Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the sweet taste of love on Valentine’s Day, and what better way to express your affection than with homemade heart-shaped sugar cookies? These delightful treats are not just a feast for the taste buds but also a beautiful way to celebrate the occasion. With a soft, buttery texture and a hint of almond extract, they are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Let’s gather our ingredients and spread some love with these charming cookies!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Pink and red icing for decoration
- Sprinkles for topping
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: About 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until everything is well combined and looking creamy.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough starts to form.
- Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a thick disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is crucial for keeping the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for the cookie magic!
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out beautiful cookies.
- Carefully place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread slightly.
- Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen!
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before decorating.
- Once cool, unleash your creativity by decorating the cookies with pink and red icing and finishing them off with colorful sprinkles.
Notes or Tips
For even more flavor, feel free to experiment with additional extracts or flavored icings. If you want to make the cookies softer, you can chill the dough for a shorter amount of time. However, don’t skip the chilling step entirely, as it helps achieve the perfect cookie shape!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe involves basic cookie-making techniques such as creaming butter and sugar, rolling dough, and decorating. The key is to be gentle when mixing and rolling to maintain the airiness of the dough, which results in perfectly tender cookies.
FAQ
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the wrapped disks of dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting.
How should I store the baked cookies?
Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for slightly longer freshness.
Conclusion
These heart-shaped sugar cookies are not only a lovely treat but also a sweet way to share your love and affection this Valentine’s Day. With their whimsical shapes and delightful flavors, they’re sure to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite. So grab your apron, put on some music, and let the cookie-making magic begin!