Easy Valentine Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet, and perfectly pink, making them ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any romantic celebration. These heart-shaped cookies are simple to prepare, require basic pantry ingredients, and are finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant look. No complicated frosting is needed, which makes this recipe perfect for beginners or quick holiday baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are incredibly easy to make and don’t require chilling the dough for long periods. They bake up soft and tender with a delicate vanilla flavor. The pink color makes them festive without needing icing, and the powdered sugar topping keeps them light and not overly sweet. They’re perfect for gifting, parties, or baking with kids.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pink food coloring (optional)
For Topping
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Add a few drops of pink food coloring if desired and mix gently until evenly colored.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies.
Step 6: Bake
Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set but not browned.
Step 7: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Finish
Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft
- Roll dough evenly for uniform baking
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Let cookies cool fully before dusting with sugar
- Store powdered sugar cookies in a single layer
Variations
- Add almond extract for a bakery-style flavor
- Use red food coloring for a deeper pink shade
- Dip half the cookies in melted white chocolate
- Add lemon zest for a fresh citrus twist
- Sprinkle with sanding sugar before baking
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate
- Add to Valentine cookie boxes
- Package in clear bags with ribbons
- Use as dessert table decorations
- Pair with chocolate-covered strawberries
Tips
- Chill dough briefly if it becomes too soft
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant color
- Dust with sugar just before serving for best look
- Store cookies in an airtight container
- These cookies freeze well without sugar topping
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Approx. 160 calories
8g fat
22g carbohydrates
2g protein
FAQs
Do I need to chill the dough?
No, but chilling for 15 minutes helps if the dough is too soft.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, they stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I decorate with icing instead?
Absolutely, these cookies work well with royal icing or buttercream.
Are these cookies soft or crisp?
They are soft and tender.
Conclusion
Easy Valentine Sugar Cookies are a simple yet beautiful treat that’s perfect for celebrating love. With their soft texture, light sweetness, and festive heart shape, they’re ideal for gifting or sharing with family and friends. This recipe is quick, reliable, and perfect for Valentine’s Day baking.