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There’s just something extra special about homemade Valentine treats – the kind that feel a little old-fashioned, a little messy, and full of love. These piped butter cookies are soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth good, with the prettiest swirls, hearts, and “LOVE” or “XOXO” lettering that make them almost too cute to eat. The clear vanilla glaze dries shiny and sweet, making them perfect for gifting, lunchboxes, or a cozy baking day with your kids.

They look fancy… but they’re secretly simple – my favorite kind of recipe.

Piped Valentine’s Butter Cookies

Ingredients for Cookies:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened (very soft but not melted)
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1½ teaspoons clear vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream (for pipeable consistency)
• Gel food coloring (pink, red, or pastel shades)

Equipment Needed:

• 4B Piping Tip and Bag Set (Click to grab what I used!)

Ingredients for: Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–1½ tablespoons warm water
• ½ teaspoon clear vanilla extract
• Tiny pinch salt (optional)

Directions:

Make the Dough

1. In a stand mixer or bowl with hand mixer, beat butter and powdered sugar 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Add egg and clear vanilla; mix until fully incorporated.
3. Add flour and salt; mix just until combined.
4. Add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until dough is: Smooth, soft, and similar to thick frosting (very important)

Color the Dough (Softer pinks and reds pipe best — very dark colors can stiffen dough.)

1. Add gel food coloring at this stage
2. Start with a toothpick amount
3. Mix fully before adding more

Pipe the Cookies

1. Transfer dough to piping bag ½ full
2. Stand bag upright in a bowl
3. Wrap bag with a towel and pour hot (not boiling) water around the towel
4. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then dry bag completely
5. Pipe: LOVE, XOXO, Hearts or simple swirls (Pipe slightly thicker lines than you think.)
6. Chill piped cookies 10 minutes in fridge
7. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes (Cookies should be just set on top — no browning)

Make & Glaze the Cookies

1. Whisk everything together until smooth.
2. Spoon or lightly drizzle glaze over cookies
3. Immediately add sprinkles
4. Let dry 30–60 minutes at room temperature

Click HERE for a Downloadable Recipe Card!

Here are some “What Ifs…”

What if the dough won’t pipe/feels too stiff:

Use the warm towel method first (don’t remix yet):

1. Place filled piping bag upright in a bowl
2. Wrap the bag with a thick kitchen towel
3. Carefully pour hot (not boiling) water around the towel
4. Let sit 2–3 minutes
5. Remove, dry the bag completely, then pipe

✔ This softens the butter just enough
✔ Keeps dough texture consistent
✔ Ideal during long piping sessions

Letters breaking or looking jagged:

• Dough is slightly too cold
• Re-warm the piping bag using the warm towel method
• Pipe with slightly thicker lines

Dough getting stiff mid-tray:

• Pause and rewarm the piping bag using the towel + hot water
• This is normal — especially in a cool kitchen

Glaze issues:

• Glaze looks cloudy → too thick → add ½ tsp warm water
• Glaze runs off cookies → too thin → add 1 tbsp powdered sugar

Sprinkles sliding off:

• Add sprinkles immediately after glazing
• If needed, wait 30 seconds for glaze to slightly set, then sprinkle

Check out some Valentine’s Day recipes & posts!!

Hi I’m Teresa!

I’m a mom to three, a wife and a physician assistant. I also have a degree in Nutritional Sciences and I love sharing all things life with you! I am passionate about empowering you through education, sharing all my fave products and items that have made life better and creating content to give you value!