Go Back

Valentine's Day Royal Icing Cookies

These delightful royal icing cookies are a perfect blend of fun and creativity, ideal for expressing affection on Valentine's Day.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baked Goods
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Creates a tender texture.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness and crunch.
  • 1 large egg Acts as a binding agent.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances sweetness.
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Main structure of cookies.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps cookies rise.
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
For the Royal Icing
  • 3 large egg whites Essential for royal icing.
  • 4 cups powdered sugar Provides a glossy finish.
  • 0.5 teaspoon lemon juice Enhances flavor.
Decoration
  • Red, pink, and white gel food coloring For decorating.
  • Heart-shaped sprinkles (optional) Adds an extra touch.
  • Edible glitter (optional) For sparkle.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
  3. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate into the wet ingredients.
  5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out heart shapes using cookie cutters.
Baking
  1. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
  2. Cool cookies completely on a wire rack.
Royal Icing Preparation
  1. In a clean bowl, whisk egg whites or meringue powder until stiff peaks form.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar and lemon juice, mixing until smooth and glossy.
  3. Separate icing into different bowls and add food coloring as desired.
Decoration
  1. Transfer colored icing into piping bags and decorate cookies.
  2. Add optional sprinkles or edible glitter.
  3. Allow icing to set for at least an hour before serving.

Notes

For best results, use gel food coloring instead of liquid. Different piping tips can create varied designs. Store cookies in an airtight container for about a week.