Description
These adorable heart-shaped cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any time you want to spread some love! Buttery, soft, and lightly sweetened, they melt in your mouth and are easy to customize with icing or sprinkles. Whether as a gift or a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress with their charm and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Icing or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until well 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 the dough forms.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate the cooled cookies with icing, sprinkles, or powdered sugar as desired.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes if it becomes too soft to roll out.
- For added flavor, you can dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or freeze-dried strawberries.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American