Heart Slice and Bake Cookies
Sweet Temptation Awaits
Ever walked into a kitchen and had the scent of freshly baked cookies wrap around you like a warm hug? That’s the magic of Heart Slice and Bake Cookies! They’re not just any cookies; they’re quick to make and can be personalized with sprinkles to send your love in cookie form. Who wouldn’t want to surprise someone special with a sweet treat that’s just as cute as it is delicious?
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you whip up a batch of these lovelies? Well, first off, they’re super easy to make. If you can mix, shape, and slice, you can handle this! Plus, with minimal cleanup, you’ll spend more time enjoying the cookies than washing dishes. And did I mention they’re family-friendly? Get the kids involved—they’ll feel like cookie chefs in no time and you get a sweet experience together!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- Red food coloring (natural, optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Directions
Getting those heart-shaped cookies ready is a breeze! Just follow these steps:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in vanilla and egg until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- If using, divide dough and add red food coloring to one part, mixing until color is evenly distributed.
- Shape both doughs into logs, wrap in parchment paper, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the chilled logs into heart shapes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with extra sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
How to Make Heart Slice and Bake Cookies (Overview)
Making these cookies feels like a fun little dance in the kitchen! You start by mixing your dry ingredients, then move on to creaming the butter and sugars until fluffy—like a fluffy cloud of sweetness. Once you’ve got your dough ready, just shape it, chill it, and let the cookie magic happen. Pro tip: Don’t skip refrigerating the dough! It helps keep those heart shapes perfect during baking.
How to Serve Heart Slice and Bake Cookies
These cookies aren’t just cute; they’re a feast for the eyes! Imagine a tray of heart-shaped cookies with a charming sprinkle of color. Serve them with a scoop of ice cream on top for an extra treat or pair them with a cozy cup of hot cocoa. That aroma wafting through? It’s the smell of happiness!
How to Store Heart Slice and Bake Cookies
These cookies can chill in your cookie jar for about a week. Stash them in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness, or freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to devour them, just pop them in the oven for a quick refresh. Who says you can’t have fresh cookies anytime?
Tips to Make Heart Slice and Bake Cookies
- Chill your dough long enough for the best slice-and-bake results—this helps maintain shape.
- Want a softer cookie? Keep an eye on bake time; pull them out right when the edges start to turn golden.
- Feel free to swap sugars for a bit more complexity in flavor! Brown sugar adds moisture and that rich, caramel-like taste.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Switch things up by adding mini chocolate chips or even crushed nuts for some texture. For a vegan twist, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative in place of butter, and replace the egg with flaxseed meal or aquafaba. Get creative—there’s no wrong way to do cookies!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Perfect for a last-minute stash of cookies!
Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
Yes! Baked cookies freeze beautifully. Just allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll be good for about three months!
How can I make these gluten-free?
Swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has a binding agent, or add a bit of xanthan gum to help things stick together.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Heart Slice and Bake Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in vanilla and egg until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- If using, divide dough and add red food coloring to one part, mixing until color is evenly distributed.
- Shape both doughs into logs, wrap in parchment paper, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the chilled logs into heart shapes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with extra sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
