Get ready to impress your loved ones this Valentine's Day with these delightful Slice n Bake Cookies! Bursting with sweet flavors and vibrant colors, these cookies not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dessert table. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of 24 beautiful cookies that are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these cookies are sure to steal the show. So, roll up your sleeves and let's dive into this easy and fun recipe that will make your heart—and your taste buds—skip a beat!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (pink/red)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half. For one portion, add pink or red food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
- Place each colored portion of dough onto a piece of plastic wrap. Shape into a log about 2 inches in diameter, wrapping tightly.
- Refrigerate the dough logs for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and unwrap. For a swirled effect, roll out each color and layer them together, then re-roll into a log.
- Slice the dough into ¼-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
- Place cookie slices about 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Sprinkle cookies with Valentine's themed sprinkles before baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Chill the Dough: Don't skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances their flavor.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter and pure vanilla extract for the best taste. These ingredients make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Customize Your Colors: Feel free to get creative with the food coloring! Mix different shades to create a unique look for your cookies that matches your Valentine's theme.
- Perfect Slices: Use a sharp knife to slice the dough evenly, ensuring that all cookies bake uniformly. A gentle sawing motion works best to avoid squishing the dough.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check them a minute or two before the recommended time to prevent over-baking.
- Decorate with Love: Before baking, sprinkle on some Valentine's themed decorations like heart-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter for an extra festive touch.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last up to 5 days, but they're so delicious, they might not last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 135kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
