Description
These Slice and Bake Heart Cookies are delightful, buttery treats perfect for any occasion. Easy to make with classic ingredients, the dough is chilled, sliced into adorable heart shapes, and baked to a golden perfection. They can be decorated with sprinkles or icing for a charming touch, making them ideal for parties, holidays, or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional
- Decorative sprinkles or icing
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated to form a consistent dough.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Divide the dough and shape into two logs about 1.5 inches in diameter each. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up, which helps maintain shape when slicing.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Slice Dough: Remove chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice each log into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Arrange and Decorate Cookies: Place the sliced rounds on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them adequately. Optionally, decorate the tops with sprinkles or icing for a festive appearance.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden while centers stay soft. Remove from oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading during baking.
- You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor twist.
- Decorate cookies before baking to allow sprinkles to set into the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
