I didn’t expect this Conversation Heart Cookies Recipe to steal the show, but wow — they totally did! From mixing the dough to piping the pastel icing, every step was a joy. I felt like a kid again decorating tiny hearts with sweet messages.
They ended up softer and tastier than the candy you remember, and they were a hit with friends and family. If you love baking fun, bite‑sized treats, you’re going to adore this recipe! You can also enjoy similar treats with a Valentine Sugar Cookie Bar Recipe for more festive ideas.
Ingredients Section
Here’s everything you need to make these adorable conversation heart cookies — plus tips for the best texture and flavor. If you want to mix in a dessert twist, try incorporating elements from the Valentine’s Day Dessert Dip Recipe for a creamy addition to your cookie platter.
Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature – keeps the dough soft and creamy.
- 1/2 cup full‑fat cream cheese, room temperature – adds tang and chewiness.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – important for sweetness and structure.
- 1 large egg, room temperature – helps bind the dough.
- 2 tsp almond extract (optional) – gives a lovely, subtle nutty note.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – classic flavor base.
- 3 cups all‑purpose flour – use a spoon‑and‑level method for accuracy.
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch – softens the cookies and reduces spread.
- 1 tsp fine salt – balances sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder – ensures a tender rise.
Royal Icing (Decorating)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar – the sweet base for icing.
- 3 Tbsp meringue powder – essential for stiff, stable royal icing.
- 1/4 cup water – adds just enough moisture.
- 2 Tbsp vanilla or almond extract – for flavor.
- Additional water as needed to reach flood consistency.
- Gel food coloring in pastel yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and green – for cheerful hearts!
Note
This recipe yields about 300 mini cookies — so plenty to gift, box, or share!
Variations
Want to make these cookies your own? Try these fun alternatives:
- Dairy‑Free – Substitute vegan butter and dairy‑free cream cheese to make these suitable for dairy‑free diets.
- Sugar Free – Use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar, but keep in mind texture might change.
- Gluten‑Free – Swap in a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend for all‑purpose flour.
- Flavor Enhancers – Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for extra brightness, or swap almond extract for peppermint for a fun twist.
- Color Play – Use vibrant or themed colors (like reds and pinks) for seasonal celebrations.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long this project will take from start to finish:
- Prep Time: about 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: about 13 minutes per batch
- Total Time: around 2 hours 13 minutes (including chilling and decorating)
Equipment You Need
These are the tools that make the process smooth and fun:
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – for creaming the dough and whipping icing.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats – keeps cookies from sticking.
- Large Baking Sheets – for baking perfectly flat cookies.
- Small Heart Cookie Cutter (¾‑inch) – size matters for that iconic look.
- Piping Bags – for icing the tiny hearts with precision.
- Edible Red Marker – to write sweet messages on the finished cookies.
How to Make Conversation Heart Cookies Recipe
Let’s walk through each step together!
Dough Preparation
I start by creaming the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy — this builds air into our dough for a soft texture. Then I mix in the egg and extracts before adding the dry ingredients. The dough will be thick and a bit sticky, which is perfect for shaping later.
Chilling and Cutting
Once mixed, I wrap the dough and chill it for at least 2 hours (or 30 minutes in the freezer). Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape so they don’t spread too much in the oven. After chilling, I roll the dough to an even 1/3″ thickness and cut tiny hearts with the cutter.
Baking and Cooling
I chill the cut hearts briefly, then bake them for around 10 minutes. I always watch closely so the edges never brown — that keeps them soft. After baking, I let them cool on the pan and then on a rack so they’re ready for icing.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
These are little secrets I learned while making these cookies!
- Use gel food coloring to achieve beautiful pastel hues without thinning the royal icing.
- Don’t skip the second chill after cutting — it really helps the hearts keep shape.
- Write messages only after the icing is fully set so the ink doesn’t bleed.
- Work with small icing openings for cleaner, more controlled decorating.
- Keep leftover icing covered or it may crust — trust me, I learned that the hard way.
How to Serve Conversation Heart Cookies Recipe
These cookies are not only delicious; they’re adorable on display too!
Serve them on a decorative platter with other Valentine treats, or stack them in little boxes tied with ribbon for gifts. Garnish with edible glitter or sprinkles for extra sparkle. Pair with tea or hot chocolate for a cozy treat session.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the macro counts per cookie (approximate):
- Calories: about 21 kcal per mini cookie
- Protein: minimal, as expected for a cookie
- Carbohydrates: around 3 g
- Fat: about 1 g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Finished Cookies
After drying, keep these in an airtight container — they stay fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, these cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months in a well‑sealed container.
Reheating
No need to heat these — just bring them to room temperature before serving so the icing softens slightly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s what makes this such a great project:
- Fun for All Skill Levels – You don’t need to be a pro baker to make these look amazing.
- Highly Customizable – Colors, messages, and flavors can be tailored for any event.
- Perfect for Gifting – They’re loved by kids and adults and make great presents.
- Soft, Chewy Texture – These cookies are tastier and softer than candy hearts!
- Great for Groups – Make a big batch with friends and spread the joy.
Conversation Heart Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- I start by creaming the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy — this builds air into our dough for a soft texture. Then I mix in the egg and extracts before adding the dry ingredients. The dough will be thick and a bit sticky, which is perfect for shaping later.
- Once mixed, I wrap the dough and chill it for at least 2 hours (or 30 minutes in the freezer). Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape so they don’t spread too much in the oven. After chilling, I roll the dough to an even 1/3″ thickness and cut tiny hearts with the cutter.
- I chill the cut hearts briefly, then bake them for around 10 minutes. I always watch closely so the edges never brown — that keeps them soft. After baking, I let them cool on the pan and then on a rack so they’re ready for icing.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring to achieve beautiful pastel hues without thinning the royal icing.
- Don’t skip the second chill after cutting — it really helps the hearts keep shape.
- Write messages only after the icing is fully set so the ink doesn’t bleed.
- Work with small icing openings for cleaner, more controlled decorating.
- Keep leftover icing covered or it may crust — trust me, I learned that the hard way.