Hi, I’m Lina. As a busy mom, I rely on recipes that feel comforting without needing hours in the kitchen. These soft pink Valentine’s Day cookies are one of my go-to favorites, warm, simple, and perfectly sweet. They bake up tender and buttery, with that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.
If you enjoy cozy desserts that bring everyone together, try my Christmas Cookie Cheesecake for Holidays or my classic Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies. Both pair beautifully with these Valentine cookies for a dessert table that feels like love itself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and buttery texture: These cookies stay tender even after cooling.
- Pretty pink color: Naturally tinted dough makes them as cute as they are delicious.
- Quick and easy: No chilling or complicated steps, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for gifting: Pack them in little treat bags for school parties or coworkers.
- Kid-approved: Fun to bake, roll, and decorate with sprinkles or frosting.
- Freezer-friendly: You can bake ahead for Valentine’s week stress-free.
- Customizable: Shape, color, and topping can all be tailored to your style.
Ingredients Breakdown
Butter: Use unsalted butter for the creamiest base. Let it soften to room temperature for easy mixing.
Sugar: Granulated sugar keeps the texture light, while a touch of powdered sugar adds tenderness.
Egg: Helps the dough come together and gives it that bakery-style chew.
Vanilla extract: The key to that comforting sugar-cookie flavor we all love.
Almond extract (optional): Adds a sweet, nostalgic aroma that pairs beautifully with vanilla.
All-purpose flour: Creates structure. Be sure to measure accurately to avoid dense cookies.
Baking powder & salt: Help the cookies rise slightly and keep them soft.
Pink gel food coloring: Gives that perfect Valentine blush. Start with a drop and build up to your desired shade.
Sprinkles or sanding sugar: Add sparkle, texture, and a touch of playfulness to the tops.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Cream the butter and sugar: Beat together butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step builds the foundation for soft cookies.
- Add the egg and extracts: Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. The dough should be creamy and fragrant.
- Add dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then slowly add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Color the dough: Add a drop or two of pink gel coloring and mix until evenly tinted. Adjust the intensity to your liking.
- Shape: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll gently between your palms, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add toppings: Press lightly with your fingers or a flat-bottomed glass. Add Valentine sprinkles or sanding sugar on top.
- Bake: Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. The centers should stay soft and pale.
- Cool and enjoy: Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. The cookies will stay soft as they cool.
Tips, Variations & Add-Ons
- For extra softness: Replace 2 tablespoons of flour with cornstarch.
- Add frosting: Top with vanilla or cream cheese frosting once cooled.
- Make heart shapes: Chill the dough briefly and use a heart-shaped cutter.
- Natural coloring: Add a touch of beet juice or freeze-dried strawberry powder for a natural pink hue.
- Add-ins: Mix in white chocolate chips or crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Freeze dough balls: Freeze raw dough balls for up to 2 months; bake from frozen with 1–2 extra minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are adorable on a platter or wrapped for gifting, but if you’re building a cozy Valentine’s dessert spread, try pairing them with a few favorites from my kitchen:
- Enjoy alongside my Log Lemon Meringue Tart for a balance of sweet and tangy.
- Serve after a warm bowl of Creamy Cheddar Potato Chowder for a comforting family meal.
- Create a cookie tray with Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Cookies for texture variety.
Storage & Reheating
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain softness, place a small piece of bread in the container, it helps retain moisture.
To freeze, arrange cookies in layers separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature or warm for a few seconds in the microwave before serving.
Helpful FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead?
Yes! The dough can be made 48 hours in advance and stored in the fridge.
Do I have to use food coloring?
Not at all. You can leave them plain or tint them lightly for a soft blush tone.
Can I use buttercream on top?
Absolutely. A swirl of vanilla buttercream turns these into adorable sandwich cookies.
What’s the best way to keep them soft?
Avoid overbaking, the edges should be pale, not brown.
Soft Pink Valentine’s Day Cookies: Sweet, Simple, and Heartfelt
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery pink Valentine’s Day cookies made with simple ingredients and festive sprinkles.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Pink gel food coloring
Valentine sprinkles or sanding sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Beat butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until creamy.
3. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract; mix until smooth.
4. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until combined.
6. Tint dough pink with gel coloring and mix evenly.
7. Scoop dough balls onto sheet, flatten slightly, and add sprinkles.
8. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are just set.
9. Cool 5 minutes before transferring to rack.
Notes
For extra soft cookies, replace 2 tbsp of flour with cornstarch.
Add white chocolate chips or frosting for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Soft Pink Valentine’s Day Cookies are the kind of treat that feels homemade in the best way, simple, sweet, and made for sharing. Whether you’re baking for a classroom, your sweetheart, or just to brighten your week, this recipe promises soft, pink perfection every time. Bake a batch, pour a glass of milk, and celebrate love in its coziest form.