Valentine’s Day always feels sweeter when homemade treats are part of the celebration, and these sugar cookies are the perfect way to spread the love.
Whether you’re baking for your kids’ class party, surprising your partner, or just treating yourself, these cookies bring a little extra magic to February 14th. They’re tender, buttery, and delicately sweet, with crisp edges that melt into soft, chewy centers.
The real showstopper, though, is the royal icing: smooth, glossy, and perfect for decorating with hearts, swirls, and all the festive flair you can dream up.
What sets this recipe apart is its foolproof method. With a no-chill dough and a rolling trick to keep your cookies evenly thick, you’ll save time without sacrificing quality.
These cookies not only taste amazing but also look stunning, making them perfect for gifting. It’s no wonder sugar cookies are a Valentine’s classic—they’re both an art project and a sweet indulgence rolled into one.
For a full Valentine’s spread, serve these alongside Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls for a breakfast or dessert table that’s as romantic as it is delicious.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- No-Chill Dough: Skips the wait without compromising on texture. You’ll love how quickly these come together.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The cookies are subtly sweet, letting the royal icing shine as both decoration and flavor.
- Baking with Confidence: I’ve included foolproof tips to avoid spreading and keep those heart shapes looking flawless.
- Endless Creativity: This recipe is all about making memories, whether you’re decorating solo or with loved ones.
- A Touch of Elegance: These cookies prove that simple ingredients can create something truly special.
The Best Valentine Sugar Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1/2 C unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 C granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 C all purpose flour
- Gel food coloring
Instructions
- Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, salt, and baking powder, mixing well.
- Gradually mix in flour until the dough is fully combined with no streaks. Scrape the bowl as needed.
- Divide dough in half. Tint one half with dark pink gel food color until evenly colored.
- Roll golfball-sized pieces of dough, alternating colors, and gently knead them together to create swirls. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out shapes, place on the baking sheet, and freeze for 15 minutes. Chill leftover dough between batches.
- Bake cookies for 12 minutes. Cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 252kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Sodium | 98mg |
Tips for The Best Valentine Sugar Cookies!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough. This helps achieve a tender cookie texture.
- Accurate Measuring: Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife to avoid dense cookies.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works best as it provides vibrant color without altering the dough’s texture. A little goes a long way!
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling—it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut shapes. It also prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Prevent Overmixing: When creating swirls, knead just enough to blend the colors. Overmixing will muddy the design and affect the cookies’ texture.
- Roll Evenly: Use rolling pin rings or guides to ensure even dough thickness for consistent baking.
- Freeze Before Baking: Freezing cut-out shapes for 15 minutes helps them hold their shape in the oven.