Fun Heart-Shaped Slice and Bake Cookies Recipe for Everyone

These adorable slice and bake heart cookies melt hearts faster than chocolate in a warm kitchen.

Sweet moments emerge when unexpected shapes transform ordinary baking into something magical.

Home bakers can easily create delightful treats without complicated techniques or professional skills.

Soft butter and simple ingredients come together in minutes, promising delectable results.

Precision matters less than passion when crafting these charming cookies.

Romantic gestures start small, and these cookies speak volumes about thoughtful affection.

Friends and sweethearts will appreciate the love baked into each delightful bite.

Tips for Crisp Edges and Even Hearts

• Chill for Crisp Edges: Refrigerate the dough log for at least an hour to help the cookies maintain their shape and create clean, sharp heart outlines during baking.
• Customize Color Creatively: Experiment with different food coloring shades to match holidays, personal preferences, or special occasions like Valentine's Day or birthday celebrations.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp, non-serrated knife and clean it between cuts to ensure smooth, even cookie slices that bake uniformly and look professionally made.
• Prevent Spreading Smartly: Keep cookie dough cold before baking and space slices 2 inches apart to prevent spreading and maintain the heart's distinct shape.
• Store for Sweetness: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze unbaked dough logs for spontaneous cookie baking anytime.

Storage Tricks for Lasting Cookie Texture

• Preserve these delightful heart cookies by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Separate each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful shape.
• Refrigerate the cookies if you want to extend their freshness for an additional 3-4 days.
• Freeze the cookie dough log for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer bag, allowing you to slice and bake fresh cookies whenever a sweet craving strikes.
• When freezing baked cookies, place them in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container with wax paper between each row to preserve their texture and prevent breakage.

Sweet Pairings for Valentine Moments

• Pair with Sweet Sips: Serve these delightful heart cookies alongside a creamy vanilla latte or a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea. The subtle sweetness complements the buttery cookie perfectly.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cookies and pair with a rich hot chocolate. The intense chocolate notes will elevate the vanilla base and create a decadent treat.
• Fruity Twist Combo: Enjoy these cookies with a chilled strawberry smoothie or raspberry iced tea. The bright fruit flavors provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery cookie texture.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Serve with a glass of moscato or sweet dessert wine. The light, sweet wine will highlight the cookie's delicate vanilla flavor and create an elegant dessert experience.

Creative Colors and Flavors to Try

• Chocolate Marble Hearts: Swap food coloring for cocoa powder, creating a rich chocolate and vanilla marbled heart effect. Swirl the two doughs together for an elegant, two-tone cookie that looks sophisticated and tastes divine.
• Berry Blush Cookies: Replace vanilla extract with strawberry extract and add a touch of pink food coloring. Mix finely chopped dried strawberries into the dough for bursts of fruity flavor and natural color.
• Almond Elegance Cookies: Incorporate almond extract instead of vanilla and add finely ground almonds to the dough. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a nutty crunch and beautiful texture.
• Citrus Sunshine Cookies: Zest orange or lemon into the vanilla dough, adding bright citrus notes. Use corresponding colored food coloring to match the zesty flavor, creating a sunny, refreshing cookie variation.

Heart Cookie FAQ for Easy Baking

• Why do I need to freeze the heart-shaped dough log before assembling?

Freezing helps the colored dough firm up, making it easier to handle and maintain its shape when wrapping with the vanilla dough. This ensures clean, crisp heart lines in your final cookies.

• Can I use different colors for the heart-shaped dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various food coloring shades to create unique heart designs. Red, pink, or even pastel colors work great for these slice and bake cookies.

• How do I get a perfect heart shape in the dough log?

Use a ruler or small spatula to press and shape the sides of the colored dough into a precise heart shape. Take your time and work slowly to create clean, defined edges.

• What's the best way to slice the cookies evenly?

Use a sharp knife and slice the chilled dough log with gentle, consistent pressure. Rotate the log as you cut to maintain an even 1/4-inch thickness for uniform baking.

Why Heart-Shaped Slice and Bake Cookies Are a Hit

• Craft with Love: These heart-shaped slice and bake cookies offer a delightful way to create personalized, visually stunning treats that scream creativity and affection.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic baking skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers who want a hassle-free cookie-making experience.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or romantic celebrations, these cookies bring a heartwarming touch to any gathering with their charming heart-embedded design.
• Customize and Impress: With easy color variations and decoration options like chocolate drizzles or sanding sugar, bakers can personalize these cookies to match any theme or preference, ensuring a unique and memorable dessert.

Everything You Need for Pretty Cookie Slices

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture. Use unsalted, high-quality butter at room temperature.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the cookie dough. Fresh, large eggs work best.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the basic structure of the cookie. Use fresh, sifted flour for smooth dough.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness. Fine table salt recommended.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie browning. Granulated white sugar preferred.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor. Pure vanilla extract gives the best taste.
• Food Coloring: Creates the heart-shaped color variation. Gel food coloring gives more vibrant results with less liquid.

• Melted Chocolate, Sanding Sugar: Adds extra visual appeal and texture to finished cookies. Optional but recommended for festive presentation.

How to Roll, Slice, and Bake with Ease

Step 1: Whip Up Vanilla Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Blend ingredients until a smooth, tender dough forms. Mix gently to keep the texture light and airy.

Step 2: Color Your Cookie Canvas

• Food coloring of your choice

Knead the color thoroughly until the dough becomes evenly tinted. Shape the colored dough into a heart-shaped log using gentle pressure. Wrap the colorful creation in plastic and pop it in the freezer for a quick 20-30 minute chill.

Step 3: Layer the Magical Dough

Roll out the remaining vanilla dough into a generous rectangle. Carefully wrap the colored heart log with the plain dough, pressing softly to create a seamless blend. Smooth the exterior by rolling gently on a clean surface. Wrap the entire log in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to firm up.

Step 4: Slice and Bake with Love

Preheat the oven to 350F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled dough log into delicate slices. Arrange cookies on the baking sheet, leaving space between each slice. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown. Allow cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

• Melted chocolate drizzle
• Sparkling sanding sugar
• Colorful sprinkles

Serve and watch faces light up with each delightful bite!

Slice And Bake Heart Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet romance blossoms in these slice and bake heart cookies, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any moment needing sugary affection. Delicate butter shortbread hearts adorned with pastel glaze create a charming treat you’ll adore sharing with loved ones.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (230 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 ½ cups (310 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, room temperature

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Color Variation Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon red or pink food coloring

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundational vanilla dough by thoroughly blending softened butter and sugar until exceptionally smooth and aerated. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, then gently fold in flour and salt, creating a delicate, cohesive mixture.
2. Divide the vanilla dough, reserving a portion for the heart-shaped core. Infuse the separated segment with vibrant food coloring, kneading until uniformly tinted. Meticulously sculpt the colored dough into an elongated heart shape, utilizing precise techniques like ruler pressing or hand molding.
3. Carefully encase the colored heart-shaped core with the remaining vanilla dough, transforming it into a uniform log. Delicately smooth the exterior by rolling on a flat surface, ensuring seamless integration of the two dough varieties.
4. Refrigerate the assembled dough log for approximately one hour, allowing the ingredients to solidify and meld flavors. This chilling process enhances structural integrity and flavor concentration.
5. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare parchment-lined baking sheets. Using a razor-sharp knife, slice the chilled dough log into uniform, thin rounds approximately 1/4-inch thick.
6. Arrange cookie slices with strategic spacing on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, monitoring for delicate golden edges that indicate perfect doneness.
7. Allow cookies to rest momentarily on baking sheets, then transfer to a cooling rack. Optional embellishments include chocolate drizzles or decorative sanding sugar for enhanced visual appeal and texture.

Notes

• Chill dough thoroughly to maintain the heart shape and prevent spreading during baking, ensuring clean, crisp cookie edges.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without affecting the dough’s consistency, creating a bold and eye-catching heart center.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, helping create a uniform dough texture that’s easy to shape and slice.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, keeping the cookie’s delicate structure intact.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ 1 hour chilling)
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg