Description
These Valentine Cookies are a delightful combination of creamy frosting and crispy edges, creating a perfect balance of textures. Each bite melts in your mouth, bursting with sweet vanilla and a hint of almond, making them an irresistible treat for your loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until smooth. Add vanilla extract and food coloring if desired.
- Once cookies are completely cool, frost them generously and decorate as desired.
Notes
- Make-ahead: The cookie dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Substitutions: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option; almond extract can be replaced with more vanilla extract if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: desserts
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 100 milligrams
- Fat: 7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 20 milligrams
Keywords: Valentine Cookies, heart-shaped cookies, sugar cookies, decorated cookies, Valentine's Day treats, creamy frosting, crispy edges, homemade cookies, festive desserts, romantic cookies, cookie recipes, sweet treats, baking for love