Introduction
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to bake up some love, and what better way to express your feelings than with a batch of charming XO Valentine Sugar Cookies? These delightful treats are not only fun to make, but they also serve as a sweet reminder of affection for your loved ones. With their soft texture and buttery flavor, each cookie is a little piece of happiness, ready to be adorned with colorful royal icing and festive sprinkles. Whether you plan on sharing them with friends, family, or that special someone, these cookies are sure to spread love and joy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Royal icing or buttercream for decorating
- Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line several baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for your cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, filling your kitchen with a sweet aroma.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If you decide to include almond extract for an extra layer of flavor, add it at this stage.
- Flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. The dough should be pliable, yet firm enough to hold its shape.
- Using your favorite cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the rolled dough, placing each one gently onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden—keeping an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once your cookies are cool, have fun decorating them with royal icing or buttercream, and sprinkle them with colorful jimmies or edible glitter to add a festive touch!
Notes or Tips
For the best results, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this helps achieve that perfect creamy texture when mixing with sugar. If you’d like to personalize the flavors, feel free to experiment with different extracts like lemon or orange for a zesty twist. These cookies can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container, making them perfect for last-minute surprises!
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the butter and sugar properly is key to the lightness of your cookies. Be patient—beat until the mixture is fluffy and pale in color. When rolling out the dough, using flour will help prevent it from sticking, ensuring clean shapes. Adjust your baking time based on your oven; always check the cookies a couple of minutes early to catch that golden edge without overdoing it!
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling it out.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies? Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week; longer if unadorned.
Conclusion
Baking XO Valentine Sugar Cookies is not just about the delicious flavors; it’s about the joy and love that come from sharing them with others. These cookies are ideal for gifting or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to whip up some delightful memories this Valentine’s Day!