Save Tender, buttery sugar cookies cut into romantic shapes and finished with a sweet, natural strawberry icing. These cookies are the perfect way to share something sweet on Valentine's Day, combining a classic soft bite with the fresh, zesty flavor of real strawberries.
Save Whether you are baking for a partner, friends, or family, these heart-shaped treats bring a romantic and homemade touch to any Valentine's celebration. The natural icing provides a lovely glossy finish that stands out on any dessert table.
Ingredients
- For the Sugar Cookies: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter (softened), 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.
- For the Strawberry Icing: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar (sifted), 2–3 tablespoons strawberry purée (from 5–6 strawberries), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, pinch of salt, optional pink or red gel food coloring.
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Step 3
- Add egg and vanilla; beat until combined.
- Step 4
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated.
- Step 5
- Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Step 6
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 7
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut into heart or desired shapes with cookie cutters.
- Step 8
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake 9–11 minutes, until edges are just golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Step 9
- For the icing: Blend strawberries into a smooth purée. In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons strawberry purée, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Add more purée for thinner icing or more sugar for thicker. Tint with food coloring if desired.
- Step 10
- Decorate cooled cookies with icing. Allow icing to set completely before serving or storing.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure your butter is properly softened to room temperature before beating it with the sugar to ensure a light and fluffy texture. Chilling the dough for at least an hour is a critical step that prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a deeper flavor profile, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the cookie dough. If you prefer a more vibrant color for the icing, you can add a small drop of pink or red gel food coloring to the strawberry mixture.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these cookies alongside a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea. They also make wonderful gifts when placed in a decorative box or wrapped individually in clear bags with festive red ribbons.
Save With their buttery base and fresh strawberry finish, these Valentine sugar cookies are a charming and delicious way to celebrate the holiday.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I ensure cookies remain tender?
Use softened unsalted butter and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough for at least an hour helps maintain a tender texture during baking.
- → What gives the icing its natural strawberry flavor?
Fresh strawberries are pureed and combined with powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a sweet and tangy icing without artificial flavors.
- → Can I shape the cookies into designs other than hearts?
Yes, any cookie cutters can be used to create desired shapes before baking, giving a personal touch to each batch.
- → How should I store the decorated cookies?
Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain fresh up to five days when icing is fully set.
- → Is there an option to enhance the dough’s flavor?
Adding half a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough enriches the flavor with a subtle nutty note.