Simple Valentine’s Day Cookies With Royal Icing Recipe

There’s something truly magical about baking cookies for Valentine’s Day. The sweet aroma of vanilla sugar cookies paired with the elegance of royal icing creates the perfect treat to share with loved ones. Whether you’re crafting these for a romantic dinner or a festive family celebration, these cookies are a delightful way to say “I love you.”

I first discovered this recipe during a last-minute holiday baking frenzy, and it quickly became a favorite. The dough is easy to work with, and the royal icing adds a professional touch that makes the cookies almost too pretty to eat—almost! Let’s dive into how to make these simple yet stunning cookies.

Why You’ll Love These Valentine’s Day Cookies

These cookies aren’t just a treat—they’re a heartfelt expression. Here’s why they’re guaranteed to win over your loved ones:

First, the sugar cookie base is foolproof. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll create cookies that are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet. The dough rolls out easily, making it great for cutting into all those cute heart shapes.

Royal icing takes these cookies to the next level. Its smooth texture and glossy finish make decorating fun and easy, even for beginners. You’ll feel like a pro baker in no time!

Another reason to love these cookies? They’re completely customizable! From colors to designs, you can tailor these cookies to suit your style or theme. They’re also a wonderful activity to do with kids or friends.

Finally, these cookies store beautifully, so you can prepare them ahead of time. Perfect for a busy schedule without sacrificing the wow factor.

Ready to get started? Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this recipe shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

• Unsalted butter: The base of these cookies, it provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness without overpowering the buttery flavor.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure to the cookies.
• Vanilla extract: For a warm, classic flavor. You can also use almond extract for a twist!
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough. Be sure to measure it correctly for a perfect consistency.
• Royal icing ingredients: Egg whites or meringue powder and powdered sugar create the silky icing that sets beautifully. Add gel food coloring for vibrant, festive designs.

Special Equipment:

• Heart-shaped cookie cutters in various sizes
• A rolling pin
• Piping bags and tips for icing
• Food-safe paintbrush (optional for detailed designs)

How To Make These Valentine’s Day Cookies

Making these cookies is simpler than you think. Let me guide you step by step.

1. Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually incorporate the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes to make rolling easier.

2. Roll and Cut

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

3. Bake

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Royal Icing

In a bowl, whisk together egg whites (or meringue powder with water) and powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust the consistency with water—a thicker icing is perfect for outlines, while a thinner one is ideal for flooding. Add food coloring as desired.

5. Decorate

Transfer the icing to piping bags fitted with small tips. Outline each cookie with the thicker icing, then fill in with the thinner icing. Use a toothpick or food-safe brush to smooth the icing and create designs. Let the icing dry completely before serving or storing.

These cookies take about 2 hours total, including decorating time, but the joy they bring is worth every minute!

Storage Options

One of the best things about these cookies is how well they store, making them perfect for advance preparation.

• Room temperature: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to protect the designs.
• Freezing undecorated cookies: Bake and cool the cookies, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
• Freezing dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking.

To reheat (if needed), avoid the microwave as it may melt the icing. Instead, let cookies come to room temperature naturally.

Variations and Substitutions

These cookies are incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment! Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

• Flavored dough: Add a touch of cocoa powder for chocolate sugar cookies, or try citrus zest for a refreshing twist.
• Different shapes: While hearts are perfect for Valentine’s Day, you can adapt this recipe for any holiday or occasion.
• Icing alternatives: If royal icing feels too advanced, try a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Add decorations: Sprinkle on edible glitter, sanding sugar, or nonpareils for extra sparkle.

Feel free to let your imagination run wild—you can’t go wrong with these cookies!

Print