Marbled Valentine Sugar Cookies
why make this recipe
Marbled Valentine Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for celebrating love and affection. Their vibrant colors make them a feast for the eyes, while their buttery flavor and soft texture please the palate. Whether you’re baking for a special someone, a party, or just for fun, these cookies will charm anyone who tries them. Not only are they simple to make, but they also give you the chance to get creative with colors and shapes. Plus, who can resist cookies shaped like hearts?
how to make Marbled Valentine Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (310g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Gel food coloring (pink, red, or desired colors)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract (and almond extract if you choose to use it) to the bowl, then beat just until everything is combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in two batches, mixing on low speed until you form a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough into halves or thirds if you want to use more colors. Tint one part pink, one part red, and leave one part plain. Knead each part gently until the color is evenly incorporated.
- Roll each colored dough into small logs. Twist the logs together and flatten them into a rough rectangle. Fold the dough once or twice, then roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Dip a heart-shaped cookie cutter in flour and cut out cookies from the rolled dough. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes.
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden and the centers look set.
- Let the cookies cool on the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
how to serve Marbled Valentine Sugar Cookies
Marbled Valentine Sugar Cookies look lovely when served on a decorative plate. You can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra touch. They are perfect for sharing at parties, giving as gifts, or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. You might even consider putting a few in a cute box tied with ribbon for a heartfelt present.
how to store Marbled Valentine Sugar Cookies
To store your cookies, wait until they are completely cooled, then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
tips to make Marbled Valentine Sugar Cookies
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- If you want brighter colors, add more gel food coloring.
- Do not overmix the dough once you’ve added the dry ingredients.
- Chill the dough if it gets too sticky during rolling and cutting.
- Use quality baking sheets to get evenly baked cookies.
variation
You can add sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the cookies before baking for an extra festive touch. Additionally, you can use other shapes besides hearts, like stars or circles, depending on your preferences or the occasion.
FAQs
1. Can I use different colors for the cookies?
Yes, you can use any gel food coloring you like! Feel free to mix and match to create your favorite designs.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges start to turn golden and the centers look set. They may seem soft but will firm up as they cool.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Marbled Valentine Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Sifted
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- Gel food coloring (pink, red, or desired colors)
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract (plus almond extract if using), mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in two batches, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into halves or thirds and tint each part with desired gel food colors. Knead until color is evenly incorporated.
Baking
- Roll each colored dough into small logs, twist them together, and flatten into a rectangle.
- Fold the dough once or twice and roll out to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use a floured heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced 1 inch apart.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden and centers look set.
- Cool on the pan for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
