Valentine’s Day is a time for sharing love and sweetness with those closest to us. One perfect way to show your affection is by baking a batch of delightful Valentine Cut Out Cookies! These charming treats are not only a joy to make but also a lovely gift for friends and family. With their buttery flavor and festive shapes, these cookies are sure to win hearts. Get ready to spread some love with this easy and delicious recipe for Valentine Cut Out Cookies.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Optional: red and pink food coloring, sprinkles, and royal icing for decorating
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half. If you want colored cookies, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to one half of the dough and knead until the color is fully incorporated.
6. Shape each half of the dough into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies.
9. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate with sprinkles and royal icing if desired.
13. Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the remaining dough until it is all used up.
14. Allow the icing to set before stacking or packaging the cookies for gifting.
Get creative with your decorations and make each cookie unique! These Valentine Cut Out Cookies are perfect for a cozy afternoon of baking with loved ones or as a thoughtful gesture for someone special. This recipe is a wonderful way to spread joy and sweetness during the season of love. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats with those you care about. Happy baking!
