Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 0.5 teaspoon salt
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.1 cup unsalted butter, 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 0.5 teaspoon almond extract
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough will be soft.2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 0.5 teaspoon salt
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days) until firm. This chilling step is crucial for easy handling and clean cuts.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness.2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- Using your favorite Valentine's Day cookie cutters (hearts, X's, O's, cupid's arrows), cut out shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as this will make them crisp rather than soft and chewy.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set up properly before decorating.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk or water, and vanilla or almond extract.4 cups powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk or water, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
- Whisk until smooth and the mixture reaches a thick but pourable consistency. If it's too thick, add more liquid a teaspoon at a time. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.4 cups powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk or water
- Divide the icing into smaller bowls and add food coloring to achieve your desired shades for Valentine's Day.food coloring
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spoon or pipe the royal icing onto the cookies. You can flood the entire cookie or create decorative patterns.
- While the icing is still wet, sprinkle generously with Valentine's Day themed sprinkles or edible glitter.Valentine's Day themed sprinkles
- Allow the icing to dry completely, which can take several hours, depending on humidity.
Notes
These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days once the icing has completely dried. Unfrosted cookies can be stored for up to a week.
