Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Name: Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Royal icing (prepared); Food coloring; Sprinkles

Highlighted under: Cozy Collection

I love baking cookies, especially when they come out looking cute and delicious like these heart-shaped sugar cookies. Every time I make them, I’m reminded of how simple yet rewarding baking can be. The batter comes together quickly, transforming into beautifully soft cookies that are perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a festive treat for any occasion. Plus, the joy of decorating them with colorful icing and sprinkles makes the whole experience extra special!

Created by

Tilda Greenwood

Last updated on 2026-01-08T13:57:43.233Z

When I first attempted these heart-shaped sugar cookies, I wanted to create something that would spread joy. Each cookie represents a little bit of love, and bringing them to friends is a delightful experience. After testing various recipes, I found that incorporating a touch of cream cheese made the cookies extra tender and flavorful.

One tip I discovered is to chill the dough before rolling it out; this prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps them maintain their shape perfectly. It’s a simple step, but it really makes a difference!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Adorable heart shape, perfect for any occasion
Soft and tender texture that melts in your mouth
Easy to customize with colorful icing and sprinkles

      

The Importance of Ingredients

The choice of butter is crucial in achieving the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of these heart-shaped sugar cookies. Make sure to use unsalted butter, as this allows you to control the saltiness of your dough. I always opt for fresh, high-quality butter for the best flavor, which enhances the sweetness of the sugar. The use of both vanilla and almond extracts adds depth to the taste profile, so don't skip out on either of them.

All-purpose flour is the main structure-giving ingredient in the recipe, but its gluten content can vary by brand. Too much gluten can lead to tough cookies, while too little can make them crumble. I recommend using a kitchen scale for accuracy, ensuring that you don't pack the flour. Sifting the flour before measuring can help achieve a lighter cookie, giving it the right texture without compromising its structure.

Techniques for Perfect Cookies

Chilling the dough is a vital step that shouldn’t be overlooked. It helps solidify the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, but if you can leave it longer, around 1 hour, it can significantly improve the texture. Wrap the dough tightly to keep it from drying out or absorbing any odors from the fridge.

When rolling out the dough, make sure your surface is well-floured to prevent sticking. If you find the dough is still too sticky, lightly flour your rolling pin as you go. This small trick can save you a lot of frustration! Furthermore, using a sharp cookie cutter ensures clean edges, which are essential for decorating later. If the edges are frayed, it can be challenging to achieve that polished look.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your heart-shaped sugar cookies:

Cookie Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Decoration Ingredients

Royal icing (prepared)
Food coloring
Sprinkles

Make sure to have everything ready for a smooth baking process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your heart-shaped sugar cookies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until smooth.

Add Egg and Extracts

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Roll Out and Cut

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut out heart shapes.

Bake the Cookies

Place the heart shapes onto prepared baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

Cool and Decorate

Let cookies cool on wire racks before decorating with royal icing and sprinkles.

Enjoy your beautifully decorated heart-shaped sugar cookies!

Pro Tips

To achieve perfectly shaped cookies, ensure your dough is chilled before cutting, and use a sharp cookie cutter for clean edges.

Decorating Tips

When it comes to decorating, royal icing is a great choice due to its firm hold and ability to create intricate designs. Ensure you whip the icing until it reaches a glossy consistency, then tint it with food coloring. For a fun effect, be sure to use different shades that complement each other, enhancing the overall festive look of your cookies. A squeeze bottle with a fine tip works well for detailed work.

Sprinkles can add an extra layer of texture and visual appeal. I recommend using a mix of colored sprinkles and nonpareils to create a more dynamic presentation. Feel free to get creative with the designs! You can pipe various patterns, initials, or even small hearts atop the cookies. Just let the base layer of the icing dry completely before adding more designs on top.

Storage and Freezing

These sugar cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing the undecorated cookies. Once cooled completely, you can layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and store them for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before decorating.

If you have leftover icing, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from hardening. When you're ready to use it, give it a quick mix to restore its consistency. This makes it convenient for last-minute decorating, should the cookie craving strike again!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookies?

Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for the almond extract?

You can omit it or substitute with more vanilla extract to suit your taste.