When you’re looking for a treat that’s every bit as charming as it is delicious, nothing beats Slice and Bake Heart Cookies. These sweet bites feature tender shortbread hugging a colorful heart, all revealed with every slice—like edible love letters fresh from the oven! They’re an absolute favorite for Valentine’s Day, but honestly, their buttery flavor and striking look steal the show at any time of year. The best part? The clever “slice and bake” method makes them a fun, confidence-boosting kitchen project you’ll want to show off.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, the magic of these Slice and Bake Heart Cookies comes from how each one works together for melt-in-your-mouth texture, buttery richness, and that unforgettable pink or red center. Each element is chosen not just for taste, but to create the ultimate visually stunning cookie.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The star of the show, giving that classic tender crumb and rich flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (3/4 cup): Ensures a delicate sweetness and ultra-smooth dough that’s easy to work with.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, familiar undertones that make each bite extra inviting.
- Almond Extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Just a hint brings a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the buttery base.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides all the structure your cookies need for perfectly crisp edges.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brightens all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Red or Pink Gel Food Coloring: Less is more! A little gel creates those vivid, never-faded colors at the heart of each cookie.
How to Make Slice and Bake Heart Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter together with powdered sugar in a large bowl. You’re aiming for a fluffy, pale mixture—this technique aerates the dough for that signature light, crumbly shortbread bite. Take your time here, and don’t forget to scrape down the bowl!
Step 2: Add Extracts for Flavor
Mix in the vanilla extract and, if you love a touch of almond, add the almond extract too. These boost the dough with gentle background notes that make the cookies utterly irresistible, balancing out the sweetness perfectly.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your butter-sugar mixture, blending until just combined. Over-mixing at this stage can toughen the cookies, so just mix until there are no streaks of flour left.
Step 4: Color and Shape the Heart Dough
Divide the dough in half. Take one portion and tint it with a few drops of red or pink gel food coloring. Knead the coloring through gently until evenly blended. Roll this colored dough into a log about 1 inch in diameter, then chill for at least 20 minutes—cold dough will cut the cleanest shapes.
Step 5: Cut Out and Build the Heart Center
Slice your chilled colored dough log into little rounds, then use a mini heart-shaped cutter to stamp out hearts from each round. There’s a wonderfully satisfying rhythm to this part! Stack the heart cutouts vertically, lining them up to form one tall, sturdy heart-shaped log.
Step 6: Wrap with Plain Dough
Roll the plain dough into a thin rectangle, just wide enough to wrap around your heart log. Nestle the heart log onto the rectangle and gently wrap, pressing lightly so the dough seals but doesn’t squash the heart detail. Wrap the finished log in parchment or plastic wrap, and chill for at least an hour until very firm.
Step 7: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/4-inch thick cookies—watch those little hearts appear like sweet surprises in every slice! Arrange them on the baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges start turning golden. Cool them completely on a wire rack for the crispiest texture.
How to Serve Slice and Bake Heart Cookies
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar can lend a frosted look, while a dip of white chocolate or a drizzle of royal icing on half of each Slice and Bake Heart Cookie takes them straight into “wow” territory. For a playful touch, edible glitter or sparkling sugar adds a magical finish.
Side Dishes
Slice and Bake Heart Cookies are lovely with a pot of black tea, a creamy latte, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a dessert platter, tuck them alongside fresh berries or fruit salad—their rich, buttery flavor pairs beautifully with something bright and tangy.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a handful in a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift, or fill a pretty box for a friend. For parties, arrange the cookies upright so the hearts are on display, or line them up on a white platter for maximum visual impact. They’re dazzling centerpieces for any cookie table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Slice and Bake Heart Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep their tenderness and color for about a week—perfect for ahead-of-time baking or leisurely snacking.
Freezing
These cookies are wonderfully freezer-friendly. Wrap the raw cookie dough log tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; when a cookie craving hits, just slice and bake straight from the freezer (add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time). Finished, baked cookies can also be frozen—layer them with parchment in a container and thaw at room temp whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked freshness, pop cooled cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2 to 3 minutes. This brings back their crisp exterior and buttery aroma—especially satisfying if you love them warm!
FAQs
Can I make Slice and Bake Heart Cookies without a mini heart cutter?
Yes! If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, shape the tinted dough into a log with a sharp but gentle crease down one side (for the heart’s dent) and gently pinch the other side to form the point. It may look rustic but it still bakes up charming.
What kind of food coloring works best?
Gel food coloring is highly concentrated and blends seamlessly into the dough without making it sticky, ensuring vivid, non-blotchy hearts in every Slice and Bake Heart Cookie.
Can I use different colors for other occasions?
Absolutely! Go for green for St. Patrick’s Day, red and blue for July 4th, or pastel shades for birthdays. The basic method is endlessly adaptable for any celebration.
How do I keep the heart shape from distorting while slicing?
Chill the dough log thoroughly before slicing, use a very sharp knife, and turn the log slightly after each cut to keep the heart outline even on all sides.
Can I prep the dough ahead?
Definitely! You can shape and color the dough up to two days in advance and store it, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator until you’re ready to slice and bake.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something both beautiful and scrumptious, these Slice and Bake Heart Cookies are sure to win your heart. They make any occasion feel extra special, fill your kitchen with sweet scents, and guarantee smiles with every reveal. You really can’t go wrong—so preheat that oven and join the cookie love!
Print
Slice and Bake Heart Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 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 occasion. They feature a buttery vanilla-almond flavored dough, shaped into cute heart designs that are sure to impress your loved ones.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- Red or pink gel food coloring
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Extracts: Beat in the vanilla and almond extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Color Dough: Divide dough, tint one portion with food coloring, knead until colored.
- Shape Dough: Roll colored dough into a log, chill. Cut into rounds, then use a mini heart-shaped cookie cutter.
- Assemble Log: Stack heart shapes vertically to form a log. Roll plain dough into a rectangle, wrap around the heart log, chill.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice log into cookies, bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Keep dough well-chilled for clean slicing.
- Experiment with different colors for various occasions.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
