Heart-shaped Sugar Cookies: A Valentine’s Delight Recipe

There's nothing quite like the joy of baking heart-shaped sugar cookies for Valentine's Day. The sweet aroma of vanilla and buttery goodness fills the kitchen, setting the perfect mood for a cozy baking session. These cookies are crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and decorated with a luscious royal icing that makes them almost too pretty to eat!

I first made these for a Valentine's party years ago, and they were an instant hit. Whether you're baking for a loved one, kids, or just treating yourself, these cookies are the ultimate way to spread some love. Let's dive into why this recipe will be your new Valentine's Day tradition!

Why You’ll Love These Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to Valentine’s Day treat! These heart-shaped sugar cookies are more than just adorable—they’re irresistibly delicious and easy to make.

First, they hold their shape beautifully. The dough is perfectly balanced, so you won’t have to worry about your hearts turning into blobs when they bake.

Second, the flavor is buttery and rich with just the right amount of sweetness. A touch of vanilla and almond extract makes every bite melt in your mouth.

Another reason to love these? They’re a decorating dream! Whether you prefer a simple dusting of sugar or intricate royal icing designs, these cookies provide the perfect canvas for creativity.

Lastly, they’re make-ahead friendly. The dough can be prepared in advance, and the cookies stay fresh for days—making them ideal for gifting or party prep.

Now that you’re convinced, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these gorgeous cookies.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these heart-shaped sugar cookies lies in a few key ingredients that ensure the perfect texture and flavor.

• Unsalted Butter – Always use unsalted butter for better control over the salt content. It should be softened but not melted for the best consistency.
• Granulated Sugar – This sweetens the cookies while helping create that perfect crisp-tender texture.
• Egg – Adds structure and moisture, making the dough easy to roll and cut.
• Vanilla & Almond Extract – The combination of these two extracts gives the cookies their signature bakery-style flavor. If you’re not a fan of almond, you can use all vanilla.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure. Be sure to measure it correctly using the spoon-and-level method to avoid a dry dough.
• Baking Powder – Helps give the cookies a slight lift without making them spread too much.
• Salt – Just a pinch enhances all the flavors.
• Royal Icing Ingredients – If you’re decorating, you’ll need powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water to create a smooth, pipeable icing.

Equipment Needed

• Heart-shaped cookie cutters
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
• Mixing bowls and electric mixer
• Piping bags and food coloring (if decorating)

Now, let’s get baking!

How to Make These Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Making these sugar cookies is as fun as decorating them! Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Valentine’s treat.

1. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that delicate texture. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for about 15-30 minutes before rolling.

2. Roll and Cut

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies, then carefully transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden. Keep an eye on them—overbaking will make them too crisp. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

4. Decorate with Royal Icing

If you’re using royal icing, mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Add food coloring as desired and transfer to piping bags. Outline and fill the cookies with icing, then let them set for at least an hour before stacking or serving.

5. Enjoy or Store for Later

Once the icing is set, these cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for the perfect Valentine’s treat.

Storage Options

These cookies stay fresh and delicious for days, making them ideal for gifting or preparing in advance.

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerator – While not necessary, you can refrigerate them for up to a week if needed.
• Freezer (Before Baking) – You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply roll, cut, and freeze the cookies on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.
• Freezer (After Baking) – Baked and decorated cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Chocolate Sugar Cookies – Replace ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey twist.
• Lemon Sugar Cookies – Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option – Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Sprinkle Sugar Cookies – Before baking, sprinkle colored sugar on top for a simple yet festive look.
• Buttercream Frosting – If you prefer a softer icing, use a simple buttercream instead of royal icing for a creamy finish.

No matter how you decorate them, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

Print