These cute Valentine cookies are perfect for spreading the love! With a soft, buttery texture and sweet icing, they make a delightful treat for your special someone or friends.
Let’s face it, who can resist cookies shaped like hearts? I love packing them in pretty boxes to share. Plus, they’re super fun to decorate—just let your imagination run wild!
Baking these cookies is a breeze, and they make my kitchen smell amazing. I usually whip up a batch to surprise my loved ones. They always leave with big smiles! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor in cookies. If you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but the taste will vary a bit. Always remember to soften it before mixing for a smoother batter!
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and texture. You can substitute with brown sugar for a chewier cookie or use coconut sugar for a less refined option. Keep in mind that substitutes can alter the flavor slightly.
Cocoa Powder: This ingredient provides that rich chocolate flavor. If you don’t have cocoa powder, you might try carob powder for a different twist, but it has a distinct taste. I prefer Dutch-processed cocoa—it’s more balanced in flavor.
Food Coloring: Red or pink food coloring will make your pink cookies vibrant. If you prefer natural options, beet juice or hibiscus powder can achieve a lovely hue, though the color may not be as bold.
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Bake Evenly?
Getting those cookies just right means paying attention to a few key steps! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake right from the start.
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote uniform baking.
- When rolling out your dough, aim for a consistent thickness of about 1/4 inch. Uneven thickness will lead to some cookies baking faster than others.
- Space cookies about 1 inch apart to allow for spreading and to ensure even heat circulation.
- Keep a close eye on them while baking. The cookies are done when the edges look set, but they may still seem soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool!
Following these tips will help you bake perfect Valentine cookies every time! Happy baking! ❤️
Valentine Cookies (Chocolate and Pink Sugar Cookies with Icing and Sprinkles)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chocolate Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Pink Sugar Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Red or pink food coloring (about 5-8 drops)
For the Icing and Decorations:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring for the icing
- White icing (store-bought or homemade royal icing)
- Valentine-themed sprinkles (red, white, pink; hearts, dots, jimmies)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This charming recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare the dough, plus another hour to chill. The baking will take around 10 minutes, and decorating will take about 30 minutes or more, depending on how creative you want to be. Overall, you’re looking at about 2 hours total before these lovely cookies are ready to serve! Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day you want to spread some love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until everything is thoroughly blended. Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
2. Prepare the Pink Sugar Cookie Dough:
In another bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until fluffy—again, this should take about 2-3 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add this mixture into the wet mixture. For that lovely pink color, add red or pink food coloring a few drops at a time until you achieve your desired shade. Wrap the pink dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour, just like the chocolate dough.
3. Preheat Oven:
While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to make for easy cleanup!
4. Roll Out and Cut Cookies:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chocolate dough to about 1/4 inch thick with a rolling pin. Repeat this process with the pink sugar cookie dough. Using heart-shaped cookie cutters, cut out shapes from both doughs and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
5. Bake:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges appear set. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when they still look a tad soft in the center. Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks before you dive into decorating.
6. Make the Icing:
In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the milk or heavy cream and vanilla extract until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. If you want a lovely pink color for your icing, add a few drops of pink food coloring and mix well. For ease of decorating, transfer some of the icing to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
7. Decorate:
Now the fun part! Pipe pink icing into heart shapes or any designs you like on the chocolate cookies. For the pink cookies, use the white icing to draw swirls or letters if you’re feeling adventurous. While the icing is still wet, sprinkle on your Valentine-themed decorations so they stick nicely!
8. Set and Serve:
Let your beautifully decorated cookies sit for at least an hour to allow the icing to dry and harden. Once set, they are ready to be packed up or served to your loved ones. Store any extras in an airtight container to keep them fresh!
Enjoy sharing these adorable and festive Valentine treats with your loved ones! Happy baking! 🥰
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine in place of unsalted butter, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Aim for a stick form of margarine for best results, as tub margarines may contain too much water.
Can I Make These Cookies Without Eggs?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for an egg-free option, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of yogurt for moisture and binding. This may slightly alter the texture, making them a bit softer.
How Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating them to keep the icing from melting or becoming sticky. Just let them come to room temperature before serving!
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies! Allow them to cool completely first, then place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
