Valentine Swirl Cookies

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the air fills with not just love but the sweet anticipation of sharing something special with those we care about. It’s a time when we strive to show our affection, not just through words, but through the thoughtful things we do, like baking a batch of something truly heartwarming. That’s why I’m beyond excited to share with you my recipe for Valentine Swirl Cookies—cookies that not only taste incredible but look like a little piece of art. Perfect for gifting, these cookies are a delightful way to say “I love you” in every swirl!

Ingredients

To make these visually stunning Valentine Swirl Cookies, you’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Red food coloring
• 1 tsp strawberry extract (optional for flavoring)
• Heart-shaped sprinkles for decoration

this Recipe

How to Make Valentine Swirl Cookies

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is the perfect time to let your kitchen fill with the sweet scent of anticipation!
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. If using, add the strawberry extract here for that hint of berry sweetness.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
4. Color the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Leave one part plain, and mix red food coloring into the other until you achieve a vibrant red.
5. Form the Cookies: Roll out each piece of dough between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Place the red dough on top of the plain dough, pressing lightly. Roll the layered dough into a tight log, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least an hour.
6. Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the log into 1/4 inch slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Decorate with heart-shaped sprinkles.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Helpful Tips

• Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough log thoroughly before slicing; this makes cutting cleaner and easier.
• Even Thickness: When rolling out the dough, aim for even thickness to ensure uniform baking.
• Decorate Before Baking: Add sprinkles or any other decorations before baking to make them stick without extra icing.

Substitutions/Variations

• Flavor Variations: Swap strawberry extract with almond, orange, or even peppermint extract for a different twist.
• Color Variations: Not a fan of red? Try using natural dyes like beet juice for coloring, or go for other vibrant colors that signify love and affection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator. Just slice and bake when you’re ready.

Q: How can I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much while baking? A: To prevent spreading, make sure your dough is cold when it goes into the oven, and be sure not to over-cream the butter.

Storage Instructions

Store your Valentine Swirl Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

More Relevant Recipes

If you loved making these Valentine Swirl Cookies, why not try your hand at some other festive treats? Check out these recipes next:

• Valentine’s Red Velvet Brownies
• Red Velvet Madeleines

Thank you for joining me in the kitchen today! Whether you’re baking for a significant other, friends, or just showing yourself some love, these Valentine Swirl Cookies are sure to make someone’s day a little sweeter. Happy baking and happy Valentine’s Day!

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