As Valentine’s Day approaches, I find myself daydreaming about the sweet moments of sharing homemade treats with loved ones. Just the thought of warm, heart-shaped sugar cookies adorned with creamy buttercream frosting takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where the laughter and excitement filled the air. These delightful cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also simple enough to whip up, even if you’re a novice baker. Their soft, chewy texture combined with a fluffy, vibrant frosting makes them a charming focal point for any romantic celebration or heartfelt gathering.
Whether you’re planning a fun baking session with friends or surprising someone special, these heart cookies invite creativity with their easy decorating options—perfect for kids and adults alike! Get ready to dive into a world of sweetness that’s sure to impress and bring a smile to everyone’s face. Let’s create some magic together in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love These Heart Cookies
Simplicity at its Core: Each step is designed to be easy and enjoyable, making these heart cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile Decorating: With adaptable frosting colors and toppings, you can customize your cookies for any occasion, ensuring they match your unique style.
Sweet Nostalgia: These cookies evoke fond memories of childhood baking, turning every moment into a cherished memory.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a Valentine’s Day celebration or a gathering, these delightful treats will surely charm your loved ones.
Time-Saving Treats: Quickly whip up a batch that can be enjoyed within hours, perfect for those last-minute gatherings.
For more tips and variations, check out our baking secrets.
Heart Cookies Ingredients
• Let’s gather everything we need to make these delicious heart cookies!
For the Cookie Dough
- 360 g all-purpose flour – Provides structure and texture; remember to spoon and level for accuracy.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the cookies rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt – Enhances flavor, balancing out the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 sticks butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture; it’s essential for it to be at room temperature for proper mixing.
- 200 g granulated sugar – This is what gives the cookies their sweetness and helps achieve the right texture.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s structure; ensure it’s at room temperature.
- 1 Tbsp milk – Adds moisture for a softer, delightful cookie.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – Infuses the cookies with warmth and depth, making each bite memorable.
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Creates a smooth, luscious texture for frosting; must be at room temperature.
- 1 stick butter, softened (for frosting) – Adds unparalleled richness and creaminess to the frosting.
- 4 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (for frosting) – Enhances the flavor of the frosting, making it irresistible.
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt (for frosting) – Balances and enriches the sweetness in the frosting.
- Pink and red food coloring – Used to dye the frosting for beautiful decoration.
- Sprinkles – For that festive touch, elevating your heart cookies into a visual treat.
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s bring some love to life with these delightful heart cookies!
How to Make Heart Cookies
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Prepare Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
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Chill Dough: Divide the cookie dough into two equal discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
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Shape Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Freeze Shapes: To help the cookies hold their shape, transfer the cut-out hearts onto a baking sheet and freeze for 10 minutes before baking.
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Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
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Make Buttercream Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. Add food coloring as desired to create festive shades.
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Decorate Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, use an offset spatula to frost each cookie generously with the creamy buttercream frosting. Top with festive sprinkles to add some delightful flair!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of edible glitter for an extra touch of sparkle!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Heart Cookies?
As you prepare these charming heart cookies, consider elevating your gathering with delightful pairings that complement their sweetness and charm.
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Fresh Strawberries: Their juicy, vibrant flavor balances the richness of the frosting, making each bite a delightful experience. The sweet-tart contrast enhances the cookie’s charm, perfect for a radiant Valentine’s Day treat.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream brings a cool, soothing touch that pairs wonderfully with the warm cookies. It creates a heavenly melt-in-your-mouth experience with each combination of flavors.
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Hot Chocolate: Serve these cookies alongside a mug of rich hot chocolate for a cozy, comforting treat. The warmth of the drink enhances the cookie’s sweetness, creating a nostalgic vibe perfect for chilly evenings.
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Champagne or Sparkling Wine: For a festive touch, a glass of bubbly adds elegance to your dessert spread. The light effervescence beautifully cuts through the richness of the frosting, making it a lovely pairing.
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Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: These sweet-and-salty delights bring a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft texture of the cookies. Their unique flavors enhance the overall dessert experience, making each bite exciting.
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Coffee or Espresso: A rich cup of coffee or espresso complements the sweetness of the cookies, providing a delightful balance of flavors. The warm brew brings out the vanilla notes in the frosting, making it an irresistible treat during a cozy gathering.
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Fruit Salad: A fresh, colorful fruit salad adds a refreshing and vibrant note to your dessert table. The fruity flavors offer a light, zesty counterpoint to the creamy heart cookies, enhancing the overall palate.
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Mini Fruit Tarts: These little gems offer a crisp, flaky crust with creamy filling topped with fresh fruits. Their bright flavors harmonize with the cookies, making for an inviting display on any dessert table.
Expert Tips for Heart Cookies
- Room Temperature Essentials: Ensure that all your dairy ingredients, like butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth frosting and better cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the cookie dough! This crucial step maintains the cookies’ shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
- Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Take them out when the edges are lightly golden to ensure a soft, chewy texture in your heart cookies.
- Freezing Shapes: Freezing the cut-out shapes before baking is key. This extra step holds the form, leaving you with beautifully shaped cookies once baked.
- Fun Decorating: Have fun with the decorating process! Experiment with frosting colors and various sprinkles; it adds a personal touch and makes these heart cookies even more delightful.
Heart Cookie Variations
Treat your heart cookies to a delightful twist by exploring these creative variations that are sure to inspire your baking adventures.
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Dairy-Free: Swap butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and use almond or oat milk. You’ll still achieve a lovely texture and flavor without the dairy!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it has xanthan gum for the right consistency. These cookies will be just as tender and delicious!
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Chocolate-Dipped: After frosting, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat. Let the chocolate set before serving for a truly luxurious touch.
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Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to your cookie dough for a refreshing burst of flavor. This twist enhances the sweetness beautifully and gives a light, tangy note.
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Sprinkle Variety: Change up the sprinkles by using themed decorations for different holidays. From pastel eggs for Easter to colorful confetti for birthdays, the options are endless!
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Nutty Infusion: Fold in finely chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds into the cookie dough to add crunch and depth. This twist brings delightful texture to each bite!
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice flavor that complements the sweetness, making your cookies even cozier for any gathering.
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Vegan Option: Use aquafaba (chickpea brine) instead of the egg, and replace cream cheese frosting with a vegan buttercream made from plant-based ingredients. It’s heartwarming for everyone!
Make Ahead Options
These adorable heart cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, allowing you to bake a fresh batch at your convenience. To maintain optimal quality, wrap the dough in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Additionally, you can freeze the baked cookies, storing them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to frost, simply thaw the cookies and whip up the buttercream frosting; this can be made ahead of time as well! Just keep it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before spreading generously on your heart cookies. Enjoy the delightful results with minimal effort!
Storage Tips for Heart Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your heart cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer longer storage, heart cookies can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just ensure they’re well wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer-term storage, freeze the frosted heart cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies in the fridge overnight and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to bring back their delightful texture.
Heart Cookies with Creamy Buttercream Frosting Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for heart cookies?
Absolutely! Choosing ripe ingredients like butter, eggs, and cream cheese at room temperature is essential for the best cookie dough. For the butter, aim for a slight softness where it yields to gentle pressure, but isn’t melted. Eggs should feel cool yet not chilly, ideally soaking in warm water for about 10 minutes can help bring them to the right temperature.
How should I store my heart cookies?
To keep your heart cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re looking for longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week—just make sure they’re well-wrapped to lock in moisture.
Can I freeze heart cookies and how?
Very! You can freeze your heart cookies for up to 3 months. To do this, place the frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and let them sit at room temperature to restore that delightful texture.
What should I do if my heart cookies spread while baking?
The more the merrier! If your cookies spread too much, ensure you chill the dough adequately before baking. Also, freezing the cut-out shapes for about 10 minutes right before baking is crucial; it helps maintain their shape. Lastly, be sure the oven is fully preheated, as baking in an oven that’s not hot enough can also contribute to spreading.
Are there any dietary considerations for heart cookies?
Absolutely! If you’re baking for someone with allergies, consider using gluten-free all-purpose flour or dairy-free substitutes like margarine for the butter and a vegan cream cheese alternative. Always check the labels for hidden allergens, particularly in toppings like sprinkles.
What decorations can I use for my heart cookies?
There are endless options! Feel free to swap colored frosting for a classic vanilla buttercream for a subtle look. You could use royal icing for intricate designs or even add edible glitter for added sparkle. Just remember—have fun and let your creativity shine!
Heart Cookies with Creamy Frosting for a Sweet Valentine’s Day
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 360 g all-purpose flour Provides structure and texture; remember to spoon and level for accuracy.
- 1 tsp baking powder Helps the cookies rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt Enhances flavor, balancing out the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 sticks butter, softened Adds richness and moisture; it's essential for it to be at room temperature for proper mixing.
- 200 g granulated sugar This is what gives the cookies their sweetness and helps achieve the right texture.
- 1 large egg Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure; ensure it's at room temperature.
- 1 Tbsp milk Adds moisture for a softer, delightful cookie.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract Infuses the cookies with warmth and depth, making each bite memorable.
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Creates a smooth, luscious texture for frosting; must be at room temperature.
- 1 stick butter, softened Adds unparalleled richness and creaminess to the frosting.
- 4 cups powdered sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract Enhances the flavor of the frosting, making it irresistible.
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt Balances and enriches the sweetness in the frosting.
- pink and red food coloring Used to dye the frosting for beautiful decoration.
- sprinkles For that festive touch, elevating your heart cookies into a visual treat.
Instructions
Cookie Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide the cookie dough into two equal discs. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Transfer the cut-out hearts onto a baking sheet and freeze for 10 minutes before baking.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. Add food coloring as desired.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, use an offset spatula to frost each cookie generously with the creamy buttercream frosting. Top with festive sprinkles.