Slice and Bake Valentine's Day Cookies
Delightfully charming cookies shaped like hearts, perfect for sharing love on Valentine's Day.
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.
Notes
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. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week, or freeze for up to three months.