Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing are buttery, tender cookies decorated with beautiful royal icing designs—perfect for sharing with loved ones.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp meringue powder
- 3–4 tbsp warm water
- Gel food coloring (red or pink, optional)
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla; beat until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide dough, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut with heart-shaped cutters.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until edges begin to turn golden. Cool on pans 2 min, then transfer to wire rack.
- For icing: mix powdered sugar and meringue powder, add water gradually, beat 5 min until stiff peaks form. Tint as desired and pipe onto cooled cookies.
Notes
- Allow icing to set completely before serving or storing.
- Keep cookies in an airtight container.
- Have fun with colors and designs for Valentine’s Day!