Description
These Valentine’s Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies are soft, chocolaty, and perfect for decorating with your favorite frosting or sprinkles! A delightful treat to share with your loved ones this Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Frosting (optional):
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Add milk if the dough is too dry; it should be soft but not sticky.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
- Roll Out and Cut the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use heart-shaped or Valentine-themed cookie cutters to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and slightly cracked. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting (Optional):
- In a medium bowl, beat the powdered sugar and softened butter together until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk, continuing to beat until fluffy. Add more milk as needed for your desired consistency.
- If desired, divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to create different colors for decorating.
- Decorate and Serve:
- Once the cookies have cooled, frost them with the prepared frosting and add sprinkles if desired.
- Let the frosting set for about 30 minutes before serving or packaging.
Notes
- You can substitute the cocoa powder with dark cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
- These cookies can be decorated with royal icing or store-bought frosting if you’re in a pinch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (out of 24)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg