Valentine’s Day calls for a sweet treat that is as beautiful as it is delicious. These Vanilla Heart-Shaped Cerise Prickly Pear & Red Beet Cookies are the perfect way to show your love. Their vibrant colors, unique flavor combination, and elegant heart design make them a standout dessert. Prickly pear adds a subtle fruity sweetness, while red beet contributes an earthy richness and natural coloring. Finished with a creamy vanilla glaze and delicate red heart decorations, these cookies are sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ cup prickly pear puree
2 tbsp red beet puree
For the Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tbsp milk (adjust as needed)
½ tsp vanilla extract
Red food coloring (optional, for extra color)
For Decoration:
Heart-shaped sprinkles or red icing for piped hearts
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Stir in the prickly pear and red beet purees until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.
Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Step 3: Decorate
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth icing.
If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring for a richer color.
Spread or pipe icing onto cookies and let set for 15 minutes.
Decorate with red heart designs using icing or sprinkles.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Chill the dough: This prevents spreading and helps maintain the heart shape.
Use fresh beet puree: It provides natural color without artificial dyes.
Adjust icing consistency: If too thick, add more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Let icing fully set: This ensures a clean and polished look when serving.
These Vanilla Heart-Shaped Cerise Prickly Pear & Red Beet Cookies are not only stunning but also deliciously unique. Their balance of fruity, earthy, and sweet flavors makes them a standout treat for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Pair them with other festive cookies, like Linzer cookies or strawberry white chocolate cookies, for a delightful dessert spread. Happy baking!