Introduction
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to express your love and appreciation, and what better way to do that than with a batch of homemade XO Valentine Sugar Cookies? These delightful cookies are not only simple to make but also offer a wonderful canvas for creativity when it comes to decoration. With their buttery goodness and sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, these cookies will surely warm your heart and those of your loved ones. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s spread some love with these charming treats!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Royal icing (for decoration)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt; set this mixture aside for later.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture, blending well until everything is smoothly combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough should be soft but cohesive.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to approximately ¼ inch thickness, making it easy to cut shapes.
- Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your cookies and gently place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, giving you that perfect cookie texture.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are cool, unleash your creativity by decorating them with royal icing, adding food coloring, and sprinkling on those delightful sprinkles as desired.
Notes or Tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a few drops of lemon zest to the dough.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and designs when decorating your cookies!
Cooking Techniques
Rolling out cookie dough to an even thickness ensures that your cookies bake uniformly and have that perfect soft and chewy texture. If at any point, the dough becomes too soft to handle, simply chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before rolling it out. This helps in cutting out neat shapes and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
FAQ
- Can I freeze these cookies? Yes! Once baked and cooled, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before decorating.
- What other flavors can I use? You can easily replace almond extract with other extracts like lemon or maple to give your cookies a unique twist!
Conclusion
Your XO Valentine Sugar Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a heartfelt gesture that conveys love and warmth. With each bite, your friends and family will appreciate the thoughtfulness put into these delicious cookies. Whether enjoyed at a gathering or gifted to someone special, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in celebrating love. So, roll up your sleeves and get baking—let the sweet festivities begin!