Heart shaped cookies are a delightful treat that adds a touch of love to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply want to enjoy something sweet, these cookies are the perfect choice. Their soft texture and sweet flavor make them a hit with both kids and adults. Not only are they cute, but they are also easy to make, making them an ideal dessert for any love-filled gathering.
Why make this recipe
This recipe for heart shaped cookies is incredibly easy and beginner-friendly. You don’t need to be a baking expert to create delicious, soft cookies that look beautiful. Making them at home is more enjoyable and special than buying store-bought cookies. Plus, you’ll save time and money while impressing your family and friends. This lovely recipe brings everyone together, making it perfect for family activities or sweet surprises.
What makes Heart Shaped Cookies special
What sets these heart shaped cookies apart is their soft texture that melts in your mouth. The addition of vanilla and optional almond extract adds a unique flavor that will leave everyone craving more. Homemade cookies often carry a personal touch and warmth that store-bought just can’t match. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a tasty treat, making it a great addition to any dessert table.
Is Heart Shaped Cookies healthy
While heart shaped cookies are a sweet indulgence, they can still fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. The ingredients are simple and natural, giving you control over what goes into your treats. Enjoy them as an occasional sweet snack rather than a daily staple, and you can feel good about sharing them with family and friends.
How to make Heart Shaped Cookies
Making these cookies is a simple and stress-free process. You’ll start by creaming butter and sugar, mixing in egg and extracts, then adding dry ingredients to form a soft dough. Once you’ve chilled the dough, you can easily roll it out and cut heart shapes before baking. With minimal steps and only about 2 hours total of hands-on time, even beginner bakers can succeed with this delightful treat.
Ingredients
You’ll need these simple ingredients to create your heart shaped cookies:
- 225 g unsalted butter, softened
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 325 g all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
For the optional glaze:
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 2–3 Tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring
- Sprinkles
Directions
- Cream butter and sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 2 discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 180°C and line trays with parchment.
- Roll the dough to 6 mm thickness and cut out heart shapes.
- Bake for 8–11 minutes, until edges are just set.
- Cool on trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk glaze ingredients to your desired consistency, color as desired, and decorate cooled cookies.
How to serve Heart Shaped Cookies
These heart shaped cookies are perfect for serving alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them great for breakfast or snacks. You can plate them on a decorative dish and present them as a sweet treat after meals. They also make wonderful gifts when packaged in pretty boxes or bags. Their charming shape adds a lovely touch to any dessert table, making them a favorite for family gatherings or special events.
Best occasions to make Heart Shaped Cookies
These cookies are perfect for any occasion that calls for a sweet treat. You’ll find them ideal for Valentine’s Day celebrations, anniversaries, and even birthday parties. They are great for family gatherings, holiday cookie trays, or simply as an after-school snack for the kids. These cookies bring smiles and sweetness to any setting, big or small.
How to store Heart Shaped Cookies
To keep your heart shaped cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to one week this way. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container, which allows them to stay fresh for up to three months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before packing them away.
Can you make Heart Shaped Cookies ahead of time
Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. Prepare the dough and chill it in advance, or bake the cookies and store them for later. If baked and stored, simply let them sit at room temperature until you’re ready to enjoy them. For a delightful treat, you can also decorate them with glaze right before serving.
Tips to make Heart Shaped Cookies
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough after adding dry ingredients to keep cookies soft.
- Chill the dough well before rolling for easier handling and better cookie shape.
- Experiment with the glaze by adding different colors or flavors to make your cookies unique.
Variation
Feel free to get creative with this recipe by adding different flavors to the dough, like lemon or orange zest. You can also experiment with various extracts, or substitute part of the all-purpose flour with almond or whole wheat flour for added nutrition. For a festive twist, use different cookie cutter shapes to match the occasion.
FAQs
Can I substitute ingredients in Heart Shaped Cookies – Soft, Cute & Perfect for Every Love-Filled Occasion?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter or substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor.
How should I store leftover Heart Shaped Cookies – Soft, Cute & Perfect for Every Love-Filled Occasion?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.
How can I avoid mistakes when making Heart Shaped Cookies – Soft, Cute & Perfect for Every Love-Filled Occasion?
To prevent mistakes, be sure to measure ingredients accurately and follow the steps closely. Don’t skip the chilling phase; it helps in getting the right texture.
Heart Shaped Cookies
- Total Time: 71 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and soft heart-shaped cookies, perfect for any love-filled occasion like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries.
Ingredients
- 225 g unsalted butter, softened
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 325 g all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 150 g powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 Tbsp milk (for glaze)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
- Gel food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 2 discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 180°C and line trays with parchment.
- Roll the dough to 6 mm thickness and cut out heart shapes.
- Bake for 8–11 minutes, until edges are just set.
- Cool on trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk glaze ingredients to desired consistency, color as desired, and decorate cooled cookies.
Notes
Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture. Chill the dough well before rolling for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
