Lovely Little Heart Cookies Recipe: Sweet Bites of Joy

Sweet moments call for special heart cookies that melt hearts faster than chocolate in warm hands.

These delicate heart cookies blend simplicity with pure love and charm.

Crafting these delightful heart cookies requires minimal ingredients and maximum passion.

Every baker can create these tender treats that whisper romance with each gentle bite.

Soft, buttery, and perfectly shaped, the cookies promise to spark joy at any gathering.

The recipe brings a sprinkle of happiness and a touch of sweetness to your kitchen.

You’ll find these heart-shaped delights irresistibly elegant and deliciously memorable.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ 1 hour chilling)

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes

Calories: 133 kcal

Servings: 24

Heart Cookie Ingredient Prep

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundation of the cookie, ensures tender crumb and perfect texture when measured precisely.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create golden, crispy edges during baking.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile of the cookies.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor, creates tender texture and helps cookies hold their shape.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, comforting aroma and deepens the cookie's flavor complexity.

• Food Coloring: Creates vibrant heart shape within the cookie, allowing creative visual presentation.
• Melted Chocolate, Sanding Sugar: Optional finishing touches that add extra elegance and texture to the cookies.

Gear Guide for Slice and Bake Cookies

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar to a fluffy consistency.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dough ingredients smoothly.
• Ruler or small spatula: Helps shape the heart-shaped dough log precisely.
• Sharp knife: Critical for slicing cookies evenly and cleanly.
• Baking sheets: Necessary for baking cookies with even heat distribution.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Plastic wrap: Crucial for wrapping and chilling dough logs.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy.

Make Slice and Bake Heart Cookies

• Whip Up the Base Dough

Grab your mixing bowl and blend butter and sugar until they’re cloud-like and dreamy. Crack in an egg and splash of vanilla, mixing until silky smooth. Gently fold in flour and salt, creating a soft, pillowy dough that’s ready for magic.

• Create the Colorful Heart

Scoop out a portion of vanilla dough and transform it with vibrant food coloring. Skillfully shape the tinted dough into a heart-shaped log. Pop it in the freezer for a quick 20-30 minute chill to set its shape.

• Wrap and Roll

Spread the remaining vanilla dough into a thin rectangle. Carefully encase the colored heart log, pressing gently to create a seamless exterior. Roll the combined log to smooth out any imperfections. Wrap in plastic and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

• Slice and Bake

Heat the oven to a toasty 350F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled log into delicate rounds. Arrange cookies on the sheet, giving them breathing room. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a gentle golden brown.

• Finishing Touches

Let cookies cool briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. Get creative with optional decorations like chocolate drizzle or sparkling sugar to make these treats truly special.

Flavor Ideas for Slice and Bake Cookies

• Slice and Bake Heart Cookies – Cooking Tips & Variations
• Dough Temperature Magic: Keep butter and eggs at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture. Cold ingredients can create lumpy dough that doesn't blend well.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough logs up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, they'll stay fresh and ready to slice and bake whenever you want.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Color Creativity: Experiment with different food coloring shades to create unique heart designs. Pastel pinks, deep reds, or even multicolored hearts can make these cookies extra special for holidays or celebrations.
• Storage Secrets: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer preservation, freeze baked cookies between layers of parchment paper for up to 2 months.

Present Your Heart Cookies

• Festive Valentine's Gathering: Serve these heart-shaped cookies on a decorative platter during romantic dinner parties or friendship celebrations.
• Heartfelt Gift Packaging: Wrap cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons, creating charming homemade presents for loved ones or colleagues.
• Sweet Tea Party Companion: Pair these delightful cookies with warm chamomile tea or rich hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack that brings comfort and joy.
• Instagram-Worthy Dessert Display: Arrange cookies on elegant white plates with fresh strawberries or rose petals, creating a stunning visual that captures social media attention.

Storage Notes for Heart Cookies

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store cookies in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their crisp texture and delightful flavor.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap the unbaked dough log tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer bag. Frozen dough stays fresh for 3 months, allowing spontaneous cookie baking anytime.
• Room Temperature Storage: Keep cooled cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve crispness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dough log up to 2 weeks in advance, refrigerating or freezing until you're ready to slice and bake fresh, delicious heart-shaped cookies for unexpected moments of sweetness.

Adorable Heart Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Heartwarming slice and bake heart cookies bring sweet romance to kitchen celebrations. Delicate shortbread dough rolls into perfect heart shapes, creating charming treats you’ll adore sharing with loved ones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 12 tsps red or pink food coloring
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅓ of the vanilla dough

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then incorporate egg and vanilla extract, mixing until completely blended.
2. Color Formation: Segment a portion of vanilla dough and thoroughly knead in food coloring, ensuring even color distribution throughout the dough.
3. Heart Log Crafting: Shape the colored dough into a precise heart-shaped log, using a ruler or spatula to define clean edges. Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze to set structural integrity.
4. Dough Encasement: Roll remaining vanilla dough into a thin rectangle and carefully envelop the colored heart log, pressing gently to create a seamless exterior.
5. Log Refinement: Smooth the combined dough log on a flat surface to achieve a uniform cylindrical shape. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate to stabilize.
6. Baking Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove chilled dough log and slice into uniform rounds using a sharp knife.
7. Cookie Placement and Baking: Arrange cookie slices on prepared sheets with adequate spacing. Bake until edges turn golden brown, approximately 10-12 minutes. Cool briefly on baking sheet to set structure.
8. Final Cooling and Decoration: Transfer cookies to a wire rack for complete cooling. Optionally embellish with chocolate drizzle or decorative sanding sugar for added visual and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for perfect dough consistency, preventing tough cookies.
• Chill for Precision: Refrigerate dough log for at least 2 hours to maintain sharp heart shape and prevent spreading during baking.
• Slice with Sharp Technique: Use an ultra-thin, razor-sharp knife and clean blade between cuts to create clean, uniform cookie edges.
• Color Intensity Control: Add food coloring gradually, kneading thoroughly to achieve vibrant, even color without compromising dough texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ 1 hour chilling)
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 0.1g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg