optional, for texture and visual appeal

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and beat until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
Use X and O cookie cutters to cut shapes and place them on prepared baking sheets.
Chill dough if needed to make cutting easier or reduce spread.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just turning golden. Do not overbake.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make icing, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
Decorate cookies with icing and sprinkles. Let icing set before storing.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies soft.
Cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
Unbaked dough and baked (undecorated) cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Let icing fully dry before stacking or packaging cookies.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 160
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg