Sweet and simple Valentine's Day sugar cookies. (2024)

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Who doesn't love celebrating the day of love with sweetly decorated and even better tasting Valentine's Day sugar cookies that are moist and decadent for all the loved ones who fill your life?!

They are totally easy and totally fun to make with (or for) all the folks who fill your world with sunshine, warmth, and love on Valentine's Day or any day of the year!

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Festive and Fun Valentine's Sugar Cookies

Looking for the perfect sweet treat for your Valentine, whether that's your spouse, kiddos, besties, or even just a teacher or neighbor in your life? No matter who you're celebrating the day of love with this year, these cookies NEED to be made in your kitchen! They are so darn adorable, plus they're simply the best sugar cookie texture and flavor ever: moist yet firm, sweet with hints of vanilla and almond, and perfect to top with festive frosting and sprinkles.

I would know because I sort of have a thing for incredible sugar cookies. I tested and played with recipes for years before perfecting this one, and do you want to know the secret? Using butter flavored shortening. I know, it's not something we'd like to bake with all the time -- and I don't -- but it really does add something special to these cookies and helps them hold their shape to perfection. You can't skip it, and my philosophy is that eating something like shortening just a couple times a year balances out in the end. Happy baking and happy Valentine's Day!

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How do you decorate sugar cookies?

Decorating sugar cookies is one of the best parts! I whip up a batch of this sugar cookie frosting (super simple) and color some of it red and some of it pink with food coloring, while leaving some of it white. Using a piping bag or a butter knife, add the frosting to the cooled sugar cookies however you see fit! I always say the messier the better. Add colored sprinkles soon after applying the frosting to that they stick.

How long do you chill sugar cookie dough?

Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you're planning ahead, you can leave it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days... Just don't forget about it in there!

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Why is my sugar cookie dough crumbling?

Over-mixing cookie dough can result in dry, crumbly, hard cookies. Make sure you just mix it enough to incorporate everything together.

Why do my sugar cookies taste like flour?

If your sugar cookies end up tasting dry, chalky, and too much like flour, it's often because of measurements being off and using too much flour. This can happen when making the dough or when rolling out the cookie dough on a floured surface -- use just enough so they don't stick, but not too much.

How do you store decorated sugar cookies?

You can store decorated sugar cookies in airtight containers, separating levels with parchment paper so tops of cookies don't stick to bottoms of others. They'll keep for up to a week stored in the fridge.

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How to make Valentine's sugar cookies:

  1. Cream together the shortening and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in eggs one at a time.
  3. Add the sour cream and vanilla.
  4. Add the baking soda, baking powder, flour, salt, and nutmeg if using, and mix all together.
  5. Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Roll ¼ of dough at a time out on a well-floured surface to ¼- to ½-inch thick.
  7. Use cookie cutters to make shapes, and transfer to a lightly greased baking sheet.
  8. Bake at 350 degrees F. for about 7 to 10 minutes.
  9. Repeat with remaining dough, gathering and re-rolling the scrap dough as you go along.
  10. Decorate cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles; the messier the better.
  11. This ismy favorite frosting for sugar cookies if you need a recipe to go with this one.

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Valentine's Sugar Cookies

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  • Author: Melissa Griffiths - Bless this Mess
  • Total Time: 50 min
  • Yield: 4 dozen medium cookies 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Who doesn't love celebrating the day of love with sweetly decorated and even better tasting Valentine's Day sugar cookies that are moist and decadent for all the loved ones who fill your life?!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 cupshortening (I use butter flavored)
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2eggs
  • 1 cupsour cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract
  • ½ teaspoonbaking soda
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 4 ½ cups flour
  • ½ teaspoonsalt
  • Festive cookie cutters (you can use hearts, X's and O's, and lips shapes)
  • Store-bought or homemade frosting (this is my favorite sugar cookie frosting)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
  3. Add the sour cream and vanilla.
  4. Next, add the baking soda, baking powder, flour, salt, and nutmeg if using, and mix all together. The dough should be tacky without being sticky; adjust the flour as needed until you have a workable dough.
  5. Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes (and up to 2 days).
  6. Working with ¼ of the dough at a time, roll it out on a well-floured surface to ¼- to ½-inch thick. Be generous with your flour on the rolling surface since the dough is very tender; it will stick easily.
  7. Use cookie cutters to make shapes, and transfer to a lightly greased baking sheet.
  8. Bake at 350 degrees F. for about 7 to 10 minutes.
  9. Repeat with remaining dough, gathering and re-rolling the scrap dough as you go along.
  10. Decorate cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles; the messier the better.
  11. This ismy favorite frosting for sugar cookies if you need a recipe to go with this one.

Notes

  • I don’t use shortening for a lot of recipes (this andMy Favorite Pie Crust Recipeare about the only ones that I use it in), but it helps the cookies keep their shape and the end result is so much nicer. I figure if you’re just eating stuff like that a few times a year, it’ll balance itself out.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 7 min
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: bake
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: sugar cookie recipe, sugar cookie recipe with sour cream, valentine cookies, valentine's day cookies, valentine sugar cookies

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Find More Valentine's Day Inspiration with These Great Ideas

  • Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars
  • Queen of Hearts Chexmix
  • Chocolate Covered Banana Hearts
  • Felt Heart Garland
  • Chocolate Molten Lava Cake
  • Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
  • 7 Healthy Valentine's Day Ideas

Valentine's Day sugar cookies are the most perfect, simple, and fun sweet treat to celebrate this lovey-dovey holiday with all those you hold close!

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About Melissa

Melissa is dedicated to helping parents figure out the nightly questions, "What's for Dinner?!" with her no-fuss approach to cooking. Read more...

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Sweet and simple Valentine's Day sugar cookies. (2024)

FAQs

How to jazz up sugar cookies? ›

Take plain sugar cookies up a notch with exciting mix-ins like chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, toasted chopped nuts, chopped dried fruit or M&M's. Add these after blending your butter and egg into the sugar cookie mix.

What is a Nazareth sugar cookie? ›

The sugar cookie is believed to have originated in the mid-1700s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. German Protestant settlers created a round, crumbly and buttery cookie that came to be known as the Nazareth cookie. Jumbles are the earliest form of sugar cookies.

How far in advance can you make decorated sugar cookies? ›

Although I've tested them for longer and the batches I've tried seem fine for up to 4 weeks, my general rule of thumb is up to 2 weeks.

What is the easiest way to decorate sugar cookies? ›

My favorite way to decorate sugar cookies—especially for holidays and special occasions—is by using royal icing. The secret to getting precise lines, dots, and other details with royal icing is using a squeeze bottle.

How do I get better at decorating sugar cookies? ›

Colored layers & embedded designs
  1. Start with a completely dry flooded cookie. This may take several hours or overnight.
  2. Using a second, colored icing, add details and designs by outlining and flooding certain areas, or simply by piping. Use wet icing to adhere decorations such as sugar pearls.

Can I roll out Pillsbury sugar cookie dough? ›

Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon flour onto work surface; coat all sides of dough with flour. With rolling pin, roll out dough 1/4 inch thick, adding additional flour as needed to prevent sticking.

What is a Navy Seal sugar cookie? ›

McRaven describes the experience of Navy SEAL trainees who are subject — often randomly — to a punishment where they are directed to get wet and sandy on the beaches. By the time they are finished the trainees, covered in sand, look like “sugar cookies.”

What is Snoop Dogg cookies? ›

Snoop Dogg's peanut butter chocolate chip cookie recipe - His original cookie features creamy peanut butter and semisweet chocolate morsels, making it the perfect indulgence this holiday season. #

Why are they called cowboy cookies? ›

Some claim cowboy cookies hail from Texas, a state many cowboys call home. Others say the treats were named for their ability to withstand long days in saddlebag. Whatever its origin, the combination of oats, chocolate, pecans, and coconut is undeniably delicious.

Should you refrigerate sugar cookies before decorating? ›

*Use my royal icing recipe. Icing will completely set in about 2 hours at room temperature. If you're layering royal icing onto cookies for specific designs and need it to set quickly, place cookies in the refrigerator to speed it up. It's important to have the correct cookie decorating supplies on hand, too.

Can you leave sugar cookies out overnight? ›

Curious how long cookies last at room temperature? Most homemade cookies will maintain their taste and texture for up to 3 days. If you leave them out for too long, the cookies begin to harden or dry out. To prevent cookies from becoming stale, cover them with plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container.

How to decorate sugar cookies like a pro easy? ›

Start by outlining the cookie with piping-consistency icing in any color you choose. Then, use flooding-consistency icing to fill the outlined area, starting by flooding around the edges and working your way towards the center. If the flooding is inconsistent in thickness, redistribute the wet icing with a toothpick.

How to decorate sugar cookies without piping bag? ›

To make decorating a breeze, use a squeeze bottle. They're less intimidating than piping tips and very easy for young bakers to use. Or… just dip your cooled cookies into the icing. No tools needed.

What do professionals use to decorate cookies? ›

With these in your arsenal, all you'll need to bring to the pastry kitchen is a little artistic sensibility.
  • Rolling pin with thickness rings. ...
  • Piping tips and couplers. ...
  • Piping bags. ...
  • Piping bag ties. ...
  • Scribe tool. ...
  • Gel food coloring. ...
  • Edible paint pens.
Aug 27, 2019

How do you spruce up sugar cookie mix? ›

Whether using your favorite recipe or pre-made, you can easily spruce up your sugar cookie dough into gourmet treats by adding nuts, chocolate chips, citrus zest, toffee bits, extracts, or spices.

Can you over mix sugar cookies? ›

Over-working the dough yields a tough cookie, which is not at all what you want. The very best sugar cookies are soft and tender. → Follow this tip: One of the keys to great sugar cookies is mixing the dry ingredients only until they're just incorporated, and not a second longer.

Can you add Flavour to sugar cookies? ›

Can I flavour these cookies? Yes! Instead of vanilla, you can add another extract like almond, rose water or orange. You can also add some fresh lemon, lime or orange zest to the cookie dough.

How do you make store bought cookies look homemade? ›

Once the butter is lightly bubbling, place cookies in the pan. Leave them in just long enough so that they begin to brown on the bottom. Remove from heat, and with your (very clean) hand, slightly dent the tops and sides to create a slightly "homemade" look.

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