Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies: The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift

Valentine’s Day is a time to show love and appreciation to those who hold a special place in your heart. What better way to express your affection than with homemade heart-shaped sugar cookies?

These beautifully decorated cookies, wrapped in clear gift bags with red ribbons, make for a thoughtful, heartfelt gift. Whether you’re making them for a loved one, friends, or even coworkers, these cookies are a sweet gesture that everyone will appreciate.

Plus, the elegant icing details and festive sprinkles give them a charming touch that’s perfect for the occasion.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare the dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
3. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Roll and cut the dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
6. Bake the cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
8. Decorate with icing: Use red, pink, and white icing to decorate the cookies. Get creative with polka dots, stripes, or intricate heart designs.
9. Add sprinkles: While the icing is still wet, sprinkle the cookies with festive toppings.
10. Package the cookies: Once the icing has set, place the cookies in clear gift bags and tie them with red ribbons for a beautiful presentation.

Variations

• Chocolate Heart Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Lemon-Flavored Cookies: Add lemon zest and a dash of lemon juice to the dough for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Royal Icing Designs: For a more professional look, use royal icing to create intricate designs on the cookies.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it soften slightly before rolling it out.

Q: How long do these cookies last?
A: The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Q: Can I freeze the cookies?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies (without icing) for up to 3 months. Just thaw them and decorate before serving.

How to Serve

These heart-shaped sugar cookies are perfect for serving at Valentine’s Day parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet after-dinner treat. Arrange them on a platter, package them as gifts, or even use them as a thoughtful gesture to brighten someone’s day. Their festive appearance and delightful taste make them a crowd-pleaser, no matter how you choose to share them.

These cookies are more than just a dessert – they’re a token of love and thoughtfulness that will make Valentine’s Day even more memorable. Whether you’re giving them as gifts or enjoying them with your loved ones, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

These beautifully decorated cookies, wrapped in clear gift bags with red ribbons, make for a thoughtful, heartfelt gift. Whether you’re making them for a loved one, friends, or even coworkers, these cookies are a sweet gesture that everyone will appreciate.

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Course cookies, Dessert

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
• Red pink, and white icing for decorating
• Assorted sprinkles heart-shaped, pearls, or glitter
• Clear gift bags and red ribbons for packaging

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
• Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once the cookies are fully cooled, decorate with red, pink, and white icing using piping bags or a spoon.
• Add sprinkles immediately after applying the icing to ensure they stick.
• Allow the icing to set before packaging the cookies in clear gift bags.
• Tie the bags with red ribbons to create a festive Valentine’s Day presentation.

Keyword Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

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