Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love, sweetness, and thoughtfulness, and there’s no better way to show someone you care than with homemade treats. These adorable heart-shaped cookies are not just tasty—they’re a celebration of romance on a plate. Perfect for sharing with your loved ones, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to decorate with your own personal flair. Whether you’re gifting them in pretty packages or serving them as a dessert centerpiece, they’re sure to win hearts.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delightful cookies. This recipe makes about 24 heart-shaped cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for a hint of nuttiness)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Royal Icing:
- 2 ½ cups (300 g) powdered sugar
- 2 large egg whites (or 4 tablespoons meringue powder + 6 tablespoons water)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (red, pink, or your preferred Valentine’s hues)
Instructions
It’s time to roll up your sleeves and create something beautiful! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these cookies.
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Cream the butter and sugar: Use a mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape while baking.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thick.
- Cut shapes: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many cookies as possible. Re-roll scraps until all the dough is used.
- Bake: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake.
- Cool completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool before decorating.
Step 3: Make the Royal Icing
- Mix the icing: Beat the powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice in a clean bowl until the mixture forms stiff peaks (about 5 minutes). If too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Color your icing: Divide the icing into bowls and use gel food coloring to create vibrant Valentine’s colors.
Step 4: Decorate the Cookies
- Outline and flood: Pipe an outline around the edge of each cookie with icing. Then, use a slightly thinner icing to "flood" the inside. Spread it gently with a toothpick to fill in any gaps.
- Add designs: Once the base layer is dry, use contrasting colors to draw polka dots, stripes, or romantic messages like “Be Mine” or “Love.”
- Optional flair: Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or small candies for an extra festive touch.
Step 5: Dry and Store
Allow the decorated cookies to dry completely at room temperature (about 4-6 hours). Store them in an airtight container for up to one week.
Creative Decorating Tips
- Personalized Messages: Use a fine-tip piping bag to write your loved one’s name or a heartfelt message on each cookie.
- Marble Effect: Swirl two colors of icing together on the cookie for a stunning marble design.
- Layered Hearts: Cut smaller heart shapes inside larger ones to create a cute double-heart effect. Decorate each layer in contrasting colors.
Perfect for Gifting and Celebrating
These heart cookies aren’t just desserts—they’re a token of love! Tie a few cookies in clear cellophane bags with red or pink ribbons, or arrange them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful Valentine’s gift. You can also serve them with a pot of tea or glasses of champagne for a romantic treat.
No matter how you share them, these Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies are bound to make someone’s day sweeter. Happy baking, and spread the love!
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