Valentines Cookies
Valentines Cookies is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Miley Liz With the Biz!!👸🏾67 on YouTube.
Prep: 27 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 52 min
Cost: $15.43 total, $1.29 per serving
Ingredients
- 24 pieces Sugar Cookies (plain round cookies, store‑bought or homemade)
- 2 cups Royal Icing (store‑bought or homemade (powdered sugar, egg white, lemon juice))
- 1 tsp Red Gel Food Coloring (gel provides vibrant color without thinning icing)
- 0.5 cup Rainbow Sprinkles (for adding sparkle and color)
- 1 tsp Edible Glitter (optional) (adds extra sparkle for special occasions)
Instructions
Prepare the Royal Icing (if making from scratch)
In a mixing bowl combine 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 large egg white, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Beat on medium speed until smooth and glossy, about 5 minutes. If the icing is too thick, add a few drops of water; if too runny, add more powdered sugar.
Time: PT10M
Color the Icing
Divide the icing into a small bowl (if you need multiple colors). Add 1 tsp red gel food coloring to the portion that will become the emoji faces. Mix until the color is uniform.
Time: PT2M
Transfer Icing to Piping Bag
Fit the piping bag with a small round tip (#2). Spoon the colored icing into the bag, then twist the top to seal and push the icing down to the tip.
Time: PT2M
Pipe Emoji Faces on Cookies
Place the plain sugar cookies on a plate or cooling rack. Using steady pressure, pipe simple emoji expressions (smile, heart eyes, wink) onto each cookie. Keep designs about 1‑inch in diameter.
Time: PT10M
Add Sprinkles and Glitter
While the icing is still wet, sprinkle rainbow sprinkles and, if desired, a pinch of edible glitter over the designs to add sparkle.
Time: PT5M
Allow Icing to Set
Let the decorated cookies sit at room temperature until the icing hardens completely, about 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Dairy, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sugar Cookies: Gingerbread cookies, Shortbread cookies
- Instead of Royal Icing: Pre‑made frosting, Glaze made with powdered sugar and milk
- Instead of Red Gel Food Coloring: Liquid red food coloring, Beet juice concentrate
- Instead of Rainbow Sprinkles: Non‑pareils, Edible glitter
- Instead of Edible Glitter (optional): Shimmer sugar, Colored sanding sugar
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Piping Bag
- Small Round Piping Tip (size #2)
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Plate or Tray
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Achieving a smooth, glossy royal icing consistency.
- Piping precise emoji shapes without breaking the design.
- Allowing the icing to fully set before handling.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant, non‑watery hue.
- For fine details, switch to a #1 tip after the base shape is piped.
- Tap the piping bag against the side of the bowl to release trapped air bubbles.
Troubleshooting
Icing is too runny and slides off the cookie.
Add powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until the icing reaches a thick, pipeable consistency.
Icing is too thick and won’t flow through the tip.
Add a few drops of water or lemon juice, mixing until the desired consistency is achieved.
Sprinkles won’t stick to the icing.
Make sure the icing is still wet; if it has begun to set, lightly mist the surface with a spray bottle of water.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Best enjoyed within 2 days at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake or purchase the sugar cookies a day ahead and store in an airtight container.
- Prepare the royal icing and keep it covered with plastic wrap; it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Pipe all designs and let them set completely before stacking or storing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of emoji sugar cookies in American Valentine's Day celebrations?
Emoji sugar cookies are a modern twist on traditional American Valentine's Day treats. While classic heart‑shaped cookies date back to the early 1900s, using emoji designs reflects today’s digital communication culture, making the cookies fun and share‑worthy for friends and family.
What are the traditional regional variations of decorated sugar cookies in the United States?
In the Midwest, sugar cookies are often rolled and cut into festive shapes, while the South favors softer, cake‑like textures. Coastal regions may incorporate citrus zest. Emoji decorating is a contemporary, nationwide trend rather than a regional specialty.
How is an authentic emoji sugar cookie traditionally served during Valentine's Day in American households?
They are typically arranged on a decorative platter or placed in a gift box with a handwritten note. Many families serve them alongside hot cocoa or as part of a Valentine’s snack table at school parties.
What occasions or celebrations are emoji sugar cookies associated with in American culture?
Besides Valentine's Day, they are popular for birthday parties, school bake sales, and as cute treats for virtual celebrations where the emoji theme matches the digital invitation.
What other American desserts pair well with emoji sugar cookies?
They pair nicely with classic desserts like chocolate brownies, red velvet cupcakes, or a simple vanilla milkshake, creating a balanced sweet spread for a party.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making emoji sugar cookies?
Common errors include over‑mixing the icing, which makes it too thin, piping too much pressure causing the tip to wobble, and letting the icing dry before adding sprinkles, which prevents them from adhering.
Why does this recipe use royal icing instead of buttercream for emoji decorations?
Royal icing hardens to a smooth, glossy finish that holds sprinkles and retains shape, whereas buttercream stays soft and can cause designs to slide, especially on small cookie surfaces.
Can I make emoji sugar cookies ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Bake or buy the cookies a day ahead, store them airtight. Pipe the icing and let it set, then keep the finished cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer storage.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the royal icing is ready?
The icing should be glossy, smooth, and thick enough to hold its shape when piped, yet fluid enough to flow through a #2 tip without tearing the cookie surface.
What does the YouTube channel Miley Liz With the Biz!!👸🏾67 specialize in?
The YouTube channel Miley Liz With the Biz!!👸🏾67 focuses on fun, upbeat baking tutorials, especially themed cookie and cake decorations aimed at younger audiences and holiday celebrations.
How does the YouTube channel Miley Liz With the Biz!!👸🏾67's approach to cookie decorating differ from other baking channels?
Miley Liz emphasizes quick, visually engaging tutorials with a strong personality, using bright music and rapid‑cut edits, while many other channels take a slower, technique‑focused approach. Her videos often incorporate trending emojis and holiday themes.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
