Arts & Crafts
Preparing the Cookie Dough
To start, you will need to prepare the sugar cookie dough. You can either make your own dough from scratch or use store-bought dough. For a homemade version, combine softened butter and sugar in a large bowl and beat until light in color. Add an egg and milk, then gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until the dough is smooth.
Divide the dough in half, wrap it in waxed paper, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial as it makes the dough easier to work with and helps it hold its shape better when cut into heart shapes.
Cutting Out Heart-Shaped Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Sprinkle the surface where you will roll out the dough with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies. Place the cut cookies on a greased baking sheet or parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes or until they are just beginning to turn brown around the edges. Let them sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing Decoration Materials
While the cookies are baking, prepare your decoration materials. You can make a simple frosting using powdered sugar and either milk or water, or use store-bought frosting. For a more festive look, you can dye the frosting with food coloring to match Valentine’s Day colors like red, pink, and white.
Gather sprinkles, decorator candy, and other edible decorations like M&M’s and conversation hearts. These will add a fun and colorful touch to your cookies.
Decorating the Cookies
Once the cookies are cooled, it’s time to decorate. You can use royal icing for a more intricate design or simple frosting for a quicker and easier option. For royal icing, outline the shape of the cookie first and let it dry before filling in the outline with thinned icing. Use toothpicks to guide the icing to the edges and pop any air bubbles.
Add details like lines, dots, or messages using a piping bag with royal icing. If using simple frosting, spread it on the cookies and immediately add sprinkles or other decorations before the frosting dries.
Alternative Decorating Methods
For a different twist, you can paint the cookies before baking. Freeze the cut-out heart shapes and prepare a “paint” by diluting food coloring with water or milk. Use cotton swabs as brushes to paint the cookies. This method is especially fun for kids as it allows them to be creative before the cookies are baked.
Another method is using a food-safe stamp pad made from a folded paper towel and red gel food coloring. Press the stamp into the food coloring and gently press it into the cookie dough before baking. This technique is great for younger kids who can replicate messages from conversation hearts.
Hosting a Cookie Decorating Party
Hosting a cookie decorating party can be a wonderful way to spend quality time with your grandkids and their friends. Set up a decorating station with baked cookies, frosting, sprinkles, and other decorations. Use a tablecloth or butcher paper to cover the table for easy cleanup.
Arrange the cookies, frosting, and decorations in an accessible way. Let the kids decorate their cookies and then set them aside to let the icing dry before packaging them in holiday zip lock bags or small treat boxes.
Creating Lasting Memories
Baking and decorating Valentine’s cookies with your grandkids is not just about making treats; it’s about creating lasting memories. This activity allows for quality time together, teaching moments in the kitchen, and the joy of seeing your grandkids’ creative designs come to life.
Encourage your grandkids to be creative and have fun with the process. The end result will be delicious cookies and cherished memories that will last long after the holiday is over.