These sugar cookies hold their shape beautifully, have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and are ideal for decorating. Whether you frost them with royal icing, glaze them with a simple sugar icing, or keep them plain, they taste delicious every time. They’re perfect for gifting, baking with kids, or adding a personal touch to any celebration.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Optional: almond extract for a flavor boost
Optional: royal icing, buttercream, or glaze for decorating
Food coloring and sprinkles (optional for decoration)
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate cooled cookies with your preferred icing and toppings.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 24 heart-shaped cookies, depending on the size of your cutters. Total time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including chilling and baking.
Variations
Flavored Sugar Cookies: Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) for a refreshing twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly option.
Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Substitute 1/4 cup of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolaty version.
Icing Options: Decorate with royal icing for a crisp finish or buttercream for a softer, richer taste.
Holiday Twist: Use different colors and decorations to match holidays or events year-round.
Storage/Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Decorated cookies should be layered with parchment to prevent sticking. Undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving. Reheating is not necessary but can be done gently in a low oven for a few minutes if desired.
FAQs
Do I have to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and ensuring the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make and refrigerate the dough up to 2 days in advance or freeze it for up to 3 months.
What icing is best for decorating?
Royal icing gives a smooth, hard finish, while buttercream is softer and more flavorful. Choose based on your preference and design needs.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Make sure to chill the dough and avoid over-greasing your baking sheet. Baking on parchment also helps.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the recipe doubles well. Just ensure you chill each batch of dough and roll it out evenly.
Can I use salted butter?
You can, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
How thick should I roll the dough?
About 1/4 inch thick for sturdy, soft cookies that hold their shape.
What’s the best way to store decorated cookies?
In a single layer or layered with parchment in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I add sprinkles before baking?
Yes, gently press them into the cookie tops before baking for a festive look without frosting.
Are these cookies soft or crispy?
This recipe yields soft, tender cookies with slightly crisp edges. For crispier cookies, bake a little longer.
Conclusion
Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies are a delightful way to share a little love and sweetness. With a simple, reliable dough and endless decorating possibilities, they’re a fun and festive treat for any occasion. Whether you keep them classic or get creative with colors and toppings, these cookies are sure to bring smiles with every bite.
Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery treats perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any sweet celebration. Easy to cut and decorate, they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: royal icing, buttercream, or glaze for decorating
Optional: food coloring and sprinkles
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using); mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
Cut out heart shapes with cookie cutters and place on prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are just golden. Let cool on the sheet for 2 minutes.
Transfer to wire racks to cool completely before decorating.
Notes
Chill the dough to prevent cookies from spreading.Add citrus zest to the dough for a refreshing flavor twist.Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.Substitute 1/4 cup flour with cocoa powder for chocolate sugar cookies.Store decorated cookies with parchment between layers to avoid sticking.
