Description
These Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies are a delightful, classic treat perfect for any occasion, from Valentine’s Day to birthdays or just a sweet snack. With a soft yet crisp texture, these cookies are flavored with vanilla and optional almond extract, then decorated with icing and sprinkles to add a festive, personalized touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Decoration
- Icing or royal icing (for decoration)
- Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier rolling and cutting.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes, and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake to keep them soft.
- Cool Completely: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing or royal icing, adding sprinkles or other edible decorations as desired. Allow the icing to set completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best results, chill the dough overnight for easier handling and better flavor.
- You can substitute almond extract with an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better dough texture.
- Decorate cookies once fully cooled to prevent melting or sliding of icing.
