Easy Heart Cookies (No Chilling Required!)

Heart cookies are a delightful way to share love, whether for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or simply because! This easy heart cookie recipe skips the chilling step, making it quick to prepare while delivering soft, buttery cookies. Decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or powdered sugar for a personal touch.

What Are Heart Cookies?

Heart cookies are classic sugar cookies shaped into hearts and often decorated to suit the occasion. They have a tender, buttery base with a light sweetness that pairs beautifully with various toppings. This no-chill recipe ensures you can enjoy them in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: No chilling required, so you can bake them faster.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from holidays to everyday treats.
• Customizable: Decorate to your heart’s desire with icing, sprinkles, or powdered sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon (2g) baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon (1g) salt
• Icing, sprinkles, or powdered sugar for decorating (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Shaping the Cookies

5. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch (6mm) thickness.
6. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.

Baking

7. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Decorating (Optional)

9. Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these heart cookies as a sweet treat with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. They’re also a wonderful addition to dessert platters for parties or gift boxes for loved ones.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Keep decorated cookies in a single layer or use wax paper between layers to prevent smudging.

Freezing Instructions

• Unbaked dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
• Baked cookies: Place undecorated cookies in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Lemon-flavored: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrus twist.
• Chocolate heart cookies: Substitute ¼ cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before rolling.

What if I don’t have heart-shaped cutters?
You can use any cookie cutter shape or cut the dough into squares or circles using a knife or glass.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Make sure the butter is softened but not overly warm, and measure ingredients accurately for the best results.

These easy heart cookies are the perfect way to spread love with minimal effort. With no chilling required, you’ll have warm, buttery cookies ready to enjoy in no time. Try them today, and don’t forget to share your creative decorating ideas!

Print