Introduction
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to whip up something sweet and special, and these heart-shaped cookies are just the ticket! Each indulgent bite is a delightful blend of buttery goodness and flavor, perfect for sharing with loved ones—or keeping all to yourself! Adorned with royal icing and sprinkles, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Let’s dive into this recipe and spread some love one cookie at a time!
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Royal icing (for decoration)
- Sprinkles and edible decorations (for topping)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until they are well combined. Set this mixture aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until the dough comes together. You’ll know it’s ready when it forms a soft ball.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap each one in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to help set the cookies.
- Once chilled, take one portion of dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your cookies, and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking!
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with royal icing and sprinkles.
Notes or Tips
- For beautifully detailed decorations, use piping bags to apply royal icing.
- Feel free to experiment with different flavors of extracts, like lemon or orange, for a unique twist!
- If you want to bake the cookies the next day, you can freeze the wrapped dough for up to a month.
Cooking Techniques
Rolling out cookie dough to an even thickness is key to achieving uniform baking. Use a rolling pin with guide rings or simply measure the thickness with a ruler. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps the cookies retain their shape during baking. Lastly, allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating; this prevents the icing from melting away in a sugary puddle!
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but keep in mind that the cookies may be denser.
How should I store the cookies after baking?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—if they last that long!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and chill it, or even freeze the baked cookies, icing them when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
These Valentine’s Day heart cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. With their rich flavor and lovely presentation, they capture the spirit of love in every bite. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or that special someone, these cookies are bound to bring smiles and warm hearts. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake some love!