Bright, cheerful, and totally adorable, Slice and Bake Heart Cookies take classic butter cookies and turn them into a charming treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth base and a pop of color right through the center, these cookies are perfect for sharing with friends, gifting to someone special, or simply delighting your own sweet tooth. Not only do they look impressive with their hidden heart shape, but the process of creating, slicing, and baking each batch really feels like a mini celebration. If you’re searching for the perfect project to share with little helpers or a way to add extra love to your cookie tray, Slice and Bake Heart Cookies will win hearts every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how accessible these ingredients are—simple pantry staples that come together to create a truly magical cookie. The secret to the best Slice and Bake Heart Cookies is choosing top-quality basics, from real butter for richness to the perfect pop of food coloring that brings these beauties to life.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): This is the foundation for buttery flavor and tender texture—let it come to room temperature for best results.
- Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Just the right amount for sweetness and structure; creaming it with the butter ensures a light, fluffy cookie.
- Large Egg (1): Acts as the binder, making your dough cohesive and lending just a hint of richness.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Deepens the cookie’s flavor and adds a warm, classic note.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): Gives the cookies structure while keeping that tender bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out every other flavor.
- Red or Pink Food Coloring: A couple drops of gel coloring will deliver a vibrant stripe without altering texture.
- Sprinkles or Sanding Sugar (optional): For a little extra sparkle and crunch around the edges, don’t skip this finishing touch if you want to make your hearts truly shine.
How to Make Slice and Bake Heart Cookies
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start off strong by combining your softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy; this helps ensure your Slice and Bake Heart Cookies will be delicate and tender instead of dense. Don’t rush this step—the extra minute really makes a difference in the final texture.
Step 2: Mix in Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in your vanilla extract. Continue beating until everything is thoroughly combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. The mixture should look creamy and a little glossy at this point. This step adds richness and that wonderful aromatic note to your cookies.
Step 3: Add Flour and Salt
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—you want your dough to come together smoothly but remain tender for rolling later on. The dough might seem a touch sticky, but it will firm up after chilling.
Step 4: Divide and Tint the Dough
Now for a little kitchen fun! Split the dough into two equal portions. Place one half back in the bowl and add red or pink gel food coloring. Mix until you have an even, vibrant hue—that signature “hidden heart” is the centerpiece of these Slice and Bake Heart Cookies.
Step 5: Shape and Chill Colored Dough
Roll your tinted dough into a log about 1 inch wide, then wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough so it holds its shape beautifully when cut and stacked in the next step.
Step 6: Cut Out Heart Shapes
Slice your chilled colored dough evenly. Using a small heart-shaped cutter, cut out hearts from each slice and set them aside gently. Don’t worry about perfection; stacked together, the hearts will make a stunning reveal in every cookie.
Step 7: Prepare Uncolored Dough and Assemble Log
Take your uncolored dough and roll it into a log of the same diameter as your colored one. Using the same heart cutter, press a groove down the center. Carefully stack your colored hearts in the groove, pressing gently to fit the entire length of the log, creating a stripe of hearts from end to end.
Step 8: Chill the Assembled Dough
Wrap the assembled dough log tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour, or until it’s very firm. This step is essential for achieving those clean, picture-perfect slices once you’re ready to bake.
Step 9: Slice, Decorate, and Bake
With a sharp knife, slice the chilled log into 1/4-inch thick cookies. If you want some extra sparkle, roll the edges in sprinkles or sanding sugar before placing each round on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are a pale golden color. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack—try to resist grabbing one right away!
How to Serve Slice and Bake Heart Cookies
Garnishes
Amp up their cuteness with a shower of sanding sugar or your favorite festive sprinkles around the edges before baking. For an extra decadent touch, drizzle with a little melted white chocolate or dust with powdered sugar once cooled. These little additions catch the light and make your Slice and Bake Heart Cookies sparkle on the plate.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a cozy mug of hot cocoa or a frothy latte for the ultimate comfort snack. These beauties also shine alongside a dish of fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even served with a dollop of whipped cream for a special dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Slice and Bake Heart Cookies in a clear gift bag tied with a colorful ribbon, or layer them in a decorative tin lined with tissue. For parties, arrange them on a tiered stand with edible flower petals or sprigs of mint tucked in for a sweet, inviting display. You can even pack them in little boxes for unforgettable party favors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They stay wonderfully tender and flavorful, so you’ll have a sweet treat ready anytime a craving hits. Just make sure the container is truly airtight to keep them from drying out.
Freezing
Both the baked cookies and the dough logs freeze beautifully! For maximum convenience, wrap dough logs tightly in plastic and freeze for up to three months—slice and bake directly from the freezer for fresh cookies anytime. If you’ve already baked them, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment in a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to two months.
Reheating
If you crave the taste of fresh-from-the-oven, you can quickly reheat your cookies. Simply pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 3 to 4 minutes. This little trick revives the buttery aroma and gives your Slice and Bake Heart Cookies that soft, just-baked texture once again.
FAQs
Can I make Slice and Bake Heart Cookies ahead for a party?
Absolutely! The dough logs can be made days (or even weeks) in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer. Just slice and bake when you’re ready—so you’re always minutes away from party-ready, fresh cookies with a charming heart in every bite.
What kind of food coloring works best?
Gel food coloring is ideal because it delivers bold, beautiful colors without making the dough wet or sticky. If you use liquid coloring, add it sparingly since it might alter the dough’s consistency. Start small—you can always add more for a brighter heart.
Do I need to chill the dough before slicing?
Yes, chilling is a must for the sharpest, cleanest slices and well-defined heart shapes. If the dough isn’t firm, the log can flatten or the design can smudge, so give it at least an hour in the fridge—or pop it in the freezer for a fast chill.
How do I keep my Slice and Bake Heart Cookies from spreading?
Be sure the dough is well chilled before slicing and baking, and avoid overhandling it once it’s shaped. Baking on parchment and spacing your cookies at least 2 inches apart also helps them bake up evenly without losing their lovely heart centers.
Can I use this method with other shapes or colors?
Definitely! While the classic hearts make Slice and Bake Heart Cookies perfect for Valentine’s Day or anniversaries, you can switch up the shape and color for any celebration—think stars for the holidays, flowers in spring tones, or even initials for personalized treats.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about slicing into a batch of Slice and Bake Heart Cookies and revealing those hidden hearts—every cookie is a tiny, delicious love letter. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, as a sweet gift, or just because, give this recipe a try and watch the smiles appear. Go on, preheat your oven and let the cookie fun begin!
Print
Slice and Bake Heart Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Slice and Bake Heart Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. With a buttery, vanilla-infused dough and a pop of festive color, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red or pink food coloring
- Sprinkles or sanding sugar for edges (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dough: Add the flour and salt, mix until a soft dough forms.
- Color Dough: Divide the dough in half. Tint one portion with food coloring.
- Shape Dough: Shape colored dough into a log and refrigerate. Repeat with uncolored dough.
- Assemble Cookies: Slice and cut out heart shapes from both logs. Stack the hearts, wrap, and chill.
- Bake: Slice into cookies, roll edges in sprinkles if desired, and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool: Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors.
- Dough logs can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
