Easy Pink Velvet Sugar Cookies: A Valentine’s Day Treat

Are you searching for the perfect sweet treat to make this Valentine’s Day extra special? Look no further than these gorgeous Pink Velvet Sugar Cookies! Inspired by the classic red velvet flavor but with a romantic pink twist, these cookies combine the rich taste of cocoa with a stunning pink hue that makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day celebrations, dessert trays, or thoughtful homemade cookie boxes for loved ones. The Pink Velvet Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible – guaranteed to impress at any Valentine’s gathering.

Ingredients List

For the Pink Velvet Sugar Cookies:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons pink food coloring (gel works best)
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pink food coloring (optional for decorating)
• Valentine’s sprinkles or heart-shaped candies for decoration

Substitutions: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free cookies. For dairy-free options, use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese.

Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour (saves you frustration compared to no-chill recipes that spread too thin!)
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Decorating Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (most is hands-off time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract and pink food coloring. Pro tip: Start with less color and add more gradually to achieve your desired pink shade.

Step 2: Complete the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in white chocolate chips if using. The dough will be soft but not sticky. For extra pink color contrast, reserve 2 tablespoons of dry ingredients and add a bit more pink coloring to the final mix.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This crucial step prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking and intensifies the flavor.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll dough to about ¼ inch thickness and cut with heart-shaped cookie cutters for Valentine’s Day cookies decorated with a theme. Bake for 10-12 minutes until set but not browned. Let cool completely before decorating.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting and Decorate

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy. Add pink coloring if desired. Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies and add Valentine’s sprinkles or candies for adorable Valentine’s Day sugar cookies decorated with love.

Nutritional Information

Per cookie (without frosting):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 10g

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Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduce sugar to 1¼ cups without affecting texture
• Use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber (replace half the all-purpose flour)
• Try natural food coloring from beet powder for a chemical-free pink color
• Use Greek yogurt cream cheese for a higher-protein frosting option
• For keto-friendly options, use almond flour and a sugar substitute like erythritol

Serving Suggestions

Create a stunning Valentine’s Day cookie set by arranging these Pink Velvet Sugar Cookies on a tiered dessert tray alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries and mini cupcakes. For an elegant Valentine’s Day baking presentation, dust cookies with a light coating of edible shimmer powder. These cookies pair beautifully with:

• Pink champagne for adults
• Strawberry milk for kids
• Hot chocolate with pink marshmallows
• A coffee bar for entertaining

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the chilling time (results in flat cookies)
2. Overmixing the dough (creates tough cookies)
3. Adding too much food coloring at once (can affect flavor)
4. Overbaking (cookies should be soft, not crisp)
5. Decorating before cookies are completely cool (causes frosting to melt)

Storing Tips for the Recipe

These Pink Velvet Sugar Cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. When making ahead for Valentine’s Day treats, freeze the unbaked dough, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Conclusion

These Pink Velvet Sugar Cookies aren’t just a treat—they’re an experience that brings the Valentine’s Day baking spirit into your home. Their eye-catching color and velvety texture make them perfect for sharing with loved ones or packaging as heartfelt gifts. Try this recipe for your next Valentine’s celebration and watch as these cookies become a new tradition in your home!

FAQs

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a Valentine’s Day party?
  Yes! Make the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep refrigerated, or freeze unbaked cookies for up to a month. Decorated cookies can be made 2-3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container.
• How do I get the perfect pink color without affecting the taste?
  Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more intense color with less product. Pink or red gel colors work best with the cocoa base to create the velvet effect.
• Can I make these cookies without cocoa powder?
  Yes, though they wouldn’t be “velvet” cookies. You can omit the cocoa and add 2-3 extra tablespoons of flour for classic pink sugar cookies.
• Are these suitable for cookie decorating parties?
  Absolutely! Prepare plain cookies ahead of time, then set up a Valentine’s Day cookie decorating station with different frostings, sprinkles, and edible decorations for a fun interactive activity.