Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.1 cup unsalted butter, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should be soft but not sticky.½ cup milk
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This step is crucial for easier handling and cutting.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters of various sizes to cut out the shapes. Reroll scraps as needed.
- Carefully transfer the cut-out heart shapes to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1-2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Baking time will vary depending on the size of your cookies.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they firm up properly.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the royal icing (glaze). In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach a drizzling consistency.1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Divide the glaze into two or three small bowls. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl and pink to another, leaving the third white if desired. Stir each until the color is evenly distributed.Varies red and pink food coloring
- Once the cookies are completely cool, dip or brush the tops with the colored glazes. Immediately add Valentine's Day themed sprinkles, edible glitter, or small candies before the glaze sets.Varies Valentine's Day themed sprinkles, edible glitter, or small candies
- Let the decorated Valentine's Day Heart Treats sit at room temperature until the glaze is completely hardened, which may take a few hours depending on humidity.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. Do not freeze decorated cookies.
