Name: Easy Non-Alcoholic Valentine's Day Slice Bake Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 42 min
Yield: Approximately 36 cookies
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; Red or pink food coloring

Slice and Bake non-alcoholic Valentine’s Day Cookies are the undisputed champions of effortless, heartfelt gifting and delightful home baking. If you’re looking for a way to spread a little sweetness this February 14th without any fuss, you’ve found your perfect match. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re little edible expressions of love, designed to be as joyous to make as they are to share. What truly sets these Slice and Bake non-alcoholic Valentine’s Day Cookies apart is their incredible versatility and the sheer simplicity of their creation. You can prepare the dough ahead of time, stash it in the fridge, and bake up fresh, beautiful treats whenever the mood strikes, or when those last-minute guests arrive. The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is truly intoxicating, promising a tender crumb and a satisfyingly sweet bite. They’re the perfect project for bakers of all skill levels, a guaranteed way to impress your loved ones with minimal stress.

Ingredients:

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Red or pink food coloring (we used this natural food coloring)

Preparing the Dough

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

Begin by ensuring your unsalted butter is truly softened. It should yield to gentle pressure without being melted or greasy. This is crucial for achieving a light and airy cookie texture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream these two ingredients together until the mixture is pale yellow and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, which will contribute to the cookies’ tender crumb. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally with a spatula to ensure all the butter and sugar are evenly incorporated. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes of consistent mixing.

Adding Wet Ingredients

Once the butter and sugar mixture is perfectly creamy, it’s time to introduce the wet ingredients. Add the two large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. This allows the eggs to emulsify with the fat, creating a stable base for the cookie dough. Next, stir in the pure vanilla extract. The vanilla not only adds a wonderful aroma and flavor but also enhances the sweetness of the sugar. Mix on low speed for just a few seconds until everything is combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies.

Incorporating Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking the dry ingredients ensures that the leavening agent (baking powder) and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing pockets of saltiness or uneven rising in the final cookies. Gradually add this dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry flour. It’s perfectly fine if the dough is still a little crumbly at this point.

Coloring the Dough

Now for the festive touch! Divide the cookie dough evenly into two portions. Place one portion into a separate bowl. Add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to this portion of dough. Start with a small amount and add more gradually until you achieve your desired shade of red or pink. Gently fold the food coloring into the dough using a spatula until the color is uniform. This step is where you can really personalize your Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies. For a marbled effect, you could also divide the dough into three portions, coloring one pink, one red, and leaving one plain, then gently swirling them together.

Shaping and Chilling the Dough

Forming the Logs

Take one portion of the colored dough (or plain dough if you’ve colored both). Turn it out onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times to bring it together. Shape the dough into a log, approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Use your hands to roll it back and forth, aiming for an even cylinder. If you’ve colored your dough, and want a swirled effect, take portions of your different colored doughs, flatten them slightly, and stack them. Gently press them together and then roll into a log, twisting as you roll for a beautiful marbled appearance.

Wrapping and Chilling

Once your dough logs are formed, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Ensure the plastic wrap is snug against the dough to prevent it from drying out. You can also gently flatten the logs into a disc shape before wrapping, which can make slicing easier later on. Place the wrapped dough logs in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This chilling period is essential. It solidifies the butter, making the dough easier to slice cleanly without deforming the shape, and it also allows the flavors to meld and deepen. For best results and easier slicing, you can even chill the dough overnight.

Baking the Cookies

Preheating and Slicing

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Unwrap one of the chilled dough logs. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into rounds about ¼ inch thick. For perfectly uniform cookies, you can use a ruler as a guide. If the dough becomes too soft while slicing, return it to the refrigerator for another 15-30 minutes. Arrange the sliced cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1-2 inches between each cookie to allow for slight spreading during baking.

Baking to Perfection

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden and the centers are set. The baking time will vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your cookies. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. The goal is a tender cookie with a slightly crisp edge. Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up before you attempt to move them.

Cooling and Decorating

After the initial cooling period on the baking sheets, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies are ready to be enjoyed as is, or you can get creative with decorating. A simple dusting of powdered sugar, a light drizzle of white chocolate, or some festive sprinkles can elevate these already delightful cookies. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones or for a sweet treat for yourself.

Conclusion:

You’ve now got the ultimate guide to creating these delightful Slice and Bake Non-alcoholic Valentine’s Day Cookies! We’ve walked through each step, from mixing the perfect dough to achieving those adorable, festive shapes. The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity and versatility, making them a wonderful activity for all ages to enjoy. Imagine the smiles when your loved ones bite into these homemade treats, bursting with flavor and made with love.

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but don’t hesitate to get creative! Serve them alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or a refreshing glass of sparkling cider. For variations, consider adding a hint of almond extract to the dough for a sophisticated twist, or a sprinkle of colorful nonpareils before baking for an extra pop of festivity. You could even experiment with different extract flavors like raspberry or cherry to match your Valentine’s theme.

Don’t be afraid to make these your own. The most important ingredient is the joy you put into making them. So gather your ingredients, put on some cheerful music, and let the baking begin. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create something truly special that embodies the spirit of Valentine’s Day.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough for these Slice and Bake Non-alcoholic Valentine’s Day Cookies can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to make slicing easier.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Once cooled completely, store your delicious Slice and Bake Non-alcoholic Valentine’s Day Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and delicious for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2-3 months.