Introduction
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and what could be sweeter than baking a batch of heart-shaped cookies to share with your loved ones? These delightful cookies are not only fun to make, but they also burst with sweetness and love in every bite. With a tender, buttery texture and beautiful red or pink sanding sugar on top, they are perfect for gift-giving or simply enjoying at home. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup red or pink sanding sugar for decoration
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a perfect non-stick surface for your cookies.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside as we prepare the buttery base.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
- Beat in the egg, along with the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing just until everything comes together beautifully. Avoid overmixing to keep those cookies tender.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then gently flatten them slightly. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out charming heart shapes from the dough.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, giving them about 2 inches of space to spread out during baking.
- Sprinkle the tops with the vibrant red or pink sanding sugar, adding a festive touch to each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, creating that perfect golden-brown look.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the aroma while they cool!
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough before baking. If you want to personalize these cookies, you can decorate them with royal icing or flavored glaze after they’ve completely cooled.
Cooking Techniques
Remember to use room-temperature butter for the creaming process; this helps achieve that light and fluffy texture. When rolling out the cookies, keep your work surface lightly floured to prevent sticking. Also, using parchment paper not only makes for easy cleanup but helps the cookies bake evenly.
FAQ
Can I make the cookie dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let it soften slightly at room temperature before shaping.
How should I store the cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing them in a single layer and then transferring them to a freezer bag.
Conclusion
These heart cookies are a delightful way to celebrate love and friendship this Valentine’s Day. Their tender texture, sweet buttery flavor, and festive decoration make them a hit at any gathering. Whether given as a heartfelt gift or enjoyed with a cup of tea, they are sure to spread joy and sweetness. So gather your ingredients, and let the baking magic begin!