Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Name: Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; Royal icing or colored sugar sprinkles

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Favorites

I absolutely adore baking cookies, especially when they’re shaped like hearts! These heart-shaped sugar cookies are not just delightful to look at, but they also taste amazing. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of vanilla, each bite is pure joy. They’re perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or simply to share with loved ones. I love adding colorful sprinkles or icing to make them even more festive. Let's dive into this simple yet delightful recipe that will make your home smell heavenly!

Created by

Lucy Thompson

Last updated on 2026-01-08T12:13:37.077Z

Baking these heart-shaped sugar cookies brought back so many sweet memories from my childhood. I remember watching my grandmother roll out the dough and carefully cut out every little heart. Now, I can add my own twist by incorporating different flavors or toppings. The trick to achieving a perfect texture is to not overmix the dough; just combine the ingredients until they form together.

I also love to decorate these cookies to make them special. Whether it's a layer of royal icing or a sprinkle of colored sugar, each cookie becomes a canvas for your creativity. Believe me, the joy on my friends' faces when they see and taste these treats is priceless!

Why You Will Love These Cookies
Perfectly tender and buttery texture that melts in your mouth
Looks adorable for any celebration or gathering
Easy to customize with different flavors and decorations

Understanding Your Ingredients

Each ingredient in these heart-shaped sugar cookies plays a crucial role in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The combination of all-purpose flour gives the cookies structure, while the unsalted butter provides richness and a tender crumb. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the cookies, ensuring they are perfectly balanced. If you only have salted butter on hand, simply reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the sweetness.

The sugar not only sweetens the cookies but also contributes to the texture. Granulated sugar helps create a crisp edge while providing a chewy center. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can experiment with coconut sugar or a combination of granulated sugar and a sugar substitute, although these may slightly alter the final texture and flavor.

Tips for Perfectly Rolled Cookies

When rolling out the dough, ensure your work surface and rolling pin are lightly floured to prevent sticking. Additionally, keeping the dough cold is crucial for maintaining its shape. If the dough becomes warm and sticky as you work, pop it back into the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before continuing. This not only helps maintain the heart shape but also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

For even baking, aim to cut the cookies into uniform sizes. This ensures that all cookies will bake at the same rate and achieve that desired golden edge. If you want a little variation, try using different sized heart cutters for a fun look, but remember to adjust the baking time slightly if your cookies are significantly larger or smaller.

Decorating and Storing Your Cookies

I highly recommend using royal icing for decoration, as it provides a beautiful, glossy finish that hardens well. This allows for delicate designs and colorful patterns. If you're new to piping, practice on a piece of parchment paper first. Alternatively, colored sugar sprinkles are an easy way to add a festive touch without the added fuss of icing. Sprinkle them onto the cookies right after they come out of the oven while they are still warm for better adhesion.

If you have leftovers, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them even fresher, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Ensure they are completely cool before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them into a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For Decoration

Royal icing or colored sugar sprinkles

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two portions, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Roll and Cut the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on lined baking sheets.

Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Decorate

Once the cookies are cooled, decorate with royal icing or sprinkle colored sugar on top. Let decorations set before serving.

Pro Tips

To make the dough easier to work with, you can chill it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before rolling out. Additionally, feel free to substitute almond extract with lemon zest for a refreshing twist.

Making Ahead

This cookie dough can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy bakers. Prepare the dough as directed and then wrap it securely in plastic wrap. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for a month. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out and cutting it into shapes. This planning can save you time on the day of your special occasion.

Another way to streamline the process is to bake the cookies in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze them for sturdier storage. Make sure you layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking if stacking them.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with flavors! While classic vanilla and almond extracts are delightful, consider infusing the dough with citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, for a refreshing twist. You can also substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor and unique texture, which pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios as a topping.

For a chocolate version, incorporate cocoa powder into the dry ingredients. A 1/3 cup substitution for the flour creates rich chocolate sugar cookies that maintain the same lovely texture but offer a decadent twist. Pair these with white chocolate chips or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last about a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the wrapped cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.

→ What can I use for decorating if I don't have royal icing?

You can use powdered sugar mixed with a little milk to create a simple icing or just use colored sprinkles.