Valentine's Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Valentine's Cut Out Sugar Cookies.

1. Step 1

   Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture!

2. Step 2

   Next, add in the beaten egg, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix everything together until well combined, allowing those lovely flavors to meld beautifully.

3. Step 3

   Now, it's time to incorporate the dry ingredients. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until a soft dough forms. Don't be afraid to get your hands in there if needed!

4. Step 4

   Once your dough is ready, cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This chilling time helps the cookies hold their shape when baked.

5. Step 5

   When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

6. Step 6

   Divide the chilled dough into thirds. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion to about 1/4-inch thick. This thickness is perfect for cut-out cookies!

7. Step 7

   Using a floured cookie cutter, cut out your favorite shapes and arrange them on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.

8. Step 8

   Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfect to overdone quickly!

9. Step 9

   Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part—waiting for them to cool before decorating!