Get ready to create the most adorable and delicious cookies that are perfect for Valentine's Day, romantic occasions, or simply when you want to spread some love! These easy heart-shaped cookies are not just a treat for your taste buds, but a feast for the eyes. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal baking skills, you'll be able to whip up a batch of these charming cookies that will make everyone fall in love at first bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and prevent spreading during baking.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness using a rolling pin.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookie shapes, placing them carefully on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
- Optional: Decorate cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture and mixing consistency.
- Chill the Dough: Don't skip the 30-minute refrigeration step - this helps prevent spreading and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Flour Your Surface: When rolling out the dough, use just enough flour to prevent sticking without making the cookies dry.
- Even Thickness: Roll the dough to a consistent 1/4 inch thickness for uniform baking.
- Decorating Hack: For extra flair, sprinkle colored sugar or decorative sprinkles before baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to prevent breaking.
- Storage Secret: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
