Get ready to fall in love with the most adorable and delectable treats that will melt hearts faster than butter on a warm skillet! These heart-shaped sugar cookies aren't just a dessert; they're a declaration of love baked to perfection. Whether you're looking to impress your valentine, celebrate a special occasion, or simply indulge in a moment of pure sweet bliss, these cookies promise to be your ultimate culinary cupid. With a crisp exterior, soft interior, and a hint of vanilla magic, these cookies are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare your baking workspace by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to ensure it comes together.
- Roll out the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness using a rolling pin. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookie shapes.
- Carefully transfer the heart-shaped cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- Don't Overwork the Dough: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender.
- Chill for Perfection: If time allows, refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading.
- Uniform Thickness: Use rolling pin guides or rubber bands to achieve consistent 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cookie Cutter Trick: Dip your heart-shaped cutter in flour between cuts to prevent sticking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
- Storage Secret: Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers to maintain freshness.
- Decoration Options: Use royal icing, colored sugar, or edible glitter for extra charm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
