Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to spread love through homemade treats! These adorable heart-shaped shortbread cookies are as delicious as they are charming. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a smooth pink and white icing decoration, they make a delightful gift or sweet snack for a romantic celebration. Whether you package them in a lovely box or serve them at a gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Cookies:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (pink and white)
Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cut Out the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Decorate
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth icing.
Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring as desired.
Using a piping bag or a spoon, decorate the cookies with pink and white icing. Add sprinkles if desired.
Let the icing set completely before packaging or serving.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Baking Pro Tips
Use high-quality butter for the best rich and buttery flavor.
Chill the dough before rolling it out to keep the cookies from spreading too much.
Don’t overbake—shortbread should remain pale with only slightly golden edges.
For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon.
Make ahead! Shortbread cookies store well and can be made a few days in advance.
These cute shortbread hearts are a fantastic way to show love through baking this Valentine’s Day. Their classic buttery taste, paired with beautifully decorated icing, makes them a visually appealing and delicious treat. Whether you’re gifting them in decorative boxes or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are bound to spread joy and sweetness!