What’s not to love about a classic heart-shaped sugar cookie? Just the sight of them makes my heart skip a beat! I can still remember the first time I made these delightful treats. It was a chilly February afternoon, and I decided to host a baking party with some close friends. We rolled out the dough, cut beautiful heart shapes, and with the help of colorful royal icing, transformed each cookie into a work of art.
Baking those cookies not only filled our kitchen with a sweet aroma, but also brought back warm memories of sharing with loved ones. These heart-shaped cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want to spread a bit of love. They’re lightly crispy, perfectly sweet, and with the mesmerizing royal icing, they look absolutely stunning! Plus, you don’t need to be a professional baker to make them shine. Let’s dive into the delicious world of heart-shaped sugar cookies with royal icing!
What’s in Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of our cookies. It gives them structure and a tender crumb. I usually grab the unbleached variety for a more natural flavor.
Granulated Sugar: The sweet star of the show! This sugar adds the signature sweetness to our cookies and helps them retain moisture.
Baking Powder: This little powerhouse helps the cookies rise a bit and achieve that perfect texture. Don’t skip it, or you’ll end up with flat cookies!
Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial—it balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the cookies.
Unsalted Butter: Rich and creamy, butter brings a lovely flavor and a soft texture. I recommend using high-quality butter for the best results.
Egg: Eggs act as a binding agent, helping everything stick together while adding richness. Room temperature eggs work best for even mixing.
Vanilla Extract: For that warm, comforting flavor, vanilla is a must. I love using pure vanilla extract over imitation for a deeper flavor.
Royal Icing: Made from egg whites, powdered sugar, and a splash of lemon juice or water, royal icing dries hard, making it perfect for decorating cookies. It’s a canvas for creativity!
Is Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing Good for You?
While these cookies are adorable and delicious, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation.
Granulated Sugar: The main sweetener in this recipe, sugar gives our cookies flavor but can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. Consider using less sugar or sugar substitutes if that’s a concern for you.
Butter: While it adds incredible flavor, butter is high in saturated fats. Opting for lower-fat alternatives or even substituting with applesauce or Greek yogurt can reduce the calorie count.
However, these cookies can also provide a lovely opportunity to connect with family and friends, which we know is good for the soul! Plus, they can be a great way to practice portion control, indulging in a sweet treat without going overboard.
Ingredients List
For 24 cookies, you’ll need:
– 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– ½ teaspoon of salt
– 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
– Royal icing (homemade or store-bought) for decoration
How to Make Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing?
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. You can also chill them overnight.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space in between. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with royal icing.
Cookie Decorating Tips and Tricks
– **Get Creative with Colors**: Using gel food coloring for your royal icing will give you vibrant colors without watering down the consistency.
– **Different Tips for Different Designs**: Experiment with different piping tips for varied designs. A round tip is perfect for outlining, and a star tip adds amazing texture.
– **Drying Time**: Allow your royal icing to dry completely. It can take anywhere from a couple of hours to overnight depending on thickness.
– **Storage**: Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week—if you can resist eating them before then!
These heart-shaped sugar cookies with royal icing are a delightful way to showcase your baking skills and share a little love with those around you. I can’t wait for you to try making these cookies! They’re perfect for sharing at parties, gifting to friends, or just enjoying with a cup of tea. I’d love to hear how they turn out—so please share your experience and any twists you add to the recipe! Happy baking!