Name: Simple Valentine’s Day Cookies With Royal Icing Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp milk; 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 large egg whites or 6 tbsp meringue powder mixed with 6 tbsp water; ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract; Food coloring (optional)

There’s something magical about baking Valentine’s Day cookies that instantly fills your kitchen with love. These buttery, tender sugar cookies are topped with beautifully decorated royal icing, making them the perfect way to show someone you care. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-timer, this recipe is easy, fun, and guaranteed to impress.

I first tried making these cookies for a school bake sale, and they were an instant hit. The vibrant royal icing designs stole the show, and I’ve been perfecting the recipe ever since. Let’s dive into why these cookies are a must for your Valentine’s Day celebration.

Why You’ll Love These Valentine’s Day Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with this adorable treat! These Valentine’s Day cookies aren’t just eye-catching; they’re incredibly tasty and easy to make.

First and foremost, these cookies are the ultimate creative outlet. Whether you prefer delicate hearts, cheerful flowers, or abstract designs, decorating these cookies with royal icing is pure fun and relaxation.

Not to mention, they’re kid-friendly! From rolling out the dough to icing the cookies, this recipe is perfect for getting little hands involved in the kitchen.

Best of all, the flavor is divine. The soft yet sturdy sugar cookies boast a subtle vanilla and almond flavor that perfectly complements the sweet, crisp royal icing. They’re as delicious as they are beautiful!

Ready to create your edible masterpieces? Let’s start with the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient has a role to play in creating the perfect texture and flavor.

All-purpose flour is the base of the cookies. Make sure to measure it correctly for the ideal dough consistency.
Unsalted butter adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let it soften at room temperature before mixing.
Granulated sugar gives the cookies their sweetness. Its fine texture ensures a smooth dough.
Vanilla extract and almond extract work together to create a heavenly aroma and subtle flavor. Feel free to adjust the almond extract based on your preference.
Eggs bind the dough and add structure, ensuring the cookies hold their shape when baked.
Powdered sugar is essential for the royal icing, creating a silky smooth finish that’s perfect for decorating.
Meringue powder replaces raw egg whites in the icing, making it safe and easy to work with.
Food coloring brings the Valentine’s Day theme to life. Choose red, pink, or any shades you love.

No special equipment is needed, but a few tools will make your life easier: heart-shaped cookie cutters, a rolling pin, and piping bags for decorating.

How To Make These Valentine’s Day Cookies

Making these cookies is a breeze, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps for sweet success.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon almond extract, mixing until combined.

Gradually add 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt, mixing just until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.

Step 2: Roll and Cut

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Step 4: Make the Royal Icing

In a medium bowl, combine 4 cups of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoon meringue powder, and 6 tablespoon water. Beat the mixture on low speed until the icing is smooth and forms stiff peaks. Divide the icing into bowls and tint each with your desired food coloring.

Step 5: Decorate

Transfer the royal icing into piping bags. Outline the cookies with a stiff icing consistency, then flood the centers with a thinner consistency. Use a toothpick to create designs or add sprinkles for extra flair.

Storage Options

These cookies are just as delightful a day or two later, making them ideal for prepping ahead.

Room temperature: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent smudging.
Freezing: Undecorated cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
Royal icing: Leftover icing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Stir well before using.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this recipe means you can tweak it to suit your taste and style.

Flavors: Swap almond extract for lemon, orange, or even peppermint extract for a unique twist.
Shapes: Go beyond hearts with stars, flowers, or even letters for a personalized touch.
Colors: Experiment with pastel shades or add metallic accents for a modern look.
Add-ins: Sprinkle the dough with mini chocolate chips or colorful nonpareils for a fun surprise inside the cookies.

Don’t be afraid to get creative—these cookies are your blank canvas for love!