- **Red or pink food coloring** (for Valentine’s Day theme)
- **Sprinkles or edible glitter** (optional, for festive decoration)
**Keywords to include in your content:**
- Valentine’s Day cookies
- Iced vanilla cookies
- Soft and chewy cookies
- Homemade cookie recipe
- Festive Valentine’s dessert
- Easy cookie decorating
- Vanilla icing recipe
This ingredient list and formatting will help your recipe stand out while targeting relevant search terms!
Steps
# How to Make Iced Vanilla Cookies for Valentine's Day: A Step-by-Step Guide
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a sweet treat by making **iced vanilla cookies**. These soft, buttery cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting in festive packaging. Follow this detailed guide to create delicious, Instagram-worthy cookies that are sure to impress.
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## **Ingredients for Iced Vanilla Cookies**
### For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
### For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (pink, red, or pastel shades for Valentine's Day)
- Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough**
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
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### **Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
3. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out Valentine’s Day-themed shapes.
4. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
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### **Step 3: Bake the Cookies**
1. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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### **Step 4: Make the Icing**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner icing or more sugar for a thicker one.
2. Divide the icing into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to create Valentine’s Day hues like pink, red, or pastel shades.
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### **Step 5: Decorate the Cookies**
1. Use a piping bag or a small spoon to drizzle or spread the icing onto the cooled cookies.
2. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or small heart-shaped decorations while the icing is still wet.
3. Allow the icing to set completely before serving or packaging.
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## **Tips for Perfect Iced Vanilla Cookies**
- **Chill the Dough:** This prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- **Use Quality Ingredients:** Pure vanilla extract and unsalted butter enhance the flavor.
- **Experiment with Designs:** Use different piping tips or stencils for creative icing patterns.
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## **Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Valentine’s Day**
These **iced vanilla cookies** are not only delicious but also customizable for the holiday. Their soft texture and sweet icing make them a romantic treat for sharing with your special someone or gifting to friends and family. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for beginners!
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By following this guide, you’ll create **iced vanilla cookies** that are as beautiful as they are tasty. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using hashtags like #ValentinesDayCookies and #IcedVanillaCookies to inspire others!