Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to bake something sweet and special, and these Slice and Bake Heart Cookies fit the bill perfectly! With their soft, buttery texture and vibrant pink and red icing, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Not only are they simple to make, but they also allow for endless creativity with decorations, making them a fun activity for all ages. Whether you dip them in chocolate, add sprinkles, or use cream cheese frosting, these heart-shaped cookies are sure to spread love and joy this Valentine’s season.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pink and red food coloring
1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
Sprinkles, optional
Melted chocolate, optional
Instructions
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
Color and Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions. Tint one portion pink and the other red with food coloring. Roll each portion into a log, about 2 inches in diameter.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Slice and Shape: Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds. Use a small heart-shaped cutter to cut out hearts from each slice.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place cookies on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Decorate: While the cookies cool, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over cookies and add sprinkles or melted chocolate as desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the icing set before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
For a more vibrant color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
Ensure the dough is properly chilled to maintain the heart shapes while baking.
If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, gently mold the sliced rounds into hearts with your hands.
For an extra indulgent treat, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let it set before serving.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week to keep them fresh.
These Slice and Bake Heart Cookies are a charming and delicious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Their buttery texture, fun heart shapes, and customizable decorations make them a must-bake treat for the season. Whether you gift them to loved ones or enjoy them yourself, these cookies are sure to spread love and happiness with every bite!