In this article, we will explore a delicious and easy-to-prepare recipe.
Fast and Easy Valentine’s Sugar Cookies
Welcome to Adrian Recipes! Today, we’re diving into the world of delightful treats with our Fast and Easy Valentine’s Sugar Cookies. These cookies are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day celebrations. Let’s create something special together!
Ingredients List
To make your Fast and Easy Valentine’s Sugar Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature or softened slightly)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for sprinkling on top of cookies)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups flour or gluten-free flour blend
- 1 1/4 tsp xanthan gum (optional – only if using a gluten-free flour blend that doesn’t contain xanthan gum)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cream the butter and both types of sugar together in a mixing bowl for two minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add eggs, one at a time, blending until well incorporated. This ensures a smooth batter.
Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) for that aromatic touch.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt (add xanthan gum if using gluten-free flour).
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just blended.
Step 6: Add 1-3 drops of food coloring to achieve the desired hue for your Valentine’s theme and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
Step 7: Divide the dough into two balls and knead each until smooth and the color is fully blended.
Step 8: Roll out the dough on parchment paper or a floured surface to a thickness of 1/4 inch or 1/3 inch, and cut out shapes using a greased cookie cutter.
Step 9: Place the cookie shapes onto parchment-lined baking sheets and chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
Step 10: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cookies for 6-9 minutes, watching closely to prevent browning.
Step 11: Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 3-5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.
Step 12: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar using a mesh strainer for a sweet finish.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie provides approximately:
- Calories: 157 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 34 mg
- Sodium: 84 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.4 g
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a healthier twist, consider the following substitutions:
- Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index.
- Swap half of the butter with applesauce to reduce fat content.
- Opt for whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour to increase fiber and protein.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these delightful cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea or a glass of milk for a perfect Valentine’s Day treat. They also make charming gifts when packaged in decorative boxes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Skipping the Chill: Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies to avoid over-baking.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Conclusion
These Fast and Easy Valentine’s Sugar Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate love and joy. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or a special someone, they’re sure to bring smiles all around.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to two days.
Q: Can I substitute the eggs?
A: Yes, use flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water as an egg substitute.
Q: How can I make the cookies more festive?
A: Add sprinkles or edible glitter to make the cookies sparkle!
For more delicious recipes, check out our related posts on Adrian Recipes. Happy baking!
Fast and Easy Valentine’s Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream butter and both types of sugar in mixing bowl for two minutes.
- Add eggs, one at a time, and blend until well incorporated.
- Add vanilla extract (and almond extract if using) and mix until combined.
- In separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
- Add dry ingredients, a cup at a time, to wet ingredients, mixing until blended.
- Add 1-3 drops of food coloring, depending on desired intensity.
- Mix until dough begins to form and color is blended.
- Remove dough and divide into two balls.
- Knead each ball of dough until color is fully blended and smooth.
- Roll out dough on parchment paper, baking mat, or floured surface.
- Roll to 1/4 inch or 1/3 thick and cut out shapes with greased cookie cutter.
- Move shapes onto parchment lined cookie sheets and chill for 10-15 minutes in fridge.
- Bake in 350 F oven for 6-9 minutes, depending on size and thickness.
- Watch closely and remove when cookies firm in the middle and before edges brown.
- Allow to cool for 3-5 minute on cookie sheet to allow cookies to continue cooking and to firm up.
- Move cookies to cooling rack, if desired.
- Once fully cooled, use a mesh strainer to dust cookies with powdered sugar.
