Introduction
Valentine’s Day is a special time to show love and affection, and what better way to do that than with homemade XO Valentine Sugar Cookies? These delightful treats are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Adorned with vibrant pink and red frosting and a sprinkle of charm, these cookies are perfect for sharing with that special someone or for enjoying during a cozy night in. Let’s dive into the sweetness of baking these love-filled confections!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Pink and red frosting (royal icing or buttercream)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for now.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and a lovely pale yellow.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat everything together until well combined, allowing those fragrant notes to fill your kitchen!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix; just combine until everything is incorporated.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Once chilled, take out one disk and roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick, approaching that perfect cookie thickness!
- Cut out heart shapes or your desired shapes using cookie cutters. Get creative and have fun with it!
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each, and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are just lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma will be irresistible!
- Once cooled, it’s time to unleash your inner artist! Decorate with pink and red frosting, and don’t forget those sprinkles for that extra festive touch.
Notes or Tips
- For an even richer flavor, consider using brown sugar in place of some granulated sugar.
- Experiment with different shapes or themes, perfect for any festive occasion!
- If you want your cookies to maintain their shape, avoid overworking the dough.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe involves a few key techniques, like creaming butter and sugar for that light texture, and rolling out dough to get the perfect thickness for cutting shapes. Don’t rush the chilling time; it’s crucial for a beautifully shaped cookie!
FAQ
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! Wrap the disks of dough tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer. They can last up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before rolling out.
What type of frosting works best?
Both royal icing and buttercream work wonderfully! Royal icing gives a lovely smooth finish, while buttercream offers a nice, creamy texture.
Conclusion
These XO Valentine Sugar Cookies are more than just treats; they are little gifts of love that you can share with friends and family. Perfect for any Valentine’s celebration, these cookies will not only delight the taste buds but also fill hearts with joy. So gather your loved ones and enjoy the sweet moments that come with baking together!