Slice and Bake Heart Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, let me introduce you to the utterly charming Slice and Bake Heart Cookies! Imagine a buttery sugar cookie with a surprise heart peeking through every slice, perfect for sharing a little extra love. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just because, these cookies promise smiles, sweet flavors, and plenty of “wow!” moments. I’ve got all the tips, tricks, and cheerful encouragement you’ll need to make this recipe a new favorite in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great cookies start with simple, quality ingredients—and each one in these Slice and Bake Heart Cookies plays a special part. From snowy white flour to vibrant food coloring, everything comes together for delicious, tender cookies with that stunning surprise inside.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The backbone of a classic sugar cookie, butter gives richness, flavor, and melts in your mouth.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Adds the perfect sweet balance and gives your cookies just the right amount of crisp edges.
- Large Egg (1): Binds the dough for that hearty, chewy texture you’ll love.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): For that cozy, homemade flavor and delightful aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour (2½ cups): Provides structure, so your cookies keep their pretty shape when sliced.
- Baking Powder (¼ teaspoon): A touch of lift makes the cookies light and tender rather than dense.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and make all those flavors pop.
- Red or Pink Gel Food Coloring: Gel coloring gives vibrant color and joy without making your dough runny—crucial for clean, sharp hearts.
How to Make Slice and Bake Heart Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by grabbing a large bowl and beating together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and pale—this aeration makes for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Give it a good 2 to 3 minutes with a mixer, scraping down the sides so nothing gets left behind.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully combined. This step not only adds that classic sugar cookie flavor but also ensures the dough holds together when you shape and slice it later.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, blending just until a soft, uniform dough forms—don’t overmix! This is where the magic texture starts to happen.
Step 4: Tint the Dough and Shape the Hearts
Divide the dough in half. Tint one half with your choice of red or pink gel food coloring, kneading it gently until the color is vivid and evenly spread. Shape this colored dough into a long log—either square or rectangular for easier slicing. Slice the log into slabs (about half an inch thick), then use a small heart cutter to cut out hearts from each slab. Stack the hearts upright to form a long log of heart shapes, pressing gently so they adhere.
Step 5: Encase and Chill the Dough
Roll out the plain dough into strips or slabs, then wrap it snugly around your heart log to create a cylinder. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—these cookies have homemade charm! Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours, until very firm. Chilling ensures tidy slices and bakery-worthy results.
Step 6: Slice and Bake Heart Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds; marvel at every adorable heart! Arrange the cookies with a little room between them, then bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be set but not browned, for a soft, tender bite. Cool completely on a rack before serving or decorating further, if you like.
How to Serve Slice and Bake Heart Cookies
Garnishes
While the vibrant hearts are stunning on their own, you can dress up your Slice and Bake Heart Cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a simple vanilla glaze, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Sprinkles or edible glitter add an extra festive flair, too—especially fun for kids or special occasions!
Side Dishes
For a sweet gathering, pair these cookies with a mug of cocoa, a cup of coffee, or a cold glass of milk. If you’re preparing a dessert table, a fruit plate or some chocolate-dipped strawberries are lovely, refreshing companions that balance the richness of the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies in a heart-shaped box or stack them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful, homemade gifts. For parties, layer them on a pretty platter with fresh berries or create a “cookie bouquet” by threading the cookies onto skewers and placing in a decorative jar. There’s no wrong way to share the cheerful charm of Slice and Bake Heart Cookies!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Slice and Bake Heart Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days. Just keep them away from excessive humidity or heat for the best texture.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! You can freeze the baked cookies in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. Alternatively, freeze the shaped and wrapped dough for future baking—simply thaw slightly and slice before baking when a cookie craving strikes.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies a touch warm, just pop them in a 300°F oven for about 3 minutes, or give them a few seconds in the microwave. This brings back that fresh-baked aroma and softens them up for an extra treat.
FAQs
How do I keep the heart shapes from getting distorted during slicing?
Chilling the dough log thoroughly is essential for sharp, defined hearts. Use a gentle sawing motion with a sharp, thin knife to cut cleanly through the log for picture-perfect hearts every time.
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is highly recommended because it delivers bold color without adding excess liquid to the dough, which could make it sticky or alter the texture. If you only have liquid coloring, use it sparingly and add a touch more flour if needed.
Can I add flavors to the dough?
Absolutely! Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a bit of lemon zest to the dough for a twist. These additions complement the buttery, vanilla base and add beautiful nuance to your Slice and Bake Heart Cookies.
What size heart cutter should I use?
Opt for a small heart cutter, about 1 inch in size, so you can stack several hearts easily and fit them inside the log. The exact size depends on your preference, but smaller cutters create a more dramatic and adorable cross-section in each cookie.
Do I have to chill the dough for a full 2 hours?
For the cleanest slices and best shape, chilling for at least 2 hours is recommended. If you’re in a rush, pop the log in the freezer for 45 minutes to 1 hour instead—just check to ensure it’s firm all the way through before slicing.
Final Thoughts
Baking Slice and Bake Heart Cookies is pure joy, both for the baker and everyone lucky enough to share them. There’s something magical about revealing that sweet heart in every bite! Whether you’re crafting a special gift or just making memories in the kitchen, these cookies are sure to bring warmth, smiles, and a whole lot of love. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at just how fun and easy they are!
Print
Slice and Bake Heart Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: About 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Slice and Bake Heart Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion, with a buttery, tender texture and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or anytime you want to spread a little love with a homemade treat.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Additional:
- Red or pink gel food coloring
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Color and Shape Dough: Divide dough, tint one portion with gel food coloring, shape into logs, cut into slices, cut heart shapes, stack hearts, wrap with plain dough.
- Chill Dough: Chill for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Bake: Preheat oven, slice chilled dough, place on baking sheets, bake until edges are set but not browned.
- Cool and Serve: Cool on a rack before serving.
Notes
- Use gel coloring to avoid adding extra liquid to the dough.
- The cookie dough can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months.
- For flavor variation, add almond extract or lemon zest to the dough.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~110
- Sugar: ~8 g
- Sodium: ~35 mg
- Fat: ~5 g
- Saturated Fat: ~3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: ~1 g
- Cholesterol: ~20 mg
