Valentine's Day Heart Cookies
These Valentine’s Day heart cookies are simple, buttery sugar cookies colored a romantic red and cut into hearts, perfect for parties or cozy baking dates.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour For a tender cookie, spoon and level the flour.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened At room temperature.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar Can substitute with coconut sugar.
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup red food coloring (optional) Start with 1–2 teaspoons of gel color for desired shade.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- If desired, add food coloring a little at a time and mix until evenly colored.
- Lightly flour a work surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Chill for 15–20 minutes if the dough is too soft.
Baking
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Rotate the pan once halfway through.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a simple presentation, serve cookies dusted with powdered sugar. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.