Heart Shaped Cookies

Heart-shaped cookies bring a cheerful twist to any baking session, and today, I’m excited to share how to make Easy Heart Shaped Cookies. Whether you’re gearing up for Valentine’s Day or just want to surprise someone special with a sweet treat, this recipe is wonderfully simple and oh-so-delicious. Everyone loves cookies, but heart-shaped cookies add that extra touch of love. As you bake, the gentle scent of lemon fills your kitchen, making the whole experience feel warm and inviting. Plus, these cookies are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect for sharing. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and create something delicious together!

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Why This Recipe Works

Heart-shaped cookies are a delightful and simple way to celebrate love—be it Valentine’s Day or merely to brighten someone’s day. This recipe strikes a balance between flavor and texture flawlessly. You get crispy cookies that hold their shape beautifully while being easy to whip up from scratch. As you bite into them, you’ll enjoy that lovely crunch followed by a melt-in-your-mouth softness. And, of course, there’s that sweet hint of lemon that makes each cookie refreshing and unique. What more could you ask for in a cookie?

Why You’ll Love This Easy Heart Shaped Cookies

These easy heart-shaped cookies are not just fun to make; they also pack in flavor. With the right amount of sweetness and a twist of lemon, every bite will make you smile. Imagine crafting these delightful cookies as a surprise for family or friends. They provide a personal touch that is sure to impress. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon treat, these cookies bring joy and warmth, making them the perfect baked good to share. Your kitchen will become a hub of love and good vibes as you create these little hearts.

Ingredients

To get started, here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– ½ teaspoon sea salt
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ cup cold butter, cubed
– ¼ cup shortening
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon whole milk
– 1 teaspoon lemon extract
– ½ cup white chocolate chips
– Sprinkles
– 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 2 tablespoons whole milk
– ½ teaspoon lemon extract (or vanilla)

Prepare the Dough

Mix Dry Ingredients

First, let’s tackle the dry ingredients. In a food processor, combine the flour, granulated sugar, sea salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Pulse a few times to mix everything evenly. It only takes a moment, but trust me, it sets a solid base for your cookies.

Incorporate Butter and Shortening

Next, it’s time to add the cold, cubed butter along with the shortening to the flour mixture. Pulse until you achieve a crumbly texture that resembles coarse sand. This step is key for that lovely crispy texture we’re aiming for.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, whole milk, and lemon extract until well combined. Then, drizzle this liquid gold over your flour mixture in the food processor. Continue to pulse until the dough starts to come together. It will be a delightful sight!

Form the Dough Log

Once your dough is ready, dump it out onto a piece of plastic wrap. Roll it into a log shape, which makes it easier to slice later. Divide this log into three equal portions. Wrap two of them in plastic wrap and toss them in the fridge to chill out for a bit.

Cut and Bake

Roll the Dough

Now comes the fun part! On a floured surface, roll out the remaining portion of dough until it’s about ⅛” to ¼” thick. Don’t rush this step; the thickness is important for the cookie’s texture. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to punch out your cookies. Don’t forget to gather and re-roll any scraps so nothing goes to waste!

Transfer to Baking Sheet

Carefully transfer your heart-shaped cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them a little room to breathe, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading. This helps everyone keep their shape!

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for about 6-8 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they start to turn lightly golden around the edges. Once they’re baked to perfection, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Decorate the Cookies

Melt the White Chocolate

Let’s take these cookies to the next level with some decoration. Place your white chocolate chips in a small ziplock bag, seal it tightly, and give it a gentle massage. Then, to melt the chocolate fully, place the bag into a bowl of hot water for a few minutes.

Decorate the Cookies

After the chocolate is melted, cut a small tip off the corner of the bag. This makes decorating a breeze. Squeeze the melted chocolate onto your cooled cookies in any fun pattern you like. Get creative! Before the chocolate hardens, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top to add that extra flair.

Make the Glaze (Optional)

Prepare the Icing

If you feel like getting fancy, let’s whip up a simple icing. In a bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, whole milk, and lemon extract until it’s smooth. If you’d like a different consistency, feel free to adjust with more milk or sugar until it’s just right.

Add Color to the Icing

For a festive touch, divide the icing into smaller bowls and add food coloring. You can create vibrant shades to match the occasion, making your cookies even more visually appealing.

Use the Icing

Spoon or pipe the colored icing onto the cookies for a delightful finish. Let your creativity shine as you design playful patterns!

Serving Suggestions

These lovely heart-shaped cookies pair perfectly with an afternoon tea or a warm cup of coffee. Consider serving them on a decorative platter for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. Or, you could even package them in a cute box as gifts for friends or family. Either way, they’re sure to be a hit!

Tips for Success

• Chill your dough: Chilling helps keep the cookies from spreading too much as they bake, ensuring they maintain that heart shape.
• Adjust thickness: The thickness of your rolled dough will impact the final texture. Thinner cookies will turn out crispier, while thicker ones will be softer and chewier.

Variations

• For a dairy-free twist, substitute butter with coconut oil, and you’re good to go!
• Want to add a bit more texture? Toss in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for a delightful surprise.
• Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different extracts like vanilla or almond to create a unique flavor profile.

Storage Tips

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to prolong their life, freeze them in a single layer before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months, ready for whenever a cookie craving strikes.

Pairing Ideas

Looking for perfect pairings? These cookies pair beautifully with homemade hot cocoa, a fruity dessert wine, or even a light dessert sauce for drizzling over.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can freeze it for even longer storage.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

Decorate them with holiday-themed sprinkles or colored icing to match the occasion. A little edible glitter can also go a long way!

Can I substitute the white chocolate?

Definitely! Milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips are great alternatives. If you prefer, you can skip the chocolate and just use icing.

What if my dough is too sticky?

If you find your dough is sticking, simply add a bit more flour gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Is there an egg substitute for this recipe?

You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) as a great egg substitute.

Baking these heart-shaped cookies is truly a heartfelt way to express love and appreciation. With simple ingredients and easy techniques, you can whip up beautiful treats that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them at home or share them as gifts, these cookies promise to spread joy and create lovely memories!

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