Looking for a sweet treat to share this Valentine’s Day? Sugar cookies with royal icing are a timeless, delicious choice. Not only are they easy to make, but decorating them can be a fun and creative activity to do with your loved ones. Whether you’re crafting heart shapes or experimenting with colorful designs, these cookies are the perfect way to spread some love.

These cookies are highly versatile—great for couples, friends, or even gifting coworkers. Let’s guide you step by step to create these delightful treats.

Why You’ll Love Sugar cookies with royal icing Recipe

Customizable: Choose your favorite shapes and colors for endless creativity.
Festive Fun: Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion.
Delicious: Buttery cookies with sweet, smooth royal icing.
Family-Friendly: A fun activity to enjoy with kids or loved ones.
Giftable: Wrap them in decorative boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients

For Sugar Cookies:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

For Royal Icing:

2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk or water
½ tsp vanilla or almond extract
Food coloring (optional)

Equipment List

Mixing bowls (large and medium)
Electric mixer or whisk
Rolling pin
Heart-shaped cookie cutters (various sizes)
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Small piping bags and tips
Thin spatula or butter knife

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies

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, placing them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

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

Step 4: Prepare the Royal Icing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for thinner icing or more sugar for thicker icing.
Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring as desired.

Step 5: Decorate the Cookies

Transfer the icing to small piping bags with fine tips for detailed designs.
Decorate your cookies with swirls, dots, or personalized messages. Let the icing dry completely (about 24 hours) before stacking or storing.

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Additional Tips

Dough Tips: If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour while rolling it out.
Icing Consistency: For flood icing (base layer), make it thinner. Use thicker icing for detailed designs.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Cleanup Tip: Use parchment paper to make rolling and cutting easier while reducing mess.
Extra Flavors: Try almond extract in the dough or icing for a unique twist.

Variations to Try

Add cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate sugar cookies.
Sprinkle freeze-dried strawberry powder on wet icing for a tangy touch.
Experiment with cookie shapes like stars or flowers for variety.

These Valentine’s Day sugar cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Get creative and enjoy the process of baking and decorating these delicious treats with your loved ones.