There’s nothing sweeter than the aroma of Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies baking in the oven, especially when you're preparing them for someone special. These cookies are buttery, soft, and delicately sweet, making them the perfect treat to celebrate love and togetherness.
I’ve been making these cookies every Valentine’s Day since my grandmother passed the recipe down to me. Rolling out the dough and cutting it into hearts has become a beloved tradition, filling our kitchen with love and laughter. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will make your Valentine’s Day extra special.
Why You’ll Love These Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies
Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to Valentine’s Day treat. These Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies are as easy to make as they are delicious.
First, they’re wonderfully versatile. You can make them soft and chewy or crisp and snappy, depending on how thick you roll the dough and how long you bake them. Perfect for all cookie lovers!
Second, they’re perfect for decorating. Whether you go for a classic pink and red theme or get creative with sprinkles and edible glitter, these cookies are like little edible canvases waiting to be adorned.
Lastly, they’re a labor of love that doesn’t feel like labor. With a simple dough that comes together in minutes, you’ll spend more time enjoying the decorating process with your loved ones than in the kitchen.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these cookies so irresistible.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies lies in their simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
All-Purpose Flour forms the base of these cookies, creating a sturdy yet tender dough. For the best results, measure your flour using a spoon and level method to avoid overpacking the cup.
Unsalted Butter provides richness and ensures that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the salt in the recipe by half.
Granulated Sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. If you prefer your cookies less sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly without compromising the dough's structure.
Vanilla Extract enhances the flavor, giving these cookies their signature warm and inviting aroma. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste, though imitation will work in a pinch.
Eggs act as the binder and help the dough stay pliable and soft. Large eggs are ideal for this recipe, as they provide the perfect balance of moisture and structure.
For decorating, have royal icing, food coloring, and sprinkles on hand. These will transform your cookies into show-stopping Valentine’s treats.
No special equipment is needed—just a rolling pin, a set of heart-shaped cookie cutters, and a baking sheet.
How to Make These Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Making these cookies is a straightforward process, even for beginners. Here’s how to bring them to life, step by step.
Start by creaming your butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that soft, tender texture.
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy at this point.
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Use heart-shaped cutters to stamp out the cookies and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. They should be set but not overly browned. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.
Storage Options
These cookies store beautifully, so you can prepare them ahead of time or enjoy them over several days.
To keep them fresh, store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Once decorated, layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent smudging.
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies (undecorated) for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature and decorate as desired.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize it for any occasion or preference.
For a citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough. The bright flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies.
If you’re gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.
To make these cookies dairy-free, use a plant-based butter substitute. Opt for one that mimics the consistency of regular butter for the best results.
Experiment with flavors by substituting the vanilla extract with almond, coconut, or even rosewater. Each will bring a unique and delicious flair to the cookies.
Making these Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies is as much about the process as it is about the result. They’re a fun, interactive way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, bringing smiles to everyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re baking for your sweetheart, your family, or just for yourself, these cookies are a delightful way to spread a little love.
PrintHeart-shaped Sugar Cookies: A Valentine’s Delight Recipe
These heart-shaped sugar cookies are a delightful treat for Valentine's Day or any special occasion. Made with simple ingredients, they're buttery, sweet, and easy to customize with icing or sprinkles. Perfect for gifting or sharing, these cookies are sure to win hearts!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: Icing, sprinkles, or decorations
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating with icing or sprinkles.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling if it’s too soft.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
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