If you’re looking for a delightful and charming treat, Slice and Bake Heart Cookies are perfect. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them ideal for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or simply as a sweet surprise for someone you love. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these lovely heart-shaped cookies.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Red or pink food coloring
For the Icing (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Color and Shape the Dough
- Divide and Color Dough: Divide the dough into two portions. Add red or pink food coloring to one portion and knead until the color is evenly distributed.
- Shape the Heart Dough: Roll the colored dough into a log about 1 inch in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for about 15-20 minutes, until firm.
- Shape the Outer Dough: Roll out the plain dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure it is large enough to wrap around the colored dough log.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Form Heart Shapes: Remove the colored dough from the freezer. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes from each slice.
- Wrap with Plain Dough: Lay the plain dough rectangle around the heart-shaped colored dough. Gently press to adhere, ensuring the hearts are completely covered.
- Chill Again: Wrap the assembled dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Step 4: Slice and Bake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the Dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough log into 1/4 inch thick slices.
- Bake: Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Decorate with Icing
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Decorate: Using a piping bag or a small spoon, drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies. Let the icing set before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Uniform Thickness: To ensure even baking, make sure the dough slices are of uniform thickness.
- Chill Thoroughly: Proper chilling of the dough helps maintain the shape of the cookies during baking.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough log and bake fresh cookies whenever you like.
Enjoy making and sharing these adorable Slice and Bake Heart Cookies! They’re sure to bring smiles and sweet moments to any occasion.