Get ready to fall in love with the easiest and most adorable cookies you'll ever make! These slice and bake heart cookies are not just a treat for your taste buds, but a delightful way to spread love in every bite. Whether you're looking to impress your Valentine, celebrate a special occasion, or simply indulge in a sweet moment, these homemade cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone's face. With minimal effort and maximum charm, you'll become the star baker in no time!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red and pink sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of sugar, 1 egg, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and red and pink sprinkles for decoration.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt until evenly mixed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Once the dough comes together, divide it in half. Shape each half into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once the dough is firm, remove one log from the refrigerator. Unwrap it and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Before baking, gently press some red and pink sprinkles onto the top of each cookie slice for decoration.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, enjoy your delicious slice and bake heart cookies with family and friends!
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted - this is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the cookie's shape.
- Use a sharp knife for clean, even slices when cutting the cookie log.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each cookie room to breathe.
- Watch the cookies carefully during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
- For extra festive look, mix different shades of red and pink sprinkles.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for up to a week.
- For a fun variation, try adding a touch of almond or lemon extract to the vanilla base.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 28mg
