Valentine’s Day often brings us back to simple traditions, and baking together is one of the easiest ways to slow down and enjoy the season. These heart-shaped sugar cookies are made with kids in mind. The dough is easy to work with, fun to roll, and perfect for cutting into festive shapes. Finished with a generous coating of pink, red, and white sanding sugar, the cookies feel special without needing frosting or complicated decorating.
Rolled sugar cookies are a great choice for family baking because they hold their shape and invite everyone to participate. Kids can help measure ingredients, press heart cutters into the dough, and sprinkle sugar freely. The cookies bake up with lightly crisp edges and soft centers, making them just as enjoyable to eat as they are to decorate. They work well for classroom treats, Valentine exchanges, or an afternoon project at home.
This recipe keeps things classic and familiar, letting the color and texture of the sugar do the work. It is the kind of baking that encourages conversation, a little mess, and plenty of time together in the kitchen.
INGREDIENTS
For the cookies
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For decorating
- Red, pink, and white sanding sugar
- Optional coarse or pearl sugar
DIRECTIONS
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut out heart shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheets.
- Lightly brush the tops with water or egg wash and coat generously with sanding sugar.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set. Cool completely.
NOTES
This dough is forgiving and easy to work with, making it a good option for young bakers. If it becomes too soft, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes before continuing. Let kids mix sugar colors or decorate each cookie differently. Uneven shapes and extra sparkle are part of the fun.
The cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to five days and can be baked ahead for school events or Valentine deliveries.