Slice and Bake Heart Cookies

Name: Slice and Bake Heart Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24.0
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp salt; Colorful icing or sprinkles for decoration

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

These adorable Slice and Bake Heart Cookies are the perfect holiday treat! Delight your family and friends with these easy-to-make cookies that can be sliced straight from the fridge, baked, and decorated with colorful icing or sprinkles. Perfect for Christmas parties, gift-giving, or simply spreading joy during the festive season, these cookies are a sweet and simple way to celebrate.

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2025-11-16T11:14:46.332Z

The Perfect Holiday Tradition

Bringing joy to your kitchen during the holiday season is easy with these Slice and Bake Heart Cookies. They not only taste delicious but also make the perfect family activity. Gather your loved ones, roll the dough, and shape it into festive hearts. This simple yet rewarding process fosters togetherness and creates lasting memories, making baking a cherished tradition. Plus, these cookies can be made ahead of time, allowing you to spend more quality time with family during the busy holiday season.

What makes these heart-shaped cookies even more special is their versatility. You can personalize them with various decorations, from icing flowers to colorful sprinkles, catering to different tastes and preferences. This adaptability makes them ideal for any occasion, whether you're celebrating Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or hosting a birthday party. Allow your creativity to shine through as you design each cookie, making every bite unique and delightful.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

To ensure your Slice and Bake Heart Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider a few key tips. First, use high-quality ingredients, especially butter and vanilla extract, as they significantly impact the flavor. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, which helps achieve the right texture when creaming with sugar. Additionally, be patient when refrigerating the dough—chilling not only makes it easier to slice but also helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.

Another helpful tip is to invest in an oven thermometer. Home ovens can often be off by a few degrees, leading to uneven baking. Preheating your oven to the correct temperature ensures that the cookies bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden edge. Finally, keep a close eye on the baking time. Every oven is different, so check your cookies a minute or two early. They'll continue to firm up on the baking sheet, so don’t worry if they seem slightly soft right when they come out!

Storing and Gifting

Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients to get started on your delicious cookie journey!

Cookie Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
Colorful icing or sprinkles for decoration

Make sure to have your toppings ready before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your heart cookies!

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.

Shape the Dough

Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Unwrap the logs and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.

Decorate

Once the cookies are cool, decorate them with colorful icing or sprinkle on your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Let the cookies cool fully before serving to ensure they maintain their shape!

Why Heart Shapes?

Heart shapes symbolize love and affection, making them an excellent choice for cookies, especially during festive seasons like Christmas and Valentine's Day. Not only do these cookies appeal visually with their charming shapes, but they also leave a sweet impression on those who receive them. Each bite conveys warmth and thoughtfulness, perfect for sharing with family, friends, and even neighbors.

Creating heart-shaped cookies also allows for creativity in decorating and personalizing treats for loved ones. Whether you choose classic pink icing or vibrant rainbow sprinkles, each cookie can be a reflection of your unique style and affection. The act of baking and sharing heart cookies fosters a sense of community, creating bonds that sweeten the season even more.

Customizing Your Cookies

Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors beyond the classic vanilla. You can enhance your Slice and Bake Heart Cookies by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or even a dash of cocoa powder for a rich chocolate twist. Such simple adjustments can elevate your cookies and surprise your taste buds. Additionally, consider mixing in nuts or dried fruits to add texture and a personalized touch.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, comforting flavor. Your imagination is the limit, and these cookies can easily cater to different palates while still remaining simple to prepare. Sharing your custom creations can also start a fun tradition where friends and family share their unique recipes and flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before slicing it for up to 2 months.

→ What can I use for decoration?

You can use icing, colored sugar, or sprinkles to decorate these cookies!