Simple Valentine’s Day Cookies With Royal Icing Recipe

There’s something magical about baking cookies for Valentine’s Day, especially when the sweet scent of vanilla and sugar fills the air. These Simple Valentine’s Day Cookies with Royal Icing are as beautiful as they are delicious—perfect for sharing with loved ones or adding a festive touch to any celebration.

I’ve been making these cookies for years, and they’ve become a beloved tradition in my home. The best part? They’re easy to customize with fun shapes and vibrant icing colors, making them a joy to bake and decorate. Let’s dive in and create something delightful!

Why You’ll Love These Simple Valentine’s Day Cookies

Prepare to fall head over heels for these charming cookies. They’re everything you want in a Valentine’s Day treat: fun, festive, and absolutely irresistible.

First, the cookies themselves are a dream to work with. The dough rolls out beautifully without sticking, and it holds its shape perfectly when baked, so your heart and cupid arrow designs come out crisp every time.

Next, the royal icing is the secret to their eye-catching appeal. This icing dries with a smooth, glossy finish, giving you the perfect canvas for creative designs—from swirls and dots to intricate lace patterns.

Finally, they’re kid-friendly and versatile. Whether you’re hosting a decorating party or whipping these up as a sweet surprise, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles all around.

Ready to make your Valentine’s Day even sweeter? Let’s start with the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating cookies that are both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.

All-purpose flour is the backbone of this recipe. Be sure to measure it accurately—too much flour can make the dough tough. I recommend spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife for the best results.

Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, ensures these cookies have a tender crumb and rich flavor. If you only have salted butter on hand, reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cookies without overpowering their buttery flavor. This balance is essential since the royal icing adds an additional layer of sweetness.

Eggs help bind the dough together while adding a touch of richness. Allow them to come to room temperature for easier mixing.

For the royal icing, powdered sugar and meringue powder are must-haves. The meringue powder creates a smooth, stable icing that dries to a shiny finish—ideal for detailed decorations.

You’ll also need gel food coloring for vibrant hues. Unlike liquid food coloring, gel won't thin your icing, making it perfect for precise designs.

How To Make These Simple Valentine’s Day Cookies

Baking these cookies is a straightforward process that even beginners can master. Here’s how to bring them to life step by step.

1. Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy—this takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gradually incorporate the flour, a little at a time, until the dough comes together.

2. Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling ensures the cookies maintain their shape while baking and makes the dough easier to handle.

3. Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters or other festive shapes to cut out your cookies. Transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Royal Icing
In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and a small amount of water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the icing reaches a smooth, pipeable consistency. Divide the icing into separate bowls and add gel food coloring to each, mixing until you achieve your desired colors.

6. Decorate the Cookies
Use piping bags fitted with small round tips to outline and fill the cookies with royal icing. Add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra flair, and let the icing set completely before serving or packaging.

Storage Options

These cookies are as convenient as they are tasty, with excellent storage options for every need.

Room Temperature: Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Roll it into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.

Freezing Decorated Cookies: Once fully dried, decorated cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the joys of this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Flavor the Dough: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or citrus zest for a subtle twist.
• Try Alternative Shapes: Experiment with star, flower, or letter cutters for different occasions.
• Natural Food Coloring: Use plant-based gel colors for a more natural option.
• Vegan Version: Substitute vegan butter, a flax egg, and aquafaba for the royal icing to create a plant-based version.
• Chocolate Twist: Mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolate variation.

Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors and decorations to create cookies that are uniquely yours!

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