Pin Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to share something sweet with the people you love. These tender, buttery sugar cookies are more than just a treat; they are a heartfelt gesture. Cut into romantic shapes and topped with a naturally vibrant strawberry icing, they offer a delicate balance of classic butter cookie goodness and fresh, fruity sweetness. Whether you're baking for a partner, friends, or family, these cookies are a beautiful way to show you care.
Pin Creating these cookies is a rewarding process that fills your kitchen with the scent of vanilla and butter. The key to their success lies in the chilling time, which ensures the cookies maintain their clean edges when cut into hearts. Once baked to a light golden finish, they provide the perfect canvas for the smooth, citrus-touched strawberry glaze.
Ingredients
- For the Sugar Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For the Strawberry Icing:
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons strawberry purée (from about 5–6 fresh strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: pink or red gel food coloring for more vivid color
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Step 3
- Add egg and vanilla; beat until combined.
- Step 4
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated.
- Step 5
- Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Step 6
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 7
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut into heart or desired shapes with cookie cutters.
- Step 8
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake 9–11 minutes, until edges are just golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Step 9
- For the icing: Blend strawberries into a smooth purée. In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons strawberry purée, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Add more purée for thinner icing or more sugar for thicker. Tint with food coloring if desired.
- Step 10
- Decorate cooled cookies with icing. Allow icing to set completely before serving or storing.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure your butter is softened at room temperature but still holds its shape. Chilling the dough for the full hour is crucial—it prevents the cookies from spreading in the oven, ensuring your heart shapes stay sharp and romantic.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can customize these cookies by adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a richer flavor profile. If you want a more intense color for the icing without adding more liquid, a tiny drop of pink or red gel food coloring works wonders.
Serviervorschläge
These cookies look stunning on a tiered dessert stand or as part of a Valentine's Day grazing board. They are best served with a cold glass of milk or a festive pink drink. To store, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Pin Enjoy making and sharing these beautiful Valentine sugar cookies. Their sweet strawberry aroma and buttery bite are sure to make your celebration special. Happy baking!
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I achieve tender, buttery cookies?
Use softened unsalted butter and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies keep their shape and tenderness.
- → What is the best way to make the strawberry icing smooth?
Blend fresh strawberries into a smooth purée and whisk together with sifted powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until glossy and even.
- → How thick should the cookie dough be rolled out?
Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness to ensure even baking and a tender bite.
- → Can the cookies be stored after decorating?
Yes, once the icing has fully set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
- → How can I add richer flavor to the dough?
Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon almond extract into the dough for a deeper, nutty aroma.