Nothing says “I love you” quite like a batch of homemade cookies, and these show-stopping Valentine Cookies are just the treat you need! With their pink and white striped pattern and a touch of sparkle from pink sanding sugar, these cookies are not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re preparing for Valentine’s Day, a bridal shower, or just surprising someone special, these cookies will make their day unforgettable.
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In this guide, you’ll learn how to make these cookies step-by-step, with tips for perfecting the process along the way. With a soft, buttery texture and beautiful design, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Why You’ll Love These Valentine Cookies
- Beautiful Design: The striped pink and white pattern with sparkling sugar is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- Versatile: These cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or any celebration that calls for a touch of elegance and love.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared and frozen weeks in advance, making it easy to whip up a fresh batch when needed.
- Fun to Customize: Don’t have pink sanding sugar? No problem! These cookies look gorgeous even without it or with other colors for different occasions.
Recipe Overview
Course:
Dessert, Snack
Cuisine:
American
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
12 minutes
Chill Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
27 minutes
Servings:
16 cookies
Calories:
139 kcal
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (227g, room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (234g)
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (500g, sifted)
- 3/4 cup cornstarch (80g, sifted)
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (4g)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (15mL)
- 1/4 cup pink sanding sugar (50g)
- A few drops of pink food coloring
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Two Batches of Dough
For the perfect pink and white stripes, you’ll need two separate batches of cookie dough: one plain and one pink. Here’s how:
For the Plain Dough:
- Sift 2 cups of flour, 40g of cornstarch, and 1/3 teaspoon of kosher salt into a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
- In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream 1/2 cup of room-temperature butter and 1/2 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and one egg until fully combined.
- On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients until almost fully incorporated. Scrape down the bowl, then mix once more until just combined.
For the Pink Dough:
Repeat the steps above, but add a few drops of pink food coloring to the butter and sugar mixture before adding the vanilla extract. This ensures an even distribution of color. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of pink sanding sugar over the rolled-out pink dough before chilling.
Step 2: Roll and Chill the Dough
- Roll each batch of dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. For ease, roll the dough between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Transfer the dough to a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Create Stripes
- Once chilled, use a ruler and a sharp knife to cut 1/2-inch strips of both pink and plain dough.
- Alternate layering the strips of dough, ensuring they touch to form the striped pattern. Cover the layered dough with plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently roll over it to seal the stripes together. Chill again for at least 20 minutes.
Step 4: Cut Out Heart Shapes
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies from the layered dough.
- Carefully place the cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
- Bake the cookies for 12 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Valentine Cookies
- Chill, Chill, Chill: Keeping the dough chilled at various stages is crucial for clean, precise stripes and easy handling.
- Sanding Sugar Application: Apply the sanding sugar to the pink dough when it’s slightly warm, so it sticks better.
- Use Scraps Wisely: Save the leftover dough scraps to make smaller cookies or fun shapes. No dough should go to waste!
- Customize the Colors: Swap out pink for another color or use multiple colors to match different themes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked dough for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling, cutting, and baking.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 139 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 1.3g
- Fat: 6.6g
- Sugar: 11g
Why These Cookies are Perfect for Valentine’s Day
These cookies capture the essence of Valentine’s Day with their soft pink hues and delicate sparkle. The buttery, tender texture makes them a crowd-pleaser, while their elegant design adds a touch of sophistication to any celebration. Whether you’re baking for a romantic partner, family, or friends, these cookies are a labor of love that everyone will appreciate.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen! These Valentine Cookies are sure to be the highlight of your celebration.
Do you have any tips or tricks for making sugar cookies? Let us know in the comments below!