Looking for the softest, most irresistible sugar cookie to make your Valentine's Day extra sweet? You just found it! These classic frosted sugar cookies are pillowy soft, incredibly buttery, and topped with the creamiest vanilla buttercream.

Each bite melts in your mouth with a blissful blend of sweet vanilla and rich, delicate crumb. Plus, the cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for cute heart cut-outs and fun sprinkles.

This is truly a foolproof recipe-no chilling required, super easy to roll out, and the dough comes together in minutes. Decorate them with pink frosting and festive sprinkles for the ultimate homemade Valentine's treat. They're a longtime family favorite, inspired by the bakery sugar cookies I adored as a kid!

Whether you're baking for your sweetheart, friends, or just yourself (treat yourself!), these cookies will steal the show.

A platter of vibrant pink-frosted sugar cookies with heart sprinkles

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Bakery-style texture: Ultra-soft, thick sugar cookies with a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
No chilling necessary: Dough rolls out easily and holds its shape, so you can cut and bake right away.
Perfect for decorating: The sturdy, smooth surface is ideal for frosting and sprinkles.
Absolutely delicious: Rich with buttery vanilla flavor everyone will rave about.

Key Ingredients for The Best Valentine's Day Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Unsalted Butter

Butter is the heart and soul of this recipe, providing both tender texture and luscious, buttery flavor. For best results, let the butter soften to room temperature first-it creams more easily and helps create that signature melt-in-your-mouth crumb. If you need to use salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly.

Granulated Sugar

This essential ingredient gives the cookies their classic sweet flavor and helps them bake up soft and fluffy. Regular granulated sugar works best here, but you can swap in superfine sugar for an even finer crumb. Avoid brown sugar, which will make the cookies spread and change the color.

Pure Vanilla Extract

High-quality vanilla extract gives these cookies a rich, fragrant warmth that's absolutely irresistible. Pure vanilla is always best, but you can use vanilla bean paste for an extra punch, or almond extract for a fun twist.

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour creates just the right amount of structure so your cookies hold their shapes but stay soft. Be sure to measure using the spoon-and-level method to prevent dry, tough dough. You can swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free, too!

Powdered Sugar (for Frosting)

Powdered sugar is the key to a silky, creamy frosting that's easy to spread. Sift it before using to avoid lumps. You can flavor your frosting with a hint of almond or strawberry extract for extra Valentine's flair!

The Best Valentine's Day Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe cooking process

Instructions for The Best Valentine's Day Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This is key for light, tender cookies!

Add Egg and Flavorings

Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using). Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until a soft, smooth dough forms-don't overmix.

Roll Out and Cut

Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each half to about ¼-inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters (or favorite shapes) to cut out cookies. Place cookies about 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes, just until the edges look set but not browned. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

Beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add milk or cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Tint with food coloring if desired.

Decorate

Spread or pipe frosting onto fully cooled cookies. Top with festive Valentine's Day sprinkles or colorful sanding sugar. Let the frosting set before serving or storing.

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free version, substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The cookies bake up just as soft and delicious-no one will know the difference!

Change Up the Flavors

Not a vanilla fan? Swap in a little almond, lemon, or orange extract for a different flavor twist. A tablespoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest mixed into the dough is delightful, too.

Dairy-Free Cookies

You can easily make these cookies dairy-free by using vegan butter for both the dough and the frosting, and any non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) for the frosting.

Chocolate Lovers' Dream

Turn these into chocolate sugar cookies by replacing half a cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder. Pair with pink or white frosting for a striking look!

Spice It Up

Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or ground cardamom to the dough for a subtle warmth and aromatic depth.

Serving Suggestions

Pile these frosted sugar cookies high on a festive platter with extra sprinkles for a show-stopping Valentine's Day treat. They make the perfect edible gift, party favor, or sweet snack for a cozy night in. For a colorful dessert plate, serve alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries and a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa.

Storage and Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months; thaw, then frost before serving. If desired, let refrigerated or frozen cookies come to room temperature before enjoying for maximum softness.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Valentine's Day Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe (FAQ)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! The dough can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for 2 months. Let it soften slightly before rolling out.

Q: How do I stop the cookies from spreading too much?

A: Measuring your flour carefully and baking on parchment paper helps prevent spread. If your kitchen is very warm, chill the cut-out cookies for 10-15 minutes before baking.

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting instead?

A: Yes, you can use your favorite store-bought frosting to save time, but homemade buttercream gives the very best texture and flavor.

These cookies are pure Valentine's joy-soft, sweet, and gorgeously decorated. I can't wait for you to try them! If you bake this recipe, leave a comment or rating below and let me know how your Valentine's Day turns out. Happy baking!