Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are soft, buttery, and delicious.
They are easy to customize with different decorations and flavors.
The dough holds its shape well when baked, making it ideal for cookie cutters.
They are perfect for gifting, parties, and holiday celebrations.
Both kids and adults enjoy decorating and eating them.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cookies:
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Almond extract (optional)
For the icing:
Powdered sugar
Milk
Vanilla extract
Optional decorations:
Sprinkles
Colored sugar
Melted chocolate
Food coloring
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Wrap the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Decorate the cooled cookies with icing, sprinkles, or other desired toppings.
Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.
Servings and timing
Servings: 24 cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Bake time: 8–10 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours
Variations
Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrus flavor.
Use royal icing for more detailed decorations.
Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate.
Make sandwich cookies by filling two cookies with jam or frosting.
Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice flavor.
Use different cookie cutter shapes for other holidays and celebrations.
Storage/Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Separate decorated cookies with parchment paper to protect the icing.
Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.
Allow frozen cookies to thaw completely before decorating.
These cookies do not require reheating and are best enjoyed at room temperature.
FAQs
Why should I chill the cookie dough?
Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking and makes the dough easier to roll and cut.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading?
Chill the dough thoroughly and avoid over-softening it before baking.
What type of icing works best?
Simple glaze icing, royal icing, or buttercream frosting all work well.
Can I decorate the cookies with kids?
Absolutely. Decorating cookies is a fun activity for children and families.
Can I use different extracts?
Yes, almond, lemon, coconut, or peppermint extracts can add unique flavors.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden while the centers remain pale.
Can I make gluten-free heart shaped cookies?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Yes, they hold up well during packaging and make wonderful homemade gifts.
Conclusion
Heart Shaped Cookies are a timeless treat that combines a buttery texture with endless decorating possibilities. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply sharing something sweet with loved ones, these beautiful cookies are sure to make any moment feel extra special. Easy to make and fun to customize, they’re a recipe you’ll return to year after year.
PrintHeart Shaped Cookies
Heart Shaped Cookies are buttery, tender sugar cookies that are perfect for Valentine’s Day, weddings, baby showers, and special celebrations. Easy to decorate with icing, sprinkles, or chocolate, these charming cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract (optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract (for icing)
- Sprinkles (optional decoration)
- Colored sugar (optional decoration)
- Melted chocolate (optional decoration)
- Food coloring (optional decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Wrap the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Decorate the cooled cookies with icing, sprinkles, chocolate, or other desired toppings.
- Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chill the dough thoroughly to help the cookies hold their shape.
- Add lemon or orange zest for a citrus flavor variation.
- Royal icing can be used for detailed decorating.
- Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for extra richness.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months and decorate after thawing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 125 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
