Soft, buttery, and beautifully decorated heart sugar cookies topped with creamy buttercream icing, perfect for celebrations, gifts, and cozy moments with loved ones.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe combines simplicity with elegance. It delivers tender cookies, rich flavor, and stunning presentation. Whether for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or everyday treats, these cookies always leave a lasting impression.
Kitchen Tools Needed
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer or whisk
– Rolling pin
– Heart-shaped cookie cutter
– Baking sheets
– Parchment paper
– Wire cooling rack
– Spatula or piping bag
Ingredients
For the Cookies
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
For the Buttercream Icing
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Red or pink food coloring (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract, and mix well.
5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until combined.
6. Add milk gradually until soft dough forms.
7. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on floured surface.
8. Cut heart shapes and place on baking sheets.
9. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges turn golden.
10. Cool cookies completely on wire rack.
11. Beat butter for icing until creamy.
12. Add powdered sugar and milk gradually.
13. Mix in vanilla and coloring.
14. Frost cooled cookies using spatula or piping bag.
Tips for Perfect Results
– Chill dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
– Use room-temperature butter for better texture.
– Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
– Let cookies cool fully before frosting.
Flavor Variations and Additions
– Add lemon zest for citrus aroma.
– Replace almond extract with coconut extract.
– Top with sprinkles or edible pearls.
– Use chocolate buttercream instead of vanilla.
Storage and Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to 7 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
– Calories: ~180 kcal
– Carbohydrates: 24 g
– Fat: 9 g
– Protein: 2 g
– Sugar: 15 g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Warm dough or too much butter may cause spreading. Chilling helps prevent this.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, unfrosted cookies freeze well for up to two months.
How can I make softer cookies?
Avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container.
Final Tip
Bake these cookies with patience and joy. Take your time with each step, enjoy the process, and let every heart-shaped cookie reflect your passion for homemade baking.
