Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to get a little creative in the kitchen, and heart shaped sugar cookies are a classic treat that never disappoints. Their soft, buttery texture and sweet vanilla flavor make them ideal for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Whether you’re baking with friends, family, or your special someone, decorating these cookies is half the fun. You can get as simple or as elaborate as you like, from a light sprinkle of sugar to colorful icing designs.

These cookies are more than just a festive snack—they’re a way to show love in a deliciously tangible form. The process of cutting out perfect heart shapes and decorating them is strangely satisfying, almost like crafting edible art. For those who love the seasonal touch of Valentine’s dessert treats, these cookies fit right in. They’re sweet, charming, and totally shareable, making them a go-to for school parties, office gifts, or a cozy night in.

For anyone wondering how to make heart cookies, the good news is that it’s easier than it looks. You don’t need fancy tools or ingredients—just a few basics from your pantry and a little patience rolling out the dough. Once you get the hang of it, the possibilities for decorating are endless. From royal icing designs to colorful sprinkles, each cookie can reflect your personality or the theme of your celebration.

Valentines day sugar cookies are also a fantastic way to involve kids in the kitchen. Rolling, cutting, and decorating can turn into a fun activity that sparks creativity and teamwork. Plus, they’re a sweet reward at the end! Whether you stick to traditional red and pink or try something unexpected, these heart shaped cookies are always a crowd-pleaser that spreads joy with every bite.

Why You’ll Love It

• Perfectly festive for Valentine’s Day – These cookies aren’t just tasty; they instantly set a cheerful, romantic mood with their heart shapes and vibrant decorations. They’re a sweet centerpiece for any celebration.
• Customizable for every style – Whether you love simple sugar-dusted hearts or elaborate icing art, these cookies let you get creative. You can match colors, add sprinkles, or even write little messages on each one.
• Fun to make with loved ones – Baking heart shaped cookies is an activity everyone can enjoy. Kids, friends, or partners can all join in, making it more than just a treat—it’s a shared experience.
• Soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture – Beyond the cute factor, these cookies taste amazing. The dough bakes up tender and slightly crisp on the edges, making each bite pure indulgence.
• Great as gifts or party treats – Homemade Valentines cookies make a thoughtful, personal gift. Box them up for coworkers, friends, or neighbors, and you’ll spread a little love with every bite.

Ingredient List

For the Cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a nice depth!)

For Decorating:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (pink, red, or any fun Valentine’s shades)
• Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional, but always makes them festive!)

Ingredient Notes

• I always use unsalted butter for these cookies—it gives a clean, buttery flavor and lets the sugar shine.
• Don’t skip the baking powder! It’s what makes these heart shaped cookies soft but still hold their shape.
• If you love a subtle nutty note, almond extract is magic here—just a little goes a long way.
• For decorating, powdered sugar is key. It makes your icing smooth and perfect for piping designs.
• Food coloring and sprinkles are optional but fun—this is where you can really get creative and make your Valentines cookies extra cheerful!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls – For combining your dough ingredients. I like using a large glass bowl so it’s easy to see everything coming together.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless. My stand mixer saves so much time!
• Measuring cups & spoons – Accurate measurements are key for perfect Valentines day sugar cookies.
• Rolling pin – For rolling out the dough evenly. I love a classic wooden one—it’s sturdy and smooth.
• Heart-shaped cookie cutters – Essential for getting those adorable heart shaped cookies. A few sizes are fun to have.
• Baking sheets – For even baking. I line mine with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cooling rack – Lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy. A must-have for decorating later.
• Spatula – For lifting cookies off the tray gently. My silicone one is a lifesaver.
• Piping bags or zip-top bags – For icing your cookies. I usually snip the corner of a zip-top bag—it’s so easy!

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Make sure everything is well combined to ensure even texture in your cookies.
• Pro tip: Sifting the flour before mixing helps prevent any lumps and makes rolling the dough smoother.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to make sure everything gets mixed evenly.
• Pro tip: Don’t rush this step! Creaming properly is what gives your heart shaped cookies that soft, tender texture.

3. Add the Egg and Extracts

• Beat in one large egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until fully incorporated.
• Mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
• Pro tip: Avoid overmixing here—overworked dough can make your cookies tough instead of soft and tender.

5. Chill the Dough

• Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into clean heart shapes.

6. Roll Out the Dough

• Lightly flour your countertop and rolling pin. Roll one disk of dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
• Keep the other disk in the fridge until ready to roll.
• Pro tip: Rotate the dough occasionally while rolling to prevent sticking and ensure even thickness.

7. Cut Out Heart Shapes

• Use your heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut shapes from the dough. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut more cookies until all dough is used.

8. Bake the Cookies

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just starting to turn golden.
• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
• Pro tip: Watch closely near the end—overbaked cookies lose that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

9. Prepare the Icing

• In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
• Divide into smaller bowls and add food coloring if desired.

10. Decorate Your Heart Cookies

• Use piping bags or snipped zip-top bags to pipe icing onto cookies. Add sprinkles or edible glitter while icing is still wet.
• Let decorated cookies dry completely before stacking or gifting.
• Pro tip: For clean edges, start piping from the center of the cookie and work your way out in smooth, controlled motions.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Chill your dough – Cold dough is much easier to roll and cut, and it helps cookies keep their heart shape while baking.
• Even thickness matters – Roll your dough evenly to ensure all cookies bake at the same rate.
• Use parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes transferring cookies to a cooling rack a breeze.
• Don’t overbake – Pull cookies out when the edges are just golden; they’ll firm up as they cool and stay soft inside.
• Decorate after cooling – Icing melts if cookies are warm. Let them cool completely for clean, neat designs.
• Have fun with toppings – Sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar add a festive touch and make your Valentines cookies extra cheerful.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Butter substitute – Use unsalted margarine or coconut oil if you want a dairy-free version, but it may slightly alter texture.
• Flour alternatives – Try half all-purpose and half almond flour for a nuttier flavor.
• Sugar swaps – Coconut sugar can replace granulated sugar for a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
• Flavor twists – Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, fruity note.
• Icing options – Swap milk for cream or orange juice to change flavor; or use melted chocolate for piping instead of traditional icing.
• Heart shapes with a twist – Use mini cutters for layered designs or sandwich cookies with jam in the center.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving these heart shaped cookies with a warm cup of cocoa—the sweet, soft cookies and rich chocolate are pure comfort.
• Pair them with strawberries or fresh fruit for a colorful, Valentine’s dessert plate that looks as good as it tastes.
• Use them as a treat for gift boxes or party favors—they’re adorable, portable, and everyone smiles when they get one.
• Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert—cookies + ice cream = always a win.
• For a cozy twist, I sometimes crumble them over yogurt or pudding for a sweet, heart-themed topping that’s fun and festive.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to keep cookies soft and fresh.
• Refrigeration: Keep decorated cookies in the fridge for up to a week; allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough or baked cookies in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes for a freshly-baked taste.
• Icing tip: If icing softens in storage, let it firm up at room temperature or place in the fridge briefly before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake them a day or two in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies or dough.

How do I keep my heart cookies from spreading too much?

Chill your dough before rolling and cutting. Also, avoid overmixing the flour into the butter mixture—this keeps cookies soft but shapely.

Can I use other shapes instead of hearts?

Absolutely! Any cookie cutter works. But for Valentine’s Day, hearts are extra fun and festive.

What’s the best way to decorate without making a mess?

Use piping bags or zip-top bags with a small corner snipped. Decorate after cookies have fully cooled to prevent icing from melting.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor stays amazing.

How long will decorated cookies last?

Decorated cookies can last about a week at room temperature in an airtight container, or slightly longer in the fridge. Freezing is also a good option for later.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! I’d love to hear how your heart shaped cookies came together and what fun decorations you tried.