If you’re looking for the ultimate way to celebrate love (or just bring a little cheer to someone’s day), look no further than Slice and Bake Heart Cookies. These irresistible treats combine tender, buttery shortbread with a peekaboo heart center in blushing hues of pink or red. Not only are they eye-catching for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just-because baking, but the magic is truly in the process—each slice reveals a perfect little heart, making every cookie feel like a personal love note!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this recipe was chosen for a reason—you get that classic, creamy cookie base with a hint of vanilla, and just a touch of color for an unforgettable surprise. Here’s why each ingredient is must-have magic for your Slice and Bake Heart Cookies:
- Unsalted butter, softened: The heart and soul of the cookie, creating that iconic melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Lends just the right amount of sweetness and helps the cookies bake up with a gently crisp edge.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder and provides structure, so your heart shapes stay sharp and perky.
- Vanilla extract: Gives warmth and depth, making every bite aromatic and homey.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the dough—don’t skimp or swap here!
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
- Red or pink food coloring: For that signature burst of color in the hearts; gel works especially well for a vivid touch.
How to Make Slice and Bake Heart Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by blending your softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer (or a stand mixer if you have one). Cream the mixture until it becomes light, pale, and fluffy—this is the foundation for the signature texture in your Slice and Bake Heart Cookies.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugar are perfectly combined, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. These add both structure and flavor, making your dough luxuriously supple and aromatic.
Step 3: Mix in Flour and Salt
Gently add the flour and salt to your mixture. Stir on low speed just until a soft, cohesive dough forms—resist the urge to overmix, as this could make your cookies tough rather than tender.
Step 4: Color and Shape the Hearts
Divide the dough in half. Mix red or pink food coloring into one portion, kneading it in until the color is completely even. Shape the tinted dough into a log, flatten slightly, and use a mini heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out a generous batch of hearts. Carefully stack the hearts together into one snug log, pressing gently to adhere—use a touch of water or egg white if they won’t stick.
Step 5: Chill and Assemble the Log
Chill the heart log in the freezer for 20 minutes; this firms the shapes so they don’t distort. Meanwhile, roll the untinted dough into a flat disc. Once your hearts are firm, wrap the plain dough smoothly around the heart log, pressing and rolling gently to create a perfectly round cylinder. Let the whole log chill in the fridge for at least an hour, so slicing is neat and tidy.
Step 6: Slice and Bake Slice and Bake Heart Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment. Slice the chilled dough into quarter-inch rounds. Place them carefully on your sheets with the heart facing up front and center. Bake the Slice and Bake Heart Cookies for 10–12 minutes, until they’re set and the edges are just barely golden. Let them cool on the pan before transferring to a rack to cool completely—resist sampling while they’re hot!
How to Serve Slice and Bake Heart Cookies
Garnishes
The visual appeal of these cookies is already top-tier, but you can glam them up even more! Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of white chocolate, or a sprinkle of festive sanding sugars for extra sparkle.
Side Dishes
These sweet, buttery cookies are delightful alongside a cup of hot cocoa, fresh strawberries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For afternoon tea, pair Slice and Bake Heart Cookies with fragrant herbal blends or a frothy latte—pure joy!
Creative Ways to Present
Gift these cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon, stack them in a pretty tin with tissue paper, or arrange on a tiered serving stand for brunch. For a party, write little notes on tags and tuck them into the boxes with your Slice and Bake Heart Cookies for a personalized treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cooled cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly delicious for up to five days—if they last that long! Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking or smudging.
Freezing
Both the unbaked cookie log and fully baked cookies freeze beautifully. For dough, wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. For baked cookies, pop them into an airtight container or freezer bag, with parchment paper in between, for up to one month.
Reheating
While these cookies are at their best at room temperature, if you crave a touch of warmth, a quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave will revive that just-baked aroma. Be gentle—they’re delicate!
FAQs
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Gel food coloring is actually the preferred choice—it produces a richer, more vibrant hue without adding extra liquid to your dough, ensuring your Slice and Bake Heart Cookies keep their perfect structure.
What if I don’t have a mini heart cookie cutter?
No worries! You can shape small hearts by hand, use a knife, or try another small shape cutter (like a star or flower) for a fun twist on the classic heart design.
Can I flavor the dough with something besides vanilla?
Absolutely! Almond extract or lemon zest brings a lovely new personality to your cookies. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to taste for subtle flavor that won’t overpower that signature buttery goodness.
How thick should I slice the cookies?
Slicing into quarter-inch rounds works perfectly—it lets your cookies bake through evenly, keeps the hearts well-defined, and gives the ideal balance between tender middles and crisp edges.
Are these cookies good for gifting or shipping?
Yes—they’re both sturdy and stunning, and they hold up well for gifting. Just be sure to pack them snugly with parchment between layers, and choose a box or tin where the cookies can’t slide around during transport.
Final Thoughts
These Slice and Bake Heart Cookies are more than a treat—they’re a joyful baking project, a little work of love, and a guaranteed way to spark smiles. Gather your ingredients and give them a try for your next celebration or rainy afternoon; nothing beats the surprise of that perfect heart in every slice!
Print
Slice and Bake Heart Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Slice and Bake Heart Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of sweetness, these cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day or as a special homemade gift. The process of creating these heart-shaped cookies is as enjoyable as savoring their delicious taste.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- Red or pink food coloring
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Color and Shape Dough: Divide the dough, tint one half with food coloring, shape into hearts, stack them, and chill.
- Form the Log: Wrap the uncolored dough around the heart log and chill until firm.
- Bake: Preheat the oven, slice the dough, and bake until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- You can flavor the dough with almond extract or lemon zest for a fun twist.
- These cookies freeze well and make adorable gifts or festive treats for Valentine’s Day and special occasions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
