Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies are the perfect dessert to express your love and warmth. This delightful recipe combines sweet flavors and cheerful colors, making it an ideal treat for special occasions. Many people adore these cookies for their soft texture, festive appeal, and easy preparation. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday celebration, or just a simple snack, these cookies brighten any moment and spread joy.
Why make this recipe
Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies are easy to whip up, making them perfect for bakers of all levels. You don’t need to be an expert to create these delicious treats. They are homemade, offering a fresh and tasty alternative to store-bought cookies. Plus, they save you time by giving you an impressive dessert without the fuss. Gather your family for a fun baking session, as this recipe is family-friendly and budget-wise, allowing you to create something special without breaking the bank.
What makes Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies special
What sets these cookies apart is their unique combination of flavors and textures. The blend of butter and cream cheese gives them a rich and tender bite, while the addition of almond extract adds a hint of warmth. Their bright sparkle from sanding sugar transforms them into an eye-catching dessert. Each cookie is also adorned with a chocolate heart, adding a sweet surprise in every bite. This thoughtful touch makes them perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Is Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies healthy
While Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies are more of a treat than a health food, they do have some benefits. Made from simple, natural ingredients, they provide a sense of comfort and satisfaction. Enjoying these cookies in moderation can add joy to your day. Remember to be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you’re trying to balance indulgence with a healthy lifestyle.
How to make Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies
Making Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies is a breeze. The process is simple and stress-free, perfect for beginners who want to impress their friends and family. You will start by mixing the dough, chilling it, and then baking. The whole process takes less effort than you might think. Soon enough, you’ll have a batch of sweet cookies cooling and ready to enjoy!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 0.75 cup sanding sugar, assorted colors (pink and red or assorted colors)
- 32 pieces chocolate hearts, unwrapped
Directions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix well.
- Mix Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
- Form Cookies: Chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Then, roll tablespoons of dough into balls, coat in sanding sugar, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Top each with a chocolate heart.
- Baking: Bake until edges are golden. Let them cool on a wire rack.
- Serving and Storage: Store in an airtight container.
How to serve Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies
These delightful cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. They’re a great addition to breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea. Serve them at a lunch gathering or as a sweet treat after dinner. You can also pack them as a special snack for school or work. For a charming presentation, arrange them on a colorful plate or in a decorative jar to share with friends and family.
Best occasions to make Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies
Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies are perfect for any occasion. They shine at family gatherings, holiday parties, and celebrations. These cookies can brighten up casual weeknight meals or serve as a delightful dessert for special events such as anniversaries or Valentine’s Day. They also make a fantastic treat for bake sales or gifts, bringing smiles to everyone who receives them.
How to store Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies
To keep your Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and tasty for about a week. If you want to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can you make Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies ahead of time
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time. After mixing, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls and then bake them fresh when you want. This way, you can always have a batch of Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies ready to go.
Tips to make Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Chill the dough well; this helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Don’t skip the sanding sugar—it adds a delightful crunch and bright color to the cookies.
- Keep an eye on the baking time so they don’t over-bake; you want them soft and chewy!
Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 32 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies with a soft texture, adorned with chocolate hearts and sparkling sanding sugar, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 0.75 cup sanding sugar, assorted colors
- 32 pieces chocolate hearts, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
- Chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Then, roll tablespoons of dough into balls, coat in sanding sugar, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Top each with a chocolate heart.
- Bake until edges are golden. Let them cool on a wire rack.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. Can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Variation
You can easily customize your Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies. Try adding mini chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey flavor. For a citrus twist, incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough. To make them gluten-free, swap in a gluten-free baking blend. You can also adjust the type of extracts to enhance the flavors according to your preference.
FAQs
Q: How should I store leftover Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week.
Q: Can I substitute ingredients in Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies?
A: Yes! You can use margarine instead of butter or leave out the almond extract if you prefer.
Q: Can I make Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
