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Easy Valentine Cookies Recipe

Easy Valentine Cookies Recipe
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Easy Valentine Cookies Recipe offers five simple and customizable cookie ideas perfect for celebrating love. Made with everyday ingredients, these cookies are quick to prepare, flavorful, and fun to decorate. Ideal for beginners and families, they boast adaptable flavors from chocolatey to fruity or nutty, with vegan and gluten-free options, making them a perfect festive treat to share.

Ingredients

Basic Ingredients

  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups (can substitute almond or oat flour for gluten-free)
  • Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened; coconut oil for vegan/dairy-free)
  • Sugar: 1 cup
  • Eggs: 2 large (flaxseed meal mixture for vegan)
  • Baking Powder or Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

Optional Ingredients & Decorations

  • Food Coloring or Natural Extracts: as desired for color and flavor
  • Cocoa Powder: ¼ cup (for chocolate variation)
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: ½ cup (optional)
  • Freeze-Dried Strawberries or Raspberries: ½ cup (fold in for fruity variation)
  • Chopped Nuts (pecans, almonds): ½ cup (optional)
  • Decorative Toppings: sprinkles, heart-shaped candies, icing, edible markers

Instructions

  1. Gather Your Ingredients: Assemble all ingredients measured precisely to ensure a smooth baking process without missing any key components.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Beat together softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and fluffy.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder (or baking soda), and any desired additions like cocoa powder or spices to evenly distribute everything.
  4. Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  5. Shape the Cookies: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use cookie cutters in fun Valentine shapes such as hearts. Alternatively, scoop rounded spoonfuls onto a baking sheet for drop cookies.
  6. Bake and Cool: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes depending on cookie size, until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating.
  7. Decorate Your Cookies: Use simple icing, sprinkles, or edible markers to add charming Valentine’s Day motifs, making each cookie a sweet personal gift.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading during baking.
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent cookies from sticking.
  • Measure flour by spooning and leveling to avoid dry, tough cookies.
  • Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even cooking.
  • Decorate cookies only after they have completely cooled to prevent frosting from melting.
  • For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.
  • For nut-free versions, omit nuts and double-check all ingredient labels.

Nutrition

Keywords: Valentine cookies, easy cookies, Valentine’s Day treats, bake with kids, gluten-free cookies, vegan cookies, chocolate cookies, fruity cookies, nutty cookies

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/easy-valentine-cookies-recipe/