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If you’re on the hunt for a truly delightful treat to share with someone special, look no further than Bethany’s Favorite Valentine Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are more than just sweet bites—they capture the essence of cozy kitchens and heartfelt celebrations. With a tender crumb, a hint of vanilla and almond, and just the right amount of buttery goodness, this recipe turns simple ingredients into charming heart-shaped masterpieces that will brighten anyone’s Valentine’s Day (or any day, really!). I can’t wait to walk you through every step to make these cookie moments yours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect cut out sugar cookies starts with the right ingredients, and luckily, they are all pantry-friendly staples that come together beautifully. Each element plays a distinct role—from the rich texture of butter to the gentle lift of baking powder—ensuring these cookies bake up tender, flavorful, and absolutely crave-worthy.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure in the cookie, giving that perfect tender chew without being too dense.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides just enough sweetness and helps create that delightful crust on top.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds rich flavor and buttery softness, so make sure it’s softened but not melted.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes moisture for a tender bite.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives a gentle rise to keep the cookies from being too tough or flat.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor that sings in every bite.
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle nutty note that enhances the overall flavor, making them extra special.
How to Make Bethany’s Favorite Valentine Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential because having the oven ready ensures your cookies bake evenly, resulting in those perfectly golden edges we all love.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air, which contributes to the cookie’s light texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and if you’re using it, the almond extract. Mixing these thoroughly makes sure every bite bursts with that rich, aromatic flavor profile that makes Bethany’s Favorite Valentine Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures that the leavening is evenly distributed before gradually adding this dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined without overmixing to keep the dough tender.
Step 5: Roll Out and Cut
Lightly flour your work surface, then roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thickness. Using your favorite Valentine-shaped cookie cutters, cut the dough into fun shapes. This is the moment to get creative and add a personal touch.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the cutouts on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely for the edges to turn a lovely light golden brown. This ensures they’re crisp without losing their tender center.
Step 7: Cool Before Decorating
Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling is important so your decorations won’t melt or slide off, and the cookies set perfectly for that delightful snap when you bite in.
How to Serve Bethany’s Favorite Valentine Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Once your cookies have cooled, consider decorating with royal icing, colored sugar sprinkles, or edible glitter to add that Valentine’s sparkle. Freshly piped icing hearts or delicate patterns make the cookies feel even more festive and thoughtful.
Side Dishes
These sugar cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea, hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic touch. Offering such sides transforms a simple cookie moment into a cozy, complete experience perfect for sharing.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or party presentations, stack your cookies tied with a satin ribbon or arrange them in decorated tin boxes. You can also attach small notes or Valentine’s messages to each cookie bag for a personalized touch that always brings smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to a week. Layer cookies between parchment paper to prevent sticking or breaking.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked dough by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with rolling and cutting. Baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to three months.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, pop them in the oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes or microwave them for about 10 seconds. This refreshes the buttery softness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the almond extract with another flavor?
Absolutely! If almond isn’t your thing, feel free to omit it or substitute with a little extra vanilla extract or even a touch of lemon zest for a bright twist on these cookies.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Rolling the dough to about ¼ inch thickness strikes the perfect balance between sturdy enough for cutting and tender enough for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
With some experimentation, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be mindful of texture differences and adjust moisture if necessary.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Royal icing is the classic choice for cut out cookies because it dries hard and allows intricate designs. However, simple sprinkles or colored sugar can be sprinkled on before baking for a quicker option.
How do I avoid cookies spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted and avoid overmixing the dough. Also, chilling the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling can help control spreading.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing Bethany’s Favorite Valentine Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe. This simple yet gorgeous recipe turns everyday ingredients into charming keepsakes of flavor and love. I encourage you to give it a try, decorate with joy, and watch as these cookies become favorites in your own kitchen and hearts around your table.
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bethany’s Favorite Valentine Cut Out Sugar Cookies are classic, tender sugar cookies perfect for Valentine’s Day celebrations. These cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly flavored with vanilla and a hint of almond extract, making them ideal for decorating and sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking your cookies evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a light texture in the cookies.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough into your desired Valentine-themed shapes.
- Bake Cookies: Place the cutouts on ungreased baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are baked through but still soft inside.
- Cool Before Decorating: Remove cookies from the oven and cool them on wire racks completely before decorating to prevent frosting from melting.
Notes
- For best results, make sure butter is softened but not melted before creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- If you don’t have almond extract, it can be omitted without affecting the overall flavor too much.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, although the recipe calls for ungreased sheets.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- Decorate cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar once cooled.
