Valentine Sugar Cookies Strawberry

Celebrate the season of love with these tender, buttery Valentine Sugar Cookies. Perfectly cut into romantic shapes and topped with a vibrant, natural strawberry icing, these treats offer a delightful combination of classic sweetness and fresh berry flavor. Whether you are baking for a partner, friends, or family, these cookies are a beautiful way to share something special on Valentine's Day.

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These cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a handmade gesture of affection. The buttery base melts in your mouth, providing the perfect canvas for the tangy and sweet strawberry glaze. Simple to prepare but impressive to serve, they are sure to become a Valentine's tradition.

Ingredients

• 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
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2–3 tablespoons strawberry purée (from about 5–6 fresh strawberries)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: pink or red gel food coloring for more vivid color

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

For a richer, more complex flavor, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the cookie dough. Additionally, ensure your butter is softened but not melted to maintain the proper texture during the creaming process. Chilling the dough is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Varianten und Anpassungen

While the natural strawberry icing provides a soft pink color, you can add a drop of red gel food coloring for a more intense Valentine's aesthetic. You can also experiment with different shapes, such as flowers or letters, to customize your message of love.

Serviervorschläge

These cookies look beautiful when served on a white platter to make the pink icing pop. They make an excellent gift when tucked into a decorative box lined with parchment paper, or they can be served alongside a glass of sparkling rosé for an elegant Valentine's dessert.

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With their buttery crumb and fruity glaze, these Valentine Sugar Cookies are a sweet way to celebrate your favorite people. Enjoy the process of baking and decorating, and savor every bite of these heartfelt treats.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I achieve the perfect cookie texture?

Chilling the dough for at least an hour before rolling helps control spreading and results in tender, crisp edges.

→ What’s the best way to get vibrant strawberry icing color?

Using fresh strawberry purée mixed with powdered sugar provides natural pink hues; adding a few drops of pink or red gel coloring intensifies the shade.

→ Can these cookies be made ahead of time?

Yes, cookies can be baked and iced in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

→ How can I make the icing smoother for decorating?

Whisk the icing thoroughly until smooth and use a piping bag or small offset spatula for precise application.

→ Is almond extract necessary for flavor?

Almond extract is optional but adds a richer, complementary flavor to the buttery dough.