Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Name: Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; Royal icing or fondant; Sprinkles or edible glitter

Highlighted under: Cozy Recipes

I absolutely love baking heart-shaped sugar cookies, especially when special occasions roll around. There’s something so delightful about creating these treats that are not just visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. The buttery sweetness combined with the subtle hint of vanilla makes them irresistible. Plus, decorating them with colorful icing adds a personal touch that makes them perfect for gifting. I often find myself involved in this activity, and each batch brings me joy as I see family and friends light up with every bite.

Created by

Juniper Hale

Last updated on 2026-01-08T14:57:39.708Z

Baking these heart-shaped sugar cookies is always a joyful experience for me. I remember the first time I made them; the sweet aroma filled my kitchen, drawing everyone in before they were even out of the oven. The soft, tender texture paired with a hint of vanilla makes them the perfect base for any kind of festive decoration.

One tip I’ve discovered is to chill the dough before rolling it out. This not only makes the dough easier to work with but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Trust me, it’s a game changer!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Bright, fun shapes that bring joy to any occasion
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture
Simple recipe that’s perfect for beginners

      

Ingredient Insights

The choice of butter is critical in this heart-shaped sugar cookie recipe. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the cookies, enhancing their rich, buttery flavor without being overly salty. Be sure to let the butter soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before starting; this helps achieve that light and fluffy texture when creamed with sugar.

Granulated sugar is essential for achieving the sweetness and crisp edges of these cookies. If you’d like a more complex flavor profile, consider substituting half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar. This swap introduces a slight caramel undertone, which complements the vanilla beautifully, resulting in a cookie that’s not just sweet, but rich and flavorful.

Chilling the Dough

Chilling the dough is a crucial step in this recipe that affects both the texture and the ease of cutting out shapes. When the dough is chilled, the butter solidifies, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Aim for at least 30 minutes of chilling, but if you have time, letting it rest for an hour can further improve the flavor concentration and texture.

If you're short on time, you can also flatten the dough into a disc before wrapping it in plastic wrap; this helps it cool faster. If the dough becomes too hard after chilling, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to roll out.

Decorating Your Cookies

When it comes to decorating your heart-shaped sugar cookies, royal icing is a popular choice because of its dry, smooth finish that makes detailed designs easy. To achieve the right consistency, aim for a flow rate where the icing smooths itself out within 10-15 seconds of being piped. Alternatively, fondant can be a wonderful option for a polished look; just ensure your cookies are completely cool, as fondant can melt if applied too soon.

For a festive touch, consider using edible glitter or colored sprinkles that reflect the season or occasion. To achieve a mixed look, apply the royal icing first and then sprinkle the toppings while it’s still wet so they adhere. This dual-layer technique adds not only visual appeal but also a delightful mix of textures in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

For the Decoration

Royal icing or fondant
Sprinkles or edible glitter

Instructions

Steps to Make Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix and Chill Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat Oven and Roll Out Dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies.

Bake Cookies

Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack.

Decorate

Once cookies are completely cool, decorate with icing or fondant and any desired toppings.

Enjoy Your Cookies!

Pro Tips

For best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature to help achieve that perfect creamy texture when creaming with the sugar. Also, if you want crisper cookies, reduce the chilling time and bake a minute longer.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cookies spread too much during baking, it could be due to warm dough. Ensure your dough is well-chilled before rolling it out. If you suspect your butter was too warm when mixed, place the dough back in the refrigerator for an additional 15-20 minutes before cutting out your shapes and baking.

Another common issue is cookies being too dry or crumbly. Ensure you're measuring your flour correctly—spooning the flour into measuring cups and leveling off with a knife can help prevent this. If you want softer cookies, the dough should actually be slightly sticky before chilling; this slightly wetter dough will yield a more tender cookie.

Storage and Freezing

These heart-shaped sugar cookies are perfect for making ahead of time. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you're planning on making them well in advance, consider freezing the unbaked dough. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer-safe bag; it can last for up to three months.

When you're ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out, or allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. You can also freeze the decorated cookies; just ensure they are completely dry before stacking with parchment paper in between layers to prevent sticking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the butter with margarine?

Yes, margarine can work, but the flavor may differ slightly.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the wrapped dough for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of royal icing?

You can use chocolate ganache or simple powdered sugar icing if preferred.