Introduction
Nothing says “I love you” quite like a batch of freshly baked sugar cookies, especially when they’re adorned with a delightful frosting and a sprinkle of fun! Perfect for Valentine’s Day, these frosted sugar cookies pair a soft, buttery texture with sweet, creamy frosting that’s sure to make your heart flutter. Whether you’re celebrating with someone special or creating a festive treat for family and friends, these cookies are a sweet way to spread the love.
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
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons milk (more as needed)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside to allow the flavors to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, creating a beautiful, pale mixture.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing until well combined for that signature rich flavor.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want soft, tender cookies!
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring you space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Gently flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand to encourage even baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely and firm up.
- For the frosting, in a bowl, combine the powdered sugar and milk, mixing until smooth and creamy. If you fancy some color, add food coloring to your desired shade.
- Frost the cooled cookies generously and decorate with sprinkles, bringing joy and festivity to your sweet treats!
Notes or Tips
- For a variation in flavor, try incorporating lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing twist!
- These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for planning ahead!
- To make the frosting extra indulgent, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to it!
Cooking Techniques
Mastering the art of sugar cookies is all about achieving the right texture. Be sure to use room temperature butter for easy creaming, which creates air pockets, giving your cookies a delightful lift. Also, ensure accurate measurements for the flour and sugar—too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Always check for that light, golden edge as a sign that they’re perfectly baked!
FAQ
- Can I freeze these cookies? Absolutely! Once frosted, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- What can I use instead of almond extract? If almond flavor isn’t your favorite, feel free to skip it or replace it with extra vanilla extract for a classic taste.
- How do I make the cookies more festive? Choose vibrant food coloring for the frosting or add themed sprinkles depending on the holiday!
Conclusion
These Valentine’s Day frosted sugar cookies are not just a treat; they’re a heartfelt gesture that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Perfect for sharing, these cookies take just a little time and love to create, yet they leave a lasting impression. So gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite tunes, and let the baking magic begin, spreading joy one cookie at a time!