Heart Cookies Recipe: Bake with Love

Why You’ll Love Heart Cookies Recipe: Bake with Love Recipe

These cookies are:

• Perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or sweet gifts

• Easy to make with basic ingredients

• Fun to cut and decorate with icing, sprinkles, or chocolate

• A lovely treat to bake with kids or friends

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

3. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.

7. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden.

9. Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.

10. Once cooled, decorate with icing, melted chocolate, or sprinkles if desired.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies

Variations

• Chocolate version: Replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder for chocolate heart cookies.

• Nutty twist: Add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract or mix in chopped nuts.

• Citrus zest: Add grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright flavor.

• Add-ins: Stir in mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or sprinkles for color and fun.

• Decorating ideas: Use royal icing, fondant shapes, or dip cookies in melted chocolate.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Refrigerated cookies last up to 2 weeks. To refresh, warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.
To freeze, store baked cookies or dough in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving or baking.

FAQs

How can I keep my heart cookies from losing their shape?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and cutting. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance or freeze it for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

You can use royal icing, melted chocolate, colored sugar, or edible glitter. Let decorations set before stacking or storing.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but butter provides better flavor and texture. If using margarine, choose one with at least 80% fat content.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Texture may vary slightly.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?

Use any other shape you have, or form hearts by hand. The taste will still be great.

How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?

Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and split the dough in half to make it easier to roll out.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for lightly golden edges. Don’t overbake — they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

These heart cookies are a beautiful way to share something homemade with the people you love. Easy to make, fun to decorate, and always appreciated, they’re a perfect go-to recipe for sweet moments and special occasions alike.