Sweetheart Sugar Cookies

Embrace the spirit of love with these enchanting Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies! Starting with a delightfully easy sugar cookie recipe, each treat is generously adorned with a perfectly pink buttercream frosting and a shower of festive holiday sprinkles. They are truly a labor of love, designed to bring joy to every bite.

If you’re as smitten with Valentine’s Day as we are, you’ll adore exploring all of our Valentine’s Day recipes. From decadent chocolates to fruity delights, we have everything you need to celebrate the season of love with delicious homemade treats.

Sugar cookies hold a special place in our hearts, especially when it comes to celebrating festive occasions like Valentine’s Day. Their simple elegance and versatile nature make them the ultimate canvas for holiday creativity. There’s something inherently charming about a beautifully decorated sugar cookie, making them an ideal treat to share with loved ones or to simply brighten your own day.

This recipe builds upon my tried-and-true favorite sugar cookie dough, ensuring consistent, delicious results every time. For Valentine’s Day, we give them a delightful pink and red makeover, transforming classic cookies into charming expressions of affection. The dough itself is incredibly forgiving, allowing for easy shaping and baking, which means even novice bakers can achieve impressive results.

Decorating these Valentine’s Day sugar cookies is where the real fun begins! While a generous scattering of festive sprinkles is always a hit, these cookies are also wonderful for involving children in the kitchen. Gather your cookie cutters, bowls of colorful sprinkles, conversation hearts, and various heart-shaped candies, then let their imaginations run wild! It’s an activity that creates cherished memories, along with delectable treats.

Essential Ingredients for Sweet Success

Crafting the perfect Valentine’s Day sugar cookies starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some tips for the best outcome:

For the Irresistible Cookies:

• Unsalted Butter: The foundation of rich, flavorful cookies. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content precisely. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming with sugar, leading to a lighter, airier dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Not just for sweetness, granulated sugar contributes to the cookies’ texture, giving them a slight crispness around the edges and a tender chewiness in the center.
• Large Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together, add moisture, and contribute to the cookies’ richness and structure. Like butter, using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate smoothly into the batter, preventing curdling.
• Milk: A touch of milk adds extra moisture, ensuring the cookies remain tender and soft. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent is crucial for giving the cookies their desired lift and a slightly soft, cake-like texture, preventing them from being too dense.
• Vanilla Extract: For superior flavor, choose a high-quality pure vanilla extract. It enhances all the other flavors and provides that classic, comforting sugar cookie taste.
• Fine Sea Salt: Salt is essential for balancing the sweetness and bringing out the depth of flavor in your cookies. If using regular table salt, you might want to slightly reduce the quantity as it can be saltier by volume.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component of the cookies. Always measure flour correctly, preferably by weight, or by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off, to avoid dense cookies. We’ve only tested this recipe with all-purpose flour.

For the Dreamy Pink Buttercream:

• Unsalted Butter: Again, room temperature unsalted butter is key for a smooth, fluffy buttercream. It creams up beautifully, forming the perfect base for your frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Another dash of vanilla for the frosting ensures a harmonious flavor profile that complements the cookies perfectly.
• Fine Sea Salt: A pinch of salt cuts through the sweetness of the powdered sugar, creating a more balanced and delicious frosting. If using table salt, halve the amount.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This fine sugar is vital for a silky-smooth, lump-free buttercream. Start with the lower amount and add more until you reach your desired consistency and sweetness.
• Milk: Used to thin out the buttercream to your preferred spreading or piping consistency. Add it sparingly, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s just right.
• Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides vibrant color without adding much liquid, making it ideal for frosting. Just one drop of red gel coloring can create a beautiful soft pink. Of course, you can always omit it for classic white buttercream!
• Valentine’s Day Sprinkles: These instantly add a festive touch! Most grocery stores stock a variety around the holiday, or you can conveniently order them online for a wider selection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking & Decorating Your Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies

Creating these festive sugar cookies is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfectly baked and beautifully decorated treats.

Crafting the Cookie Dough:

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in color and fluffy, usually 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, contributing to a tender cookie.
2. Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are fully combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the milk, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter-sugar-egg mixture. Beat until just combined.
4. Gradually Add Flour: Slowly add the all-purpose flour, about half a cup at a time, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. Continue mixing until you have a soft, cohesive dough that is not sticky to the touch. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is crucial as it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, helping them maintain their shape.

Rolling, Cutting, and Baking:

6. Preheat Oven & Prep Pans: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
7. Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and place it on the floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use additional flour as needed to prevent sticking.
8. Cut Shapes: Use your favorite Valentine’s Day cookie cutters – hearts, lips, or even simple circles – to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Carefully transfer the cut cookies to your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
9. Re-roll Scraps: Gather any dough scraps, gently press them together, and re-roll to cut out more cookies until all the dough is used.
10. Bake Cookies: Bake one tray at a time for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and very lightly golden. The cookies should still look soft in the center when removed from the oven. Overbaking will result in hard, dry cookies.
11. Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They must be entirely cool before frosting.

Whipping Up the Fluffy Buttercream:

12. Beat Butter: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter on medium-high speed until it’s light, pale, and fluffy, typically 2-3 minutes.
13. Add Vanilla and Salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until just combined.
14. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Begin adding the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Increase speed to medium and continue adding sugar until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
15. Adjust Consistency: If the buttercream is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time, beating after each addition, until the desired consistency is achieved. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
16. Add Food Coloring: If you desire pink frosting, add 1-2 drops of red or pink gel food coloring. Beat the frosting on medium-high speed for another 2-3 minutes until it’s wonderfully light, airy, and evenly colored. This extra beating ensures a truly fluffy buttercream.

The Art of Decorating:

17. Frost and Sprinkle: Once the cookies are completely cool, use an offset spatula or a knife to spread a generous layer of pink buttercream frosting on each cookie. Immediately after frosting, adorn them with your favorite Valentine’s Day sprinkles before the frosting sets.
18. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange your beautiful cookies on a platter and share them with your loved ones. They make a perfect edible gift or a delightful centerpiece for your Valentine’s celebration!

Expert Tips & Tricks for Flawless Valentine’s Cookies

Achieving perfectly baked and decorated sugar cookies is easier with a few insider tips:

• Avoid Overbaking for Softness: This is arguably the most crucial tip! Overbaking your cookies will make them hard and dry. You want to remove them from the oven when they have just puffed up slightly and the edges are barely set, still looking soft in the center. They will continue to cook slightly from residual heat on the baking sheet as they cool.
• Bake One Tray at a Time: For consistent and even baking, I highly recommend baking your cookies one sheet at a time. This ensures that all cookies receive uniform heat, preventing some from burning while others remain undercooked. Since they bake relatively quickly, it doesn’t add much time to the overall process.
• Optimal Storage and Serving: Once frosted, these cookies are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the buttercream fresh. However, for the best flavor and texture, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. The butter in the frosting will soften, making them deliciously creamy.
• Dough Chilling Flexibility: While 30 minutes of chilling is recommended, you can certainly refrigerate the dough for longer – even overnight – if it fits your schedule. Longer chilling might make the dough a bit harder to roll initially, but it further minimizes spread. If you’re in a hurry and don’t mind if your cookies spread just a tiny bit, you can sometimes skip the refrigeration step entirely, though chilling generally yields a neater shape.
• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For both the cookie dough and the buttercream, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more easily, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a truly fluffy frosting.
• Measure Flour Correctly: For consistent results, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and dry, crumbly cookies.

Creative Variations to Make Them Uniquely Yours

While these Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies are perfect as is, they also offer a fantastic opportunity for customization. Feel free to get creative and tailor them to your taste and preference!

• Shape Shifters: No specialized cookie cutters? No problem! You can easily make round cookies using the rim of a drinking glass or a thin lid to cut the dough into perfect circles. For other holidays or occasions, swap out the heart and lip shapes for stars, circles, or even abstract designs.
• A Spectrum of Frosting Colors: Don’t feel limited to pink! While pink is classic for Valentine’s, you can leave the buttercream a pristine white for a sophisticated look, or color it vibrant red, soft lavender, or any other hue that strikes your fancy. A mix of different pastel colors on a single plate can be stunning.
• Alternative Frostings: If you prefer a different kind of topping, these cookies are also delicious with a simple sugar cookie icing, much like the one I use on these cookies. Royal icing offers a crisp finish and intricate decorating possibilities, while a thin glaze can provide a subtle sweetness.
• Flavor Boosters: A few drops of almond extract instead of, or in addition to, vanilla can give your cookies a delightful nutty flavor. Lemon zest or a touch of a different flavored extract (like raspberry or rose water) could also add an unexpected twist, perfectly complementing the sweetness.
• Beyond Sprinkles: While sprinkles are fantastic, consider other toppings. Edible glitter adds sparkle, small candies like M&M’s or chocolate chips can be pressed into the frosting, or a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate can create elegant designs.

More Delectable Valentine’s Day Desserts to Love

If these Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies have sparked your passion for baking, you’ll love exploring these other irresistible treats perfect for the season of love:

• Decadent Chocolate Mousse
• Light & Refreshing Strawberry Mousse
• Creamy Butterscotch Budino
• Rich Frosted Chocolate Sugar Cookies
• Classic Red Velvet Cupcakes

Each recipe is designed to help you create memorable moments and sweet treats for your Valentine and beyond!

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Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies

Author: Deborah Harroun
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Refrigeration Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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Summary

Pretty in pink, these Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies start with an easy sugar cookie recipe that is topped with the perfect pink buttercream and lots of holiday sprinkles.

Ingredients

Cookies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk, if needed
• Red or pink gel food coloring
• Valentine’s Day sprinkles

Instructions

Make the cookies:

1. In a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until they are lighter in color and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing just until combined and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Mix in the milk, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Start adding in the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until the dough is soft but not sticky. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
7. Sprinkle a counter with flour. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Place the dough on the floured surface and roll until it is 1/4 inch thick, using extra flour as needed to prevent sticking.
8. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes (like hearts or lips), then carefully transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, keeping them about 1 inch apart.
9. Re-roll any dough scraps and cut into shapes, using extra flour as needed.
10. Bake the cookies, one sheet at a time, for about 8-10 minutes, or just until the edges are set and lightly golden. Do not overbake to ensure soft cookies.
11. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the frosting:

12. In a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter until it is smooth, light, and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and salt.
13. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreading consistency. If it is too thick, add in some milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, to thin it out.
14. If using food coloring, add a drop or two of red or pink gel food coloring. Beat the frosting until it is smooth, light, and fluffy, for at least 2-3 minutes to incorporate air.

Decorate the Cookies:

15. Once the cookies are completely cool, frost each one generously with the pink buttercream frosting, then immediately add some Valentine’s Day sprinkles.
16. Serve and enjoy your beautiful homemade Valentine’s Day treats!

Recipe Notes:

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide. Nutrition information is calculated with 24 cookies and 2 tablespoons of sprinkles.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 cookie	Calories: 197 kcal (10%)
Carbohydrates: 29g (10%)	Protein: 2g (4%)
Fat: 9g (14%)	Saturated Fat: 5g (31%)
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g	Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 36mg (12%)	Sodium: 205mg (9%)
Fiber: 0g	Sugar: 18g (20%)

Keywords: sugar cookies, valentine’s day sugar cookies, valentines day cookies, pink buttercream cookies, easy sugar cookie recipe, holiday baking