Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This heart cookie recipe is the perfect combination of buttery goodness and a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it a great option for beginner bakers, while the results are impressive enough to serve at any celebration. The buttery flavor and subtle sweetness of these cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Plus, shaping them into heart shapes adds a personal touch, making them an ideal treat for gifting.

Ingredients

• 2 sticks unsalted butter (227 g), room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (270 g)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness.
5. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies (depending on the size of the cookie cutter)
• Total time: 20-30 minutes (including preparation and baking time)

Variations

• Decorated Heart Cookies: After the cookies cool, you can decorate them with royal icing, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Chocolate Chip Heart Cookies: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough before rolling it out for an extra chocolatey twist.
• Lemon Heart Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Simply layer them with parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If desired, gently reheat the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds, or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes to soften them.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter for more control over the salt content in the recipe, but you can substitute salted butter if necessary. Just be mindful to adjust the amount of additional salt you might use in the dough.

2. Can I make these cookies without a heart-shaped cookie cutter?

Yes, you can use any shape of cookie cutter you prefer or even simply shape the dough into rounds or squares by hand.

3. How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure your dough is chilled before baking, as this helps the cookies hold their shape. If the dough is too soft, refrigerating it for 30 minutes before rolling out can help.

4. Can I add flavors or extracts to the dough?

Yes! Adding vanilla, almond, or lemon extract can enhance the flavor of your cookies. Just be sure to not overpower the dough with too much extract.

5. How can I make my cookies more crispy?

If you prefer a crispier texture, flatten the dough a little before baking, and bake the cookies for a couple of extra minutes until golden brown.

6. Can I use a stand mixer instead of hand mixing the dough?

Yes, a stand mixer with the paddle attachment works great for this dough. Just be careful not to overmix.

7. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies should have a golden edge. They may still feel soft in the middle, but they will firm up as they cool.

8. Can I decorate these cookies?

Absolutely! You can decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter once they have cooled completely.

9. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

10. How can I make the cookies softer?

If you prefer a softer cookie, you can reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes or use a little less flour in the dough.

Conclusion

These heart cookies are the perfect combination of simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delightful results. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, these buttery, sweet cookies are sure to hit the spot. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless flavor and decoration options, making them a go-to for any time of year. Happy baking!

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