Nothing says “I love you” like a batch of soft, buttery sugar cookies topped with creamy, colorful frosting. These Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and perfect for sharing with family, friends, or that special someone. Whether you’re decorating with kids or making a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are a sweet way to celebrate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and buttery – The perfect sugar cookie texture.
Easy to decorate – Customize with festive colors and sprinkles.
Great for gifting – A homemade treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Make ahead-friendly – The dough and frosting can be prepped in advance.

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Almond extract (optional)
Powdered sugar
Heavy cream
Food coloring
Sprinkles

Full list of ingredients and exact measurements are below.

Directions

1. Make the Dough

Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

2. Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This helps the cookies keep their shape.

3. Roll and Cut

Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters for a festive touch.

4. Bake the Cookies

Transfer to a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before frosting.

5. Make the Frosting

Whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.

6. Decorate and Enjoy

Spread the frosting over cooled cookies and add sprinkles for a festive finish.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t skip chilling the dough – This keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
Use room temperature butter – It helps create the perfect soft texture.
Let the cookies cool completely – Frosting will melt if the cookies are still warm.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap almond extract for extra vanilla if you prefer.
Add citrus zest for a hint of fresh flavor.
Use royal icing for a more professional look.
Try different shapes for various occasions.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They also make a beautiful addition to a Valentine’s dessert spread.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for longer storage, but bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months and decorate when ready to enjoy.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.

2. What’s the best way to get vibrant frosting colors?

Use gel food coloring for bright, rich colors without altering the consistency of the frosting.

3. How do I keep my cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.

4. Can I use store-bought frosting?

Of course! But homemade frosting gives the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

These Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies are the perfect festive treat, whether you’re making them for loved ones or simply treating yourself. Soft, sweet, and fun to decorate, they’re sure to become a holiday favorite!

The Best Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies

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Indulge in these delightful Valentine’s Day Frosted Sugar Cookies, featuring soft, buttery cookies topped with creamy, colorful frosting. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, these treats are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Cookies:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk.
- If the frosting is too thick, add more cream or milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to achieve your desired colors.
Decorate the Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the frosting onto each cookie.
- Decorate with Valentine’s Day sprinkles as desired.
- Allow the frosting to set before storing the cookies in an airtight container.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: The cookie dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance.
Storage: Store decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Flavor Variations: For a citrus twist, add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough.