Celebrate love and sweetness this Valentine’s Day with our enchanting Valentine’s Royal Icing Cookies! Perfectly capturing the essence of the season, these cookies are not just treats but a canvas for your affectionate messages.
Crafted with a foolproof sugar cookie recipe, they boast soft, thick centers, slightly crisp edges, and perfectly flat tops ideal for your creative icing designs. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe with its straightforward ingredients promises delightful cookies that maintain their shape flawlessly.
So, let’s spread some love with these adorable, conversation-heart-inspired cookies!
How to Prepare Valentine’s Royal Icing Cookies
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy (approx. 2 minutes). Add in the egg, vanilla, and optional almond extract, beating until well incorporated.
- Form the Dough: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky for rolling.
- Roll and Chill: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half to a 1/4-inch thickness. Layer the dough pieces, separated by parchment paper, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Cut and Bake: After chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut the dough into heart shapes using a cookie cutter and place on lined baking sheets. Bake for 11-12 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. Allow them to cool before decorating.
- Make Royal Icing: Mix confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder, and water. Beat until it reaches a smooth consistency. Divide and tint with food coloring as desired.
- Decorate: Fill piping bags with icing and decorate the cookies, starting with borders and filling in. Allow the base icing to set before adding written messages with red icing.
- Let Set: Allow the decorated cookies to set completely, about 2-3 hours, before serving or storing.
Valentine’s Royal Icing Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/4 cups 281g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup 12 Tbsp; 170g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup 150g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 cups 480g confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 3 Tablespoons meringue powder
- 9 –10 Tablespoons room-temperature water
- gel food coloring
Instructions
- Begin with Basics: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Creaming Process: In a larger bowl, whip butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg and extracts, beating until smooth.
- Dough Formation: Gradually add dry mix to wet, blending to a soft consistency. Add extra flour if too sticky.
- Roll and Cool: Split dough in half, roll each to 1/4-inch thickness, and refrigerate for 2 hours minimum.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat to 350°F. Cut hearts from the dough, bake for 11-12 minutes, then cool.
- Icing Prep: Whip confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder, and water. Tint with food colorings as you like.
- Decorating Time: Use piping bags to outline and fill cookies with icing. Add messages with red icing after the base sets.
- Setting Stage: Allow cookies to set for a few hours before enjoying or storing them.
Storing Valentine’s Royal Icing Cookies
To keep your Valentine’s Royal Icing Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfect for up to 5 days. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate them, where they’ll last for up to 10 days. Make sure the icing is completely set before stacking them, and you might want to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Enjoy these sweet treats over several days, relishing in the festive spirit of Valentine’s Day!
