Make your heart-shaped sugar cookies they say “I love you” better than words! For Valentine’s Day, these buttery treats that melt in your mouth are wonderful. They’re simple but classy, with a crisp edge, a soft middle, and a sweet glaze. You can make these cookies for a holiday party, a loved one, or your kids. Every bite will make them happy.
Ingredients for Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or water for a lighter glaze)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- Gel food coloring (optional)
How To Make Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- The butter and sugar should be melted. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat them together in a medium bowl on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. If you need to, scrape the bowl clean.
- Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 12 cookies.
Step 3: Bake
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Divide into bowls and tint with gel food coloring if desired.
Step 5: Decorate
- Use a spoon or piping bag to apply the glaze to the cooled cookies.
- Spread with the back of a spoon or leave it smooth for a shiny finish.
- Decorate with sprinkles or edible glitter before the glaze sets.
- Let cookies sit for 30 minutes until the glaze hardens before serving or storing.
Expert Tips & Variations
- For a softer cookie, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
- Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) for a fresh flavor twist.
- Use royal icing instead of glaze for intricate designs.
- Make ahead: Dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies (undecorated) for up to 3 months. Thaw before glazing.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 5 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
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Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies are buttery, soft, and topped with a delicious glaze. Perfect for gifting or sharing, they’re easy to make and fun to decorate. A sweet treat for a special occasion!
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or water for a lighter glaze)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- The butter and sugar should be melted. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat them together in a medium bowl on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. If you need to, scrape the bowl clean.
- Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 12 cookies.
Step 3: Bake
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Divide into bowls and tint with gel food coloring if desired.
Step 5: Decorate
- Use a spoon or piping bag to apply the glaze to the cooled cookies.
- Spread with the back of a spoon or leave it smooth for a shiny finish.
- Decorate with sprinkles or edible glitter before the glaze sets.
Let cookies sit for 30 minutes until the glaze hardens before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for easier rolling and a better texture.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender.
- b for even baking and easy cleanup.
- For extra flavor, swap vanilla extract for almond or add a pinch of cinnamon.
- Let the glaze set completely before stacking the cookies to prevent smudging.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Decorating Ideas for Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies
- Classic Look: Use red and pink glaze with heart-shaped sprinkles.
- Elegant Touch: Pipe intricate lace designs with royal icing.
- Fun for Kids: Let kids decorate with colorful icing and edible glitter.
Question can be ask
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
How do I make the glaze harden faster?
Let cookies dry in a cool room or place them in front of a fan for quick drying.
Can I use different shapes?
Absolutely! Use any cookie cutter shape for different occasions.
What’s the best way to package these for gifts?
Layer cookies between parchment paper in a decorative tin or wrap in cellophane bags with a ribbon.
These Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies are a delightful homemade gift for loved ones. Happy baking!
Hi there, I’m Chef Lisa, a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating delicious dishes that bring people together. With years of experience in the kitchen, I’ve honed my skills and developed a unique style that blends classic techniques with modern flavors. Whether I’m experimenting with new ingredients or putting a twist on a traditional recipe, my goal is always to create something that is both delicious and memorable. I’m excited to share my love of cooking with you and can’t wait to see what we’ll create together!
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