Valentine’s Day Cookies With Royal Icing
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to show your love not just with words, but with delightful homemade treats. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about gifting or sharing cookies that you’ve baked yourself, especially when they’re as charmingly decorated as these Valentine’s Day Cookies with Royal Icing. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them a fantastic centerpiece for your Valentine’s celebration or a thoughtful gift for your loved ones.
This recipe combines a tender, buttery sugar cookie base with smooth, glossy royal icing that you can customize with your favorite Valentine’s motifs — hearts, cupids, love notes, or elegant swirls. What makes this recipe especially appealing is its balance between simplicity and elegance. Even if you’re new to royal icing, the detailed instructions and tips will guide you every step of the way to achieve professional-looking, mouthwatering cookies that taste as amazing as they look.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Royal Icing:
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5-6 tablespoons warm water
- Food coloring (red, pink, white, and any other colors you fancy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or lemon juice for flavor (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.
- Add the milk and mix until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky; if too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to make it easier to roll out.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness.
- Use heart-shaped or any Valentine’s Day-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- To make the royal icing, combine sifted powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 7-10 minutes until frosting holds stiff peaks.
- Divide the royal icing into separate bowls and tint each with your chosen food coloring.
- Transfer the icing into piping bags fitted with small round tips for precise decorating.
- Outline the cooled cookies with royal icing to define shapes, then flood the center with thinner icing (add a little water to thin it if necessary).
- Decorate with additional piping designs, sprinkles, or edible glitter while the flood icing is still wet.
- Allow the decorated cookies to dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight until the icing is completely set.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Decorating Time: 30-60 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Servings: Makes about 24 medium-sized cookies
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Tips & Variations
- Ensure your butter is softened (not melted) for the best cookie texture.
- Chill the dough well before rolling to prevent sticking and help maintain shapes.
- For smooth royal icing, sift the powdered sugar and beat the icing well to avoid lumps.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant icing colors without altering consistency.
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- Try adding edible glitter or small candy decorations for extra festive flair.
- Substitute almond extract with lemon or orange extract for a different flavor twist.
- Make the dough ahead and freeze it for up to a month; thaw before rolling and baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
Conclusion
These Valentine’s Day Cookies with Royal Icing are a delightful way to celebrate the season of love with your family, friends, or special someone. Their beautiful appearance and irresistible taste are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to receive them. Baking and decorating these cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience, perfect for creating sweet memories together.
Serve these cookies alongside a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of champagne to elevate your Valentine’s Day celebration even more. Don’t forget to share your creations and baking tips in the comments below — I’d love to see how you decorate your cookies and hear your favorite variations!