Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
why make this recipe
Making Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies is a delightful way to celebrate love on this special day. These cookies are not only charming to look at but also fun to make, especially if you include your loved ones in the process. The unique heart shape adds a personal touch, making them perfect for sharing with friends, family, or that special someone. Plus, they are delicious, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, leaving a sweet memory with every bite.
how to make Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red or pink food coloring (we used this natural food coloring)
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, add the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 3-4 batches until the dough comes together. If the dough is too wet, add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of flour as needed, depending on the size of your eggs.
- Remove about 1/2 to 2/3 of the dough and set it aside. Add several drops of food coloring to the remaining dough and mix until combined. Adjust the amount of food coloring to reach your desired hue.
- Place the pink dough in the freezer for 5 minutes. Then roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Return it to the freezer for 20 minutes to make it easier to cut out the hearts.
- Using a small heart cookie cutter (roughly 1.5 inches across), cut out hearts from the dough. Lightly dip a finger in a bit of water and rub it on the floured side of one heart before adhering another heart to it. This helps them stick together—just use a tiny amount of water.
- Repeat until you have a log of hearts about 10 inches long. Return the log to the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until frozen solid.
- Remove from the freezer and press the plain cookie dough directly onto and around the hearts, making sure to press it firmly to avoid gaps. Roll it into a smooth log.
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- When ready to bake, slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds and space them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.
how to serve Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
These cookies can be served warm or at room temperature. They look lovely arranged on a plate or in a decorative box, making them perfect for gifting. You can also pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
how to store Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
Once fully cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
tips to make Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Chill the dough thoroughly before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.
- Use a variety of heart-shaped cookie cutters for a fun mix of sizes if desired.
- Feel free to sprinkle some sugar on top of the cookies before baking for a little sparkle.
variation
You can easily customize these cookies by adding different colors of food coloring or even incorporating chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra fun. You might also try different shapes for other occasions by using different cutters.
FAQs
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute, but it might affect the texture and flavor slightly.
Q: How can I make the cookies softer?
A: To achieve softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly or add an extra egg yolk to the dough.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, wrap it tightly, and store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.
Slice and Bake Valentine's Day Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature Ensure butter is softened but not melted.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour Add more flour if the dough is too wet.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Red or pink food coloring Adjust to desired hue.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, add the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 3-4 batches until the dough comes together. If the dough is too wet, add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of flour as needed, depending on the size of your eggs.
- Remove about 1/2 to 2/3 of the dough and set it aside. Add several drops of food coloring to the remaining dough and mix until combined.
- Place the pink dough in the freezer for 5 minutes.
- Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick on a lightly floured surface, then return it to the freezer for 20 minutes.
Cutting and Shaping
- Using a small heart cookie cutter (roughly 1.5 inches across), cut out hearts from the dough.
- Lightly dip a finger in a bit of water and rub it on the floured side of one heart before adhering another heart to it.
- Repeat until you have a log of hearts about 10 inches long. Return the log to the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until frozen solid.
- Press the plain cookie dough directly onto and around the hearts, making sure to press it firmly to avoid gaps. Roll it into a smooth log.
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- When ready to bake, slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds and space them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.
