Name: Heart Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for surface; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tbsp milk; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; Pink food coloring (as needed); Red food coloring (as needed); Sprinkles (for decoration)

Ingredients

3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for surface

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

1 tbsp milk

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1/4 tsp kosher salt

Pink and red food coloring

Sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale.

Step 2: Add the egg, milk, and vanilla to the butter mixture and beat until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Shape the dough into two flattened discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8” thickness.

Step 5: Use a 2 1/2″ heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and transfer them to the baking sheets. Freeze the cut cookies for 10 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Make the frosting by beating together the cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, then beat until well combined.

Step 8: Divide the frosting into three bowls. Add pink food coloring to one, red to another, and leave one plain or add a small amount of each color to create shades. Stir until you reach the desired colors.

Step 9: Use an offset spatula to frost each cookie with different colors of frosting. Decorate with sprinkles as desired.

Tips & Variations

Chill the dough well to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough or frosting.

Try different food coloring shades or piping techniques for varied decoration styles.

If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, any small cookie cutter or even a knife can be used to create fun shapes.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze un-frosted cookies for up to 3 months. Allow refrigerated or frozen cookies to come to room temperature before frosting or serving. Frosted cookies are best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and cutting. Just keep it tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out.

What is the best way to avoid cracked cookies?

Make sure the dough is well chilled before rolling and cutting to help the cookies keep their shape. Also, do not roll the dough too thin; about 1/8” thickness is ideal to prevent cracking during baking.