These Iced Valentine's Cookies are the sweetest bite-sized treats rolled in colorful sprinkles with matching powdered sugar frosting that are perfect for a holiday celebration or an any day celebration.
Preheat oven to 350° F., and prepare sheet pans with a silicon mat or parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the softened butter, shortening, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until completely mixed.
Mix in the flour and salt until combined and the dough holds its shape.
Place the nonpareils in a bowl big enough to roll the dough balls.
Shape the dough into 1" balls using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, then immediately roll in the nonpareils. The warmth of your hands helps make the dough balls a little soft so the nonpareils will stick better.
Place the balls 1" apart on the baking sheets then press your thumb into the center of each dough ball or use the bottom of a teaspoon to create an indent.
Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly browned. Then remove from oven to cooling rack.
Powdered Sugar Icing
Mix the sifted powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth mixture. This icing sets up hard after it sits for a couple of hours.
Separate the icing into three small bowls. Tint one pink and one red with the food coloring.
With a small spoon fill each cookie with one of the three icings.
Store the cookies in an airtight container for several days.
Notes
This is a quick and easy dough to make and does not need to be chilled.
The cookie dough balls need to be rolled in the sprinkles immediately after making the balls so the sprinkles stick.
The icing will harden after sitting for a while so make sure to cover the bowls of icing with plastic wrap until you are ready to use.