Looking for a delightful way to express your love or celebrate a special occasion? These Slice and Bake Heart Cookies are not only charming with their heart shape but also incredibly buttery and tender. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day you want to spread a little love, these cookies are sure to warm hearts and satisfy sweet cravings.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red food coloring (for the heart dough)
Directions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture will ensure your cookies have the perfect texture.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
Divide and Color Dough:
Divide the dough in half. Take one half and add red food coloring until you reach your desired shade for the heart shape. This step adds a festive touch to your cookies!
Shape the Heart Dough:
Roll the red dough into a log shape. Then, gently press and mold the sides to form a heart shape. Once shaped, wrap the heart dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Surround with White Dough:
Roll out the plain dough into a rectangle. Once the heart dough is firm, place it in the center of the white dough. Carefully wrap the white dough around the heart, then roll the dough log to smooth out the edges.
Slice and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick cookies and arrange them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your beautifully crafted Slice and Bake Heart Cookies!
Serving Tips:
Presentation: Serve these cookies on a decorative platter or in a cute cookie jar. You can also stack them in a clear bag tied with a ribbon for a lovely gift presentation.
Pairings: Enhance the experience by pairing the cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or coffee. They also make a great addition to a dessert table for parties or special occasions.
Decorate: Consider drizzling melted chocolate or icing over the cookies for added flair. Sprinkles can also make them festive and more visually appealing.
Warm Them Up: For a fresh-baked taste, warm the cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds before serving. This will make them soft and delicious!
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will help maintain their softness and flavor.
Refrigeration: If you live in a warm, humid climate, you may want to refrigerate the cookies to prevent them from becoming stale. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag with as much air removed as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing: To enjoy frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave to restore their soft texture.
Cookie Dough Storage: If you want to prepare the cookies ahead of time, the dough can be frozen before slicing. Wrap the shaped dough log tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, slice directly from the freezer and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
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FAQs:
Can I use different colors for the heart dough?
Yes! You can definitely customize the colors of the heart dough to match different occasions or themes. Use food coloring to create shades that suit your celebration—like pink or purple for a birthday, or even green for St. Patrick’s Day. Just remember that the amount of food coloring can affect the dough’s consistency, so add it gradually.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too soft to handle?
If your cookie dough is too soft and sticky to handle, try chilling it for an additional 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator. This will firm it up, making it easier to shape and roll. Alternatively, you can lightly flour your work surface and hands to help with handling.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set but slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Be careful not to overbake, as this can result in dry cookies.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough?
Yes! Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to the plain dough for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to incorporate them gently to avoid breaking the dough. Keep in mind that adding mix-ins may change the overall look of the heart shape, but it will definitely enhance the taste!
Conclusion:
These Slice and Bake Heart Cookies are not just for Valentine’s Day; they can be enjoyed during birthdays, anniversaries, or simply as a sweet surprise for someone special. Their eye-catching design and delicious flavor make them a hit with friends and family alike.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Slice and Bake Heart Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet charm of Slice and Bake Heart Cookies! These buttery and tender cookies feature a delightful heart shape at their center, making them perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or simply to show someone you care. With a vibrant red heart and a soft, delicious texture, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends. Easy to make and even easier to love, this recipe is a must-try for any cookie enthusiast!
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red food coloring (for heart dough)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Divide and Color Dough: Divide the dough in half. Color one half with red food coloring to your desired shade for the heart shape.
- Shape the Heart Dough: Roll the red dough into a log and shape it into a heart. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Surround with White Dough: Roll out the plain dough into a rectangle. Place the heart dough in the center and wrap the white dough around it. Roll to smooth the edges.
- Slice and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick cookies and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Customize the heart dough with different colors to match various occasions.
For a softer dough, chill it longer if it’s too sticky.
Add chocolate chips or nuts to the plain dough for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 140 kcal
Keywords: Slice and Bake Heart Cookies, heart-shaped cookies, Valentine’s Day cookies, easy cookie recipe, festive cookies, butter cookies, decorated cookies, cookie dough.
