These cookies are soft, sweet, and incredibly easy to customize with colors, sprinkles, and heart shapes to match the Valentine’s Day theme. They require basic pantry ingredients and come together quickly, making them ideal for last-minute baking. You can use cookie cutters, icing, or candy toppings to get as creative as you’d like—fun for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Almond extract (optional)
Food coloring (red or pink, optional)
Sprinkles, heart candies, or chocolate chips for decorating
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms.
If using food coloring, divide the dough and mix in desired colors.
Roll the dough into balls or use heart-shaped cookie cutters if rolling it out flat.
Place on the baking sheet and decorate with sprinkles or candies if desired.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size. Prep time is around 15 minutes, baking time is 8–10 minutes, and cooling takes about 15 minutes. Total time is approximately 40 minutes.
Variations
Add chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for extra richness.
Drizzle with melted chocolate or icing after baking.
Use different extracts like strawberry or lemon for a fruity twist.
Make sandwich cookies by filling two cookies with frosting or jam.
Use natural food coloring for a dye-free option.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh slightly stale cookies, warm in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before using.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Not for this recipe, but chilling helps reduce spreading if you’re using cookie cutters or want sharper edges.
Can I use cookie cutters for these?
Yes, just roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick and use your favorite Valentine’s Day shapes.
What kind of sprinkles work best?
Nonpareils, heart-shaped sprinkles, or colored sugar crystals all work well. Add them before baking so they stick.
Can I add frosting?
Definitely. Use a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting and decorate after the cookies cool.
How do I get vibrant pink or red cookies?
Use gel food coloring for more intense color without altering the dough consistency.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Are these cookies chewy or crunchy?
They are soft and slightly chewy with crisp edges, but you can bake them a bit longer for more crunch.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, portion it into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen with 1–2 extra minutes.
What other decorations can I use?
Try small candies, mini chocolate chips, royal icing designs, or edible glitter for a fun touch.
Conclusion
These Easy Valentine’s Day Cookies are a sweet and simple way to share love through baking. With their soft texture, festive colors, and endless decorating options, they’re perfect for any skill level and any celebration. Whether you’re baking with friends, family, or for someone special, these cookies are sure to brighten up Valentine’s Day.
These Easy Valentine’s Day Cookies are soft, festive, and perfect for celebrating love and friendship. Simple to make and fun to decorate, they’re ideal for parties, gifts, or sweet moments at home.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Red or pink food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles, heart candies, or chocolate chips for decorating
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms.
If using food coloring, divide the dough and mix in desired colors.
Roll the dough into balls or roll it out to 1/4 inch thick and cut with heart-shaped cookie cutters.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and decorate with sprinkles or candies if desired.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
No need to chill the dough, but chilling helps with cleaner shapes if using cutters.Use gel food coloring for vibrant pink or red hues without thinning the dough.Add chocolate chips or drizzle with icing for extra flair.Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
