Name: Valentine Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; Red or pink food coloring (gel preferred); ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Soft, festive, and dusted with powdered sugar, these Valentine Crinkle Cookies bring a pop of color and sweetness to any celebration. With a gentle vanilla flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, I love baking these for Valentine’s Day or anytime I want to share a little homemade love. Their crackled tops and pretty pink hue make them as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

Red or pink food coloring (gel preferred)

½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, I cream the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy.

Then I mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth.

In another bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

I gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mix, stirring just until a dough forms.

A few drops of red or pink gel food coloring go in next—I mix it until I reach the color I like.

I chill the dough for 30 minutes to help firm it up.

Once chilled, I scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls.

Each ball gets a full coating of powdered sugar before heading to the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.

I bake them for 10–12 minutes, just until the tops are crackled and the edges are set.

After baking, I let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: Approximately 130 kcal per cookie

Variations

I sometimes use heart-shaped sprinkles on top after baking for extra Valentine flair.

For a deeper flavor, I’ve added a touch of almond extract in place of some vanilla.

If I want chocolate flavor, I add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the flour mixture and use pink coloring for contrast.

I’ve also tried using strawberry extract for a fruity twist—it pairs beautifully with the soft texture.

To switch things up for other holidays, I simply change the food coloring to match the season.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To enjoy again, I let them thaw at room temperature—no reheating necessary.

FAQs

How do I keep the powdered sugar coating from dissolving?

I make sure the dough balls are well chilled and fully coated in powdered sugar. A thick layer helps create the contrast and prevents the sugar from melting into the dough during baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until I’m ready to bake. It can also be frozen for up to a month—just thaw before rolling in powdered sugar and baking.

What kind of food coloring works best?

Gel food coloring gives the best results because it’s more concentrated, which means I can achieve a vibrant color without adding too much liquid to the dough.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. I double the ingredients to make a larger batch, especially when I’m baking for a party or gifting cookies. Just be sure to chill the dough in portions so it firms up evenly.

Why didn’t my cookies crackle on top?

This usually happens if the dough wasn’t chilled enough or if the powdered sugar layer was too thin. I always make sure the dough is cold and generously coated before baking.

Conclusion

Valentine Crinkle Cookies are one of my favorite treats to make and share. They’re soft, pretty, and simple to prepare with ingredients I already have on hand. Whether I’m baking for a romantic holiday, a cookie exchange, or just because, these cookies always bring joy and a little sparkle to the day.

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