Name: Heart-shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp milk; Optional: Icing and sprinkles for decorating

There's nothing quite as delightful as a batch of heart-shaped sugar cookies fresh from the oven. Their buttery aroma fills the kitchen, while their soft yet slightly crisp texture makes every bite irresistible. Whether you're baking for Valentine's Day, a birthday, or just because, these cookies are the perfect way to show a little love.

I first made these cookies for a family gathering, and they quickly became a tradition. Their simple, classic flavor is complemented beautifully by vibrant icing and sprinkles, making them both delicious and fun to decorate. Ready to create your own batch of heartfelt treats? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love These Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Get ready to fall head over heels for these heart-shaped sugar cookies. Not only are they adorable, but they also deliver on taste and ease of preparation.

First, these cookies are super simple to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little mixing, you’ll have a dough that rolls out perfectly every time.

They’re also perfect for any occasion. While the heart shape makes them ideal for Valentine’s Day or anniversaries, you can easily adapt them to other shapes for any celebration.

Customization is a breeze with these cookies. Whether you want to add vibrant royal icing, colorful sprinkles, or leave them plain for a more rustic look, the options are endless.

Best of all, they’re a fun project for all ages. Kids love cutting out the hearts and decorating them, making these cookies a great family activity.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these cookies so special.

All-purpose flour is the base of the dough. Be sure to measure carefully to avoid overpacking, which can make the cookies dense.

Unsalted butter adds that unmistakable richness. Using unsalted butter lets you control the amount of salt in the recipe for perfect flavor balance.

Granulated sugar gives the cookies their sweetness and helps achieve that slightly crisp edge. For an extra depth of flavor, try substituting a tablespoon of sugar with light brown sugar.

Pure vanilla extract is a must for classic sugar cookies. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a hint of almond extract for a subtle twist.

Baking powder ensures a gentle rise, giving the cookies their soft yet firm texture that’s perfect for decorating.

If you’re planning to decorate, consider stocking up on food coloring, royal icing supplies, and sprinkles for endless creative possibilities.

How to Make These Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Making these cookies is as enjoyable as eating them! Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your baking adventure is a success.

Start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This step is key to creating tender cookies, so don’t rush it – give it a good 2-3 minutes.

Add the vanilla extract and an egg, mixing until well combined. The egg not only adds structure but also gives the cookies their soft texture.

Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt), mixing just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so stop as soon as everything is combined.

Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼-inch thickness. This prevents sticking and ensures even cookies.

Cut out your heart shapes using a cookie cutter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill the cutouts in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape while baking.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.

Storage Options

These sugar cookies are as practical as they are pretty, storing beautifully for future enjoyment.

To keep the cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

For longer storage, freeze the undecorated cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before decorating.

If you’ve already decorated the cookies, let the icing dry completely before stacking them in a container. Freezing decorated cookies is possible, but be mindful that intricate decorations might lose some of their charm.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to put your own spin on it.

For a citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest to the dough. It pairs beautifully with the buttery base.

If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute half the vanilla extract with almond extract or even maple extract for a unique taste.

Want to make the cookies gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the right texture.

For a healthier option, swap out some of the granulated sugar for coconut sugar. This will give the cookies a slightly deeper, caramel-like flavor.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with shapes and sizes! While hearts are classic, stars, circles, or seasonal shapes are just as fun and tasty.

These heart-shaped sugar cookies are a delightful way to spread a little love. Whether you’re baking with family or surprising someone special, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your cookie cutters, and let the baking fun begin!