Description
Delightful heart-shaped sugar cookies bring romantic baking magic to special celebrations. Sweet vanilla dough creates charming treats perfect for Valentine’s Day or anniversary gatherings you’ll cherish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups (340 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Decoration:
- Icing
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare workspace by lining baking sheets with parchment paper and heating oven to 350F (175C).
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter mixture, mixing until fully integrated.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Dust work surface with flour and roll out dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness, ensuring even distribution.
- Press heart-shaped cookie cutters into rolled dough, carefully transferring delicate shapes onto prepared baking sheets.
- Position cookie-laden sheets in preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for subtle golden edges as doneness indicator.
- Remove cookies from oven and allow complete cooling on wire rack before embellishing with decorative icing and festive sprinkles.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain crisp heart shapes during baking.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure smooth, even mixing and consistent cookie texture.
- Swap almond extract with additional vanilla for nut-free version or experiment with other flavor extracts like orange or lemon zest for unique taste profiles.
- Store cookies in airtight container with parchment between layers to maintain softness and prevent breaking for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg