Introduction
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to share sweet treats with those you love, and what could be more delightful than a batch of soft and chewy sprinkle sugar cookies? Bursting with cheerful colors and a hint of almond flavor, these cookies capture the spirit of love in every bite. Their tender texture combined with a sprinkle of joy makes them an irresistible treat for parties, gatherings, or simply to enjoy at home. Let’s dive into this fun and easy recipe that will fill your kitchen with warmth and festive cheer!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup Valentine’s Day sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside to rest.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, around 3-5 minutes.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing continuously until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Gently fold in the Valentine’s Day sprinkles, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave space between each one for spreading.
- Gently press down on each cookie ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass, and sprinkle a few extra sprinkles on top for that festive touch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For even more flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or swapping out half of the all-purpose flour for almond flour to enhance the nutty flavor. These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week — if they last that long!
Cooking Techniques
When baking, ensure that your butter is softened to room temperature as this creates the perfect creamy texture when beaten with sugar. This is key for achieving that delightful, chewy consistency. Don’t skip the resting time for the dough balls before baking, as it allows them to spread evenly, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.
FAQ
Can I make these cookies in advance?
No problem! You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute it with more vanilla extract or even a dash of coconut extract for a tropical twist!
Conclusion
These soft and chewy Valentine’s sprinkle sugar cookies are sure to become a beloved tradition! With their rich buttery flavor and festive sprinkles, they offer the perfect combination of sweetness and joy. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or treating yourself, these cookies will definitely add a little magic to your day. Bake up a batch and spread the love!