Charming Slice and Bake Heart Cookies Recipe for Sweet Moments

Crafting delightful slice and bake heart cookies brings joy to any kitchen celebration.

Sweet memories spark when sharing these adorable treats with loved ones.

Delicate heart shapes transform ordinary moments into special connections.

Baking becomes an intimate experience when you create something meaningful.

Simple ingredients blend together, creating a canvas of love and warmth.

Soft, buttery dough promises delectable results that will make everyone smile.

These charming cookies invite you to spread happiness one sweet bite at a time.

Why Slice and Bake Heart Cookies Are Fun

• Simple steps make these heart cookies accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced cookie makers.
• Prepare the dough ahead of time and slice-and-bake whenever you want fresh, homemade cookies in under 30 minutes of active preparation.
• Create customizable treats perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or showing affection with unique heart-shaped design that transforms ordinary cookies into special memories.
• Stunning two-tone color technique produces Instagram-worthy cookies that look professionally crafted while being surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients for Slice and Bake Heart Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and tender texture, best when unsalted and at room temperature.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, crisp cookie.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to cookie structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes, use pure vanilla for best taste.
• Flour: Creates cookie structure, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor profile.

• Food Coloring: Creates vibrant heart design, gel colors provide more intense color.
• Sanding Sugar: Optional decorative topping for extra sparkle and crunch.

• Melted Chocolate: Provides elegant drizzle and additional flavor complexity, dark or semi-sweet recommended.

How to Cut and Bake Heart Cookies Cleanly

Step 1: Create Vanilla Base

• Flour
• Salt

Combine until soft dough forms.

Step 2: Color the Heart Section

• Rolling into long cylinder
• Pressing sides with ruler or spatula

Wrap heart log in plastic and freeze 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Wrap Colored Dough

Roll remaining vanilla dough into rectangular shape, approximately 1/4-inch thick. Carefully wrap vanilla dough around colored heart log, pressing gently to seal. Smooth edges by rolling log on flat surface. Wrap entire log in plastic wrap and refrigerate minimum 1 hour.

Step 4: Slice and Bake Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice chilled dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds using sharp knife. Place cookies 2 inches apart on sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Allow cookies to rest 5 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to cooling rack.

Step 5: Finish with Flair

• Melted chocolate drizzle
• Sanding sugar sprinkle
• Decorative icing

Enjoy your beautiful heart-shaped treats!

Tips to Keep the Color and Shape Spot On

• Personalize Your Dough: Experiment with different food coloring shades to create unique heart designs that match your mood or occasion.
• Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the dough log for at least 1 hour to ensure clean, precise slices and prevent spreading during baking.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp, non-serrated knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts to maintain smooth, even cookie edges.
• Prevent Sticking: Dust your work surface with a light layer of flour to help roll and shape the dough without creating tough cookies.
• Customize Your Treats: Add sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or edible glitter after cooling to transform these cookies into festive, eye-catching desserts.

Store and Reheat Cookies Without Losing Texture

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Pack cookies flat in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore original texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness and refresh flavors, if desired.

What to Enjoy with Heart Cookies

• Serve these delightful vanilla heart cookies with creamy chai latte for a warm, spicy complement that balances the cookie's sweetness.
• Pair the cookies with a light, fruity rosé wine that enhances the delicate vanilla flavor and adds a touch of elegance to your dessert experience.
• Accompany the cookies with a scoop of lavender honey ice cream, creating a dreamy combination that highlights the cookie's subtle richness and adds a luxurious texture contrast.
• Dust the cookies with a sprinkle of crushed dried rose petals or edible glitter to add a whimsical touch that makes the treat even more special and visually appealing.

New Styles for Your Slice and Bake Cookies

• Gluten-Free Heart Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix to make these cookies celiac-friendly and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Valentine Treats: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg replacement, and select plant-based food coloring to create a dairy-free and egg-free version of these adorable cookies.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute refined sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a reduced-sugar cookie that maintains the same delightful heart-shaped design and texture.
• Chocolate Lover's Version: Incorporate cocoa powder into the vanilla dough to create a chocolate and vanilla swirled heart cookie that adds rich depth to the original recipe.

Heart Cookie Questions? We’ve Got You

• What are the key ingredients for these heart cookies?

The main ingredients are butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, flour, salt, and food coloring. You’ll also need plastic wrap for shaping and chilling the dough.

• Do I need special baking skills to make these cookies?

No, these cookies are beginner-friendly. The recipe requires basic mixing and rolling techniques. The most important steps are chilling the dough and carefully slicing the log to create the heart design.

• How can I ensure the heart shape looks perfect?

Use a ruler or small spatula to press and shape the colored dough into a precise heart log. Take your time when wrapping the vanilla dough around the heart log, and roll gently on a flat surface to smooth the edges.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough log in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. The log can also be frozen for up to 2 weeks, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Slice And Bake Heart Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet hearts of love take center stage in this slice and bake heart cookies recipe, perfect for romantic celebrations. Delicate butter cookies with festive pink and red icing offer a charming homemade treat you’ll adore sharing with special someone.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Baking Essentials:

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature

Flavoring and Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 12 teaspoons red or pink food coloring
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Color and Composition:

• ⅓ of the vanilla dough

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundational vanilla dough by whipping butter and sugar until airy and pale, creating a smooth base. Introduce egg and vanilla, blending thoroughly to develop a consistent mixture.
2. Separate a portion of the vanilla dough and infuse with vibrant food coloring, kneading until the hue is uniform and saturated.
3. Carefully transform the colored dough into a heart-shaped log, using gentle pressure from ruler or spatula to define precise edges. Encase the shaped log in plastic wrap and chill in freezer to solidify structure.
4. Roll remaining vanilla dough into a thin, even rectangle that will envelope the colored heart log. Carefully wrap the colored segment, pressing delicately to ensure seamless integration.
5. Smooth the exterior of the combined dough log by rolling on a flat surface, creating a uniform cylindrical shape. Tightly wrap in plastic and refrigerate to stabilize the internal structure.
6. Heat oven to 350F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Extract chilled dough log and slice into precise, uniform rounds using a razor-sharp knife.
7. Arrange cookie slices strategically on prepared sheets, allowing sufficient spacing for potential expansion during baking.
8. Bake until cookie edges transform to a delicate golden tone, approximately 10-12 minutes. Allow initial cooling on baking sheet to set structure.
9. Transfer cookies to wire rack for complete cooling, ensuring crisp texture and optimal flavor development.
10. Optional: Embellish with melted chocolate drizzle or sparkling sanding sugar for enhanced visual and gustatory appeal.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the heart shape during baking, ensuring clean, crisp cookie edges.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without adding extra liquid that could alter the dough’s consistency.
• Rotate the dough log while slicing to keep the heart shape perfectly round and symmetrical, creating uniform cookies.
• For gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements and mixing technique.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ 1 hour chilling)
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 133
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg