Name: Heart-shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-3 tablespoons milk; Food coloring (optional); Sprinkles or decorative sugar (optional)

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There’s something magical about pulling a tray of perfectly baked heart-shaped sugar cookies out of the oven, their golden edges glistening with sugar crystals. These cookies are a sweet way to show love—whether for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just because.

I’ve been making these cookies for years, and they never fail to bring a smile to someone’s face. The dough is buttery, the flavor is rich with hints of vanilla, and the texture strikes the perfect balance between crisp and soft. Let me walk you through this delightful recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with these charming cookies—they’re sure to win hearts!

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. The dough comes together in minutes with pantry staples, making this a perfect last-minute baking project.

Second, these cookies are customizable and fun for all ages. From colorful sprinkles to piped royal icing, decorating them is as much a part of the fun as eating them.

Not only are they delightful to look at, but they’re also absolutely delicious. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture pairs perfectly with a hint of vanilla, creating a cookie that’s irresistible.

Lastly, these cookies store beautifully. Make them ahead of time for stress-free celebrations or enjoy them fresh from the oven. Let’s get started!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these heart-shaped sugar cookies lies in their simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect cookie.

Unsalted Butter: Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing and a smooth dough. The richness of the butter is what gives these cookies their signature flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and a slight crispness. You can also roll the cookies in extra sugar before baking for added sparkle.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, all-purpose flour creates a tender, sturdy cookie that holds its shape during baking.
Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla for the best flavor. A touch of almond extract can also be added for a more nuanced taste.
Eggs: Bind the dough together and add richness. Use room-temperature eggs for the best results.

Special Equipment

You’ll need a heart-shaped cookie cutter for this recipe. If you don’t have one, get creative with other shapes or use a knife to freehand your hearts. A rolling pin and parchment paper will also come in handy for even rolling and easy cleanup.

How to Make Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Creating these cookies is as enjoyable as eating them. Follow these simple steps to bring them to life:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Gradually add 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for easier rolling and ensuring the cookies hold their shape.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies, placing them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Options

One of the best things about these cookies is their versatility in storage:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Line layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.
Freezing Dough: Roll the dough into a disc and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.

Reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if you prefer warm cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of these cookies is their adaptability. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for similar results.
Flavored Extracts: Swap vanilla extract for almond, lemon, or peppermint extract to give the cookies a unique twist.
Decorations: Add festive sprinkles, drizzle melted chocolate, or pipe royal icing for special occasions.
Colored Dough: Divide the dough and mix in food coloring to create vibrant designs.

Experimenting with flavors and decorations makes every batch unique. Have fun and let your creativity shine!

These heart-shaped sugar cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a gesture of love baked into every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or keeping them all to yourself, they’re sure to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite. Happy baking!