Hey y’all! Get ready to fall in love with these delightful Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies. Perfectly sweet and buttery, they’re ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or anytime you want to show some love. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These cookies have a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- They’re easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have.
- Perfect for any occasion, especially romantic ones!
- You can customize them with your favorite icing and decorations.
- They make for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick on a floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 5: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Decorate as desired once completely cool.
Notes
- For a festive twist, try adding a drop of red or pink food coloring to your icing. Learn more about using food coloring.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour until it is workable.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the cookie shape during baking.
Variations
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing twist.
- Spiced: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Required Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Storage Instructions
Store these Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the cookies for up to three months.
Suggested Pairings
Serve these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat, or pair them with a glass of milk for a classic combo.
Pro Tips
- For evenly baked cookies, ensure your dough is rolled out to a uniform thickness. Get more rolling tips here.
- Adjust bake time depending on cookie size for best results.
- Decorate with royal icing for intricate designs.
FAQ
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, the dough can be prepared and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.
- How do I prevent cookies from spreading? Make sure your butter is not too soft and chill the dough thoroughly before baking.
- What type of icing works best? Royal icing is great for detailed decorations, while a simple glaze can add a nice finish.