Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to bake something special for your loved ones, and what better way to spread the love than with heart-shaped sourdough sugar cookies? 🥰
These cookies are a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors, thanks to the magic of sourdough starter. Soft, buttery, and adorable, they make a heartfelt homemade gift or a fun treat to enjoy with family.
Why Use Sourdough in Sugar Cookies?
If you’re a sourdough enthusiast, you know that incorporating sourdough discard into baked goods adds both flavor and texture. The sourdough starter lends a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness while keeping them soft and tender. Plus, it’s a great way to use up extra starter and prevent waste in the kitchen! 😉
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard (unfed starter)
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- All-natural red beet food coloring
- All-natural pink pitaya food coloring
How to Make Sourdough Sugar Cookies:
For the cookies:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and sourdough discard, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- For easy rolling and cutting, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour (or overnight). This step helps the cookies hold their shape when baked.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to create your festive Valentine’s shapes.
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let them cool completely before decorating.
For the icing:
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Divide and color the icing as desired using the red beet powder and pink pitaya powder.
- Decorate as desired and enjoy! *Be sure to allow the icing set before stacking or storing cookies.
The Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat
These sourdough sugar cookies are soft, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making them for your kids, partner, or friends, they’re a sweet way to show you care. Pair them with a warm cup of our Organic English Breakfast Tea, Brazil Medium Roast Coffee, or a homemade Valentine’s card for an extra special touch.
Happy baking! Oh, and happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️😊
