Introduction
There’s something truly special about baking cookies, especially when they’re shaped like hearts and bursting with sweetness! These Valentine’s Day heart cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or even indulging yourself. With a buttery, soft texture and a hint of almond flavor, every bite is a delightful experience. Plus, the vibrant red and pink sprinkles give them an extra pop of joy. Let’s dive into this lovely recipe and create some heartwarming treats!
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup red and pink heart-shaped sprinkles
- Royal icing (for decoration)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this mixture aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a beautiful buttery base.
- Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts, until everything is well combined and fragrant.
- Slowly blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated. The dough should feel soft and manageable.
- Using rounded teaspoonfuls of dough, roll them into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets, giving them space to spread. Flatten each ball slightly with your hands.
- Before baking, sprinkle a delightful mix of red and pink heart-shaped sprinkles on top of each cookie, adding a lovely touch of color.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies turn a lovely golden brown around the edges.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- When the cookies have cooled, get creative and decorate them with royal icing as desired. Let your imagination run wild!
Notes or Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider using European-style butter, which has a higher fat content.
- You can customize your sprinkles to fit other occasions by using different colors and shapes!
- If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe showcases the classic technique of creaming butter and sugar, which introduces air into the mixture, resulting in soft and tender cookies. Remember to not overmix the dough after adding the flour—this keeps the cookies from becoming tough!
FAQ
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! The dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to a month. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready!
- What can I use instead of royal icing? If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can use store-bought frosting or even a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Conclusion
These Valentine’s Day heart cookies are not just a treat; they’re a way to express love and sweetness. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or that special someone, they are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and may your cookies fill your heart with joy!