These Valentine Cookies are an easy-to-make, fun treat perfect for spreading love on Valentine’s Day (or any time you want a cute and tasty dessert). The combination of sugar cookie mix and the red Jello gives them a lovely red color and a sweet, fruity flavor. Add sprinkles and icing for an extra festive touch!
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 packet sugar cookie mix (17.5 oz): This is the base of your cookies, giving them that classic soft and chewy sugar cookie texture.
- 1 packet red Jello (3 oz, cherry or strawberry flavor): The Jello gives your cookies a beautiful pinkish-red color and a burst of fruity flavor.
- 1 stick unsalted butter (softened): Butter adds richness and flavor to the cookies, making them tender and delicious.
- 1 egg: The egg binds everything together and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
For the Icing:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: This is the base of the icing, giving it a smooth, sweet consistency.
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or other liquid: The liquid thins the icing to the perfect consistency for spreading. You can use milk, water, or even a bit of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Optional: Sprinkles: Add some festive Valentine’s Day sprinkles for a colorful, fun touch on top of your cookies!
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix the sugar cookie dough: In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix with the red Jello powder (no need to make the Jello, just use the powder!). Mix well to combine.
- Add the softened butter and egg to the dry mixture. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the dough together until smooth and fully combined. The dough will be a little sticky because of the Jello, but that’s normal!
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
- Roll the dough into balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. If you prefer, you can use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
- Flatten the dough balls: Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Gently press down with your fingers or a fork to flatten them slightly. They will spread out a little during baking, but not too much. Tip: If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before rolling.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking time can vary based on the size of your cookies. You want them to be soft but set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Icing
- Prepare the icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. The icing should be thick enough to spread but not runny.
- If you want a thicker icing, add more powdered sugar. If you prefer a thinner glaze-like icing, add more milk, a little at a time.
Step 5: Decorate the Cookies
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a thin layer of icing on top of each cookie.
- Add sprinkles for a festive touch! You can use heart-shaped sprinkles, red or pink colored sugar, or any Valentine-themed decorations you like. Optional: You can also drizzle the icing over the cookies for a more rustic look, or use a piping bag if you want more control over your icing design.
Step 6: Enjoy!
- Once the icing sets, enjoy your delicious, festive Valentine cookies! These cookies are soft, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends, family, or that special someone.
Additional Tips and Ideas:
- Flavor Variations: If you’re not a fan of cherry or strawberry Jello, you can use other flavors like raspberry, watermelon, or even orange for a unique twist.
- Add-ins: You can fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
- Icing Ideas: If you want to get creative, you can tint the icing with a few drops of food coloring to match your theme, or even add a few drops of vanilla extract or almond extract to the icing for extra flavor.
- Make them into Valentine’s Day gift bags: Package them in cute treat bags with ribbon for a fun and personalized Valentine’s Day gift!
These Valentine Cookies are not only super simple to make but also incredibly fun to decorate and enjoy. Whether you’re baking for a loved one, a family gathering, or a classroom party, they’re sure to be a hit! 🎉💝