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: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

I love baking, especially when it comes to making adorable heart-shaped sugar cookies. These cookies not only look cute but are also soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet. When I'm planning a special occasion or just want to add a little love to my day, these cookies are always my go-to. They’re simple enough to make with the kids, and I swear the aroma when they’re baking is pure joy. Once you try this recipe, you'll be hooked on creating these little treats for every occasion.

Created by

Jessica Brown

Last updated on 2026-01-07T14:37:34.849Z

When I first attempted these heart-shaped sugar cookies, I wasn’t sure what to expect. To my surprise, the recipe came together easily, and the texture was perfect—soft, yet firm enough to hold their shape. I experimented with using both vanilla and almond extracts for flavoring, and I found that a splash of almond really elevated the sweetness.

Another tip I learned is to chill the dough before rolling it out. This little step makes a huge difference in keeping the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in those cute, heart shapes we all adore. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple for every celebration!

Why You'll Love These Cookies
Cute and festive heart shape for all occasions.
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Easily customizable with your favorite flavors.

The Science Behind the Cookies

The key to achieving the perfect texture in sugar cookies lies in the balance of ingredients. Butter is essential for that rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth quality; ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best incorporation. The combination of baking powder and a pinch of salt not only aids in rising but balances the sweetness of the sugar, leading to well-rounded cookies that aren't overly sugary.

Chilling the dough is not just a recommendation; it’s critical for structure. As the butter firms up, it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This results in beautifully shaped hearts. In warm weather, consider chilling them even longer, as a firmer dough will yield the best results.

Decorating Your Sugar Cookies

While the heart-shaped cookies are delightful on their own, decorating opens up a world of creativity. Using colored sugar or sprinkles adds a playful touch, perfect for celebrations. For more finesse, try royal icing or a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk to add a touch of sweetness and sheen. If you're decorating with icing, allow the cookies to cool completely before applying to prevent melting.

For a unique twist, consider flavoring your icing. Adding a few drops of almond or vanilla extract to your icing can enhance the taste and tie it back to the cookie's flavor profile. You could also experiment with citrus zest for a refreshing burst that pairs beautifully with the butteriness of the cookies.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Make sure to have all your ingredients at room temperature for the best results!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. This will help the cookies maintain their shape when baked.

Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with colored sugar if desired. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your heart-shaped sugar cookies!

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Pro Tips

For an extra decorative touch, you can use royal icing to outline the cookies and add more colors. Chilling the dough is essential for perfect shapes.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These heart-shaped sugar cookies can be made ahead of time, making them a great option for busy schedules. You can prepare the dough, shape it into discs, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out and cutting your shapes.

For storage, place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their shape. They can last for about a week at room temperature, but for longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator. If you prefer soft cookies, you can place a slice of bread in the container; it helps retain moisture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cookies spread too much during baking, it might be due to warm dough. Ensure that the dough is chilled thoroughly before baking, and be mindful of your kitchen temperature. If your cookies come out too hard, consider reducing the baking time by a minute or two, as ovens can vary in actual temperature.

Should your cookies appear too dry or crumbly, adding a bit more butter should help. A common mistake is over-measuring flour; the best technique is to spoon the flour into the measuring cup without packing it down. For a softer texture, consider using cake flour for part of the all-purpose flour.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge or freeze it for longer storage.

→ What can I use instead of almond extract?

You can simply omit it or use more vanilla extract for a different, yet still delicious flavor.

→ How do I store these cookies?

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

→ Can I freeze the cookies after baking?

Absolutely! Once cooled, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.