Every time I make this Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe, I fall in love with them all over again. The first batch I made had a little mess, loads of frosting, and big smiles from my family. I couldn’t resist nibbling one warm from the oven! Over time, I’ve perfected this recipe so it’s tender, sweet, and holds that adorable heart shape.
This friendly version is perfect for sharing at celebrations—or just when you need something sweet and delicious. You can also enjoy similar comforting dishes like Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for a cozy meal. Let’s get baking together!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bake this recipe:
- 1 cup softened butter – Soft butter creams easier with sugar and gives you a tender cookie texture.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetness base; avoid coarse sugar as it won’t blend smoothly.
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed) – Adds a slight caramel flavor and a softer bite.
- 2 large eggs – Help bind the dough and add richness.
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons milk – Makes the dough soft and workable without being sticky.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Gives that classic warm sugar-cookie flavor.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure; measure correctly to avoid dense cookies.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Adds gentle lift for soft cookies.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
Topping & Decoration:
- Vanilla whipped frosting – Perfect for piping and decorating once cookies cool.
- Pink and red sprinkles – Adds festive color and texture.
Note: This recipe yields about 24 heart-shaped cookies, depending on cutter size. You might also like a savory twist alongside these treats, like Creamy Cajun Pepper Salmon Recipe.
Variations
You can easily customize these cookies to match your taste or dietary needs.
- Dairy-free version: Use plant-based butter and swap milk with almond or oat milk.
- Sugar-free option: Replace sugar with a baking-friendly sugar substitute; adjust sweetness to preference.
- Flavor boosts: Add lemon zest, almond extract, or orange zest for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate version: Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder for chocolate sugar cookies.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long the recipe takes:
- Prep Time: 2 hours (includes chilling time)
- Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 10 minutes
Equipment You Need
These tools help make baking easier:
- Mixing bowl – Combines ingredients smoothly.
- Hand or stand mixer – Helps cream butter and sugar properly.
- Rolling pin – Rolls dough evenly for consistent cookies.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter – Gives cookies their charming shape.
- Baking sheet – Supports cookies during baking.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
- Cooling rack – Allows cookies to cool evenly without sogginess.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe Name?
Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients
Beat softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla, mixing until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your cookies.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Slowly combine the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until dough forms. Mix gently to avoid tough cookies.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1–2 hours. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and helps cookies keep their shape during baking.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to about ⅛-inch thickness and cut heart shapes. Place on lined baking sheets and bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Step 5: Cool and Decorate
Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, frost and decorate with sprinkles while icing is soft.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Here are some things I’ve learned from baking these many times:
- I always use real butter because the flavor is noticeably better.
- I chill the dough longer if my kitchen feels warm so cookies keep their shape.
- I avoid rolling dough too thin; thicker cookies stay softer inside.
- I wait until cookies fully cool before decorating so frosting doesn’t melt.
- I sometimes bake a test cookie first to check thickness and baking time.
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe Name?
These cookies shine when presented nicely. Arrange them on a decorative platter or stack them in clear gift bags tied with ribbon for parties or gifting. Add colored sugar or edible glitter for extra sparkle. Serve them with milk, coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat everyone enjoys.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per cookie:
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: ~3g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fat: ~9g
Values may vary depending on frosting and decorations used.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
Place baked cookies in an airtight container once fully cooled. They stay fresh at room temperature for 3–4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough before baking or freeze unfrosted baked cookies. Dough lasts up to 3 months; baked cookies store well for about 2 months.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cookies, heat them briefly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to refresh texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe wins hearts for many reasons:
- Easy to prepare: Simple steps make it beginner-friendly while still impressive.
- Perfect for decorating: Great for holidays, parties, and gifting.
- Flexible flavors: Easy to customize with extracts, zest, or icing styles.
- Family-friendly: Kids love helping cut and decorate shapes.
- Soft and flavorful: Balanced sweetness and tender texture make them irresistible.
Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Beat softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla, mixing until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your cookies.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Slowly combine the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until dough forms. Mix gently to avoid tough cookies.
- Wrap the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1–2 hours. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and helps cookies keep their shape.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to about ⅛-inch thickness and cut heart shapes. Place on lined baking sheets and bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, frost and decorate with sprinkles while icing is soft.
Notes
- I always use real butter because the flavor is noticeably better.
- I chill the dough longer if my kitchen feels warm so cookies keep their shape.
- I avoid rolling dough too thin; thicker cookies stay softer inside.
- I wait until cookies fully cool before decorating so frosting doesn’t melt.
- I sometimes bake a test cookie first to check thickness and baking time.