Valentine Sugar Cookies Decorated With Hearts – Pinterest-Perfect Sugar Cookie Ideas

Valentine’s Day has always been about sharing sweetness—whether it’s with a sweetheart, family, friends, or even yourself. In many homes, baking sugar cookies is a cherished tradition, one that fills the kitchen with the comforting aroma of butter, vanilla, and warm sugar. These Valentine sugar cookies are inspired by that timeless ritual, where simple ingredients come together to create something meaningful and joyful.

What makes these cookies special isn’t just their tender crumb or lightly crisp edges—it’s the love poured into decorating them. Heart shapes, soft pinks and reds, delicate piping, and a gentle sparkle of sugar turn a humble sugar cookie into a heartfelt gift. These cookies are perfect for Valentine’s parties, school celebrations, care packages, or a cozy afternoon spent decorating with loved ones.

This recipe keeps things classic and approachable, just like grandma would have wanted, while still offering plenty of room for creativity. Whether you prefer simple sprinkled hearts or intricate royal icing designs, these cookies are your blank canvas. Tie them with a ribbon, box them beautifully, or serve them on a pretty plate with tea or hot cocoa. However you share them, one thing is certain—these Valentine sugar cookies are made to be loved.

Ingredients 💕🍪

For the Sugar Cookies

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Decorating (Choose Your Style)

• Royal icing or vanilla buttercream frosting
• Pink, red, and white gel food coloring
• Valentine heart sprinkles or sanding sugar
• Edible glitter (optional, for sparkle ✨)

Step-by-Step Directions 👩‍🍳💗

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key for that classic tender sugar cookie texture.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each.
8. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden color. Do not overbake—these cookies should stay pale and soft.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Decorating the Cookies ❤️🎨

10. Prepare your royal icing or buttercream and divide it into bowls. Tint with pink, red, and white food coloring as desired.
11. Pipe outlines, fill hearts, or spread frosting gently with a small spatula. Add sprinkles or edible glitter while the icing is still wet.
12. Let decorated cookies set completely before stacking, packaging, or serving.

Notes & Traditional Tips 💌

• For softer cookies, bake on the lower end of the time range and store in an airtight container.
• If you prefer crispier cookies, roll the dough slightly thinner and bake an extra minute.
• Royal icing gives that smooth, bakery-style finish, while buttercream offers a softer, more rustic look.
• These cookies freeze beautifully—undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Little hands love helping with decorating, making this a perfect family Valentine activity. 💕

Nutritional Information 🍪📊

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 10 minutes per batch
⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling & decorating)
⚡ Calories per serving: ~160
🍽️ Servings: 24 cookies

Approximate per cookie:

• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Sugar: 10 g

#valentinescookies #sugarcookierecipe #heartcookies #valentinedesserts #pinterestcookies #bakingwithlove #homemadecookies #sweettraditions

Bon appétit and happy cooking!