Introduction
Valentine’s Day is a wonderful excuse to indulge in delightful treats that are not just sweet but also filled with love! These Soft and Chewy Valentine’s Sprinkle Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the season of love. With their rich, buttery flavor and joyful bursts of color from the sprinkles, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone around. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or that special someone, these cookies will make your heart sing (and your taste buds dance)!
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup festive sprinkles
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get a baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure they are well combined; set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating until everything is beautifully combined and smooth.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until they’re combined; you want the dough to be tender and soft.
- Gently fold in the festive sprinkles, being careful not to overmix—this is what will give your cookies their fun color!
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart for the perfect bake.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set yet soft.
- Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will ensure they maintain their chewy texture!
Notes or Tips
For an extra pop of flavor, you can experiment with different extracts, like lemon or coconut. To store these cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay soft and chewy for days. If you want to make them even more festive, feel free to go wild with the sprinkles—mix in hearts, stars, or seasonal colors!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe involves basic baking techniques such as creaming, folding, and dropping dough. Creaming the butter and sugars together is crucial for achieving that light, fluffy texture, while folding the sprinkles in gently preserves their colorful charm. Make sure not to overbake the cookies; they should be soft in the center when you take them out for the ultimate chewy bite!
FAQ
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but using unsalted butter will give you the best flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t available, you can use more vanilla extract or even hazelnut extract for a unique twist!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh whenever you crave these sweet treats. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Conclusion
Baking these Soft and Chewy Valentine’s Sprinkle Sugar Cookies is a joy that fills your heart with warmth and your kitchen with delightful scents. They’re the perfect sweet touch for any Valentine’s Day celebration, or just because! So gather your loved ones and share a batch of these delicious cookies; they are bound to sweeten your day!