Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies

I have a confession to make. I love eating whipped butter and sugar. You know the part of a cake recipe where it says, “Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.”

Well, after I’ve done that, I usually have a really large taste. It starts off with a finger dipped in, ends with a teaspoon(s), and the beaters are licked clean.

I know, it’s so bad for me! But it tastes good, these heart cookies. Even better, I like it when you add an egg too. That tastes lighter but heavenly. For this reason, I usually add a little extra butter and sugar to the heart cookies. Don’t judge me. It’s a sickness, I tell you.

Oh, that felt good to get off my chest. On these cookies. So last year for Valentine’s Day, I made cupcakes. Now I’m not usually one to celebrate these things.

Working in the field of marketing and being a little cynical, I usually HATE these holidays, just like Christmas. It’s so commercial. But a while ago, someone changed that for me.

Don’t get me wrong, I still disagree with it. I won’t buy presents or go out of my way to spend money, but it’s nice to do something small. Enter baking.

To be honest, I’ve wanted to make these cookies for a while, so the upcoming Valentine’s Day was merely an excuse. Do you know what would make these cookies even better? Sandwiching a buttercream in the center! Might do that tonight…

INGREDIENTS

• 125g unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup superfine caster sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 2/3 cups plain flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• A few drops of red food coloring
• A few drops of strawberry essence (optional)
• Icing sugar, for dusting

How to Make Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies

Step 1

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until they look pale and fluffy. This means your butter is nicely mixed in, and it’s ready to hold all the yummy flavors together.

Step 2

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Keep mixing until the sugar feels soft and no longer gritty.

Step 3

Sift in the flour and cornstarch. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together until you get a soft dough.

Step 4

Split the dough into three bowls. In the first bowl, add cocoa powder and mix it in well. In the second bowl, add a few drops of red food coloring and strawberry essence if using. Stir until the dough is bright pink or red. Leave the third bowl as is for a classic vanilla flavor.

Step 5

Shape each dough into a ball, flatten slightly, then wrap each in cling film. Let them chill in the fridge for 20 minutes. This makes the dough easier to roll and cut.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 180°C (about 350°F). Get your baking trays ready by lining them with parchment paper.

Step 7

Roll out each dough between two pieces of baking paper until they’re about 5 mm thick. Use a medium-sized heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out big hearts. Then, use a smaller cutter to cut out a heart from the center of each one.

Step 8

Mix up the smaller heart cutouts and place them inside the bigger heart cookies of a different color. This makes the cookies look cute and fun!

Step 9

Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, just until they’re set. Don’t overcook them; they should stay a bit soft.

Step 10

Let them cool on a wire rack. Once they’re cool, lightly dust them with icing sugar to make them look extra special.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Sieve (for flour and cornstarch)
• 3 small bowls for coloring dough
• Cling film (plastic wrap)
• Rolling pin
• Baking paper
• Heart-shaped cookie cutters (2 sizes)
• Baking trays
• Wire cooling rack
• Icing sugar sifter or small sieve

What to Eat With These Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies

Every year, my kids and I go all out for Valentine’s Day, and nothing kicks it off like baking my Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies. These little treats look just like conversation hearts, but taste so much better.

I love how the dough is forgiving: no chilling, no chaos, and it always holds its shape. My youngest helps cut the shapes, while my eldest attempts piping (and giggles when the letters run together).

We pair these cookies with moist Chocolate Cupcakes, topped with fluffy strawberry frosting for a sweet touch. For a full love-day lineup, I like adding Strawberry Cream Cheese Dip with graham crackers and, of course, Cupid’s Snack Mix, a sweet and salty treat that keeps little hands busy between baking rounds. Valentine’s magic, one bite at a time.

FAQs

What are the heart cookies made of?

The Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies are made with butter, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and a few optional flavors like vanilla and strawberry essence.

What does the heart cookie taste like?

They taste soft with a slight crunch and a mix of vanilla, cocoa, and strawberry flavors.

Can I make them without cocoa powder?

Yes, you can skip the cocoa powder and just make vanilla and pink cookies.

How long do these heart cookies stay fresh?

If stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Yes, Kids can help cut shapes and mix the dough.

Do I need both heart-shaped cutters?

It helps to have two sizes to make the center cutouts, but you can use any shapes you like.

Can I add sprinkles or decorations?

Definitely.

Is the strawberry essence necessary?

It’s optional.

What’s the best way to gift these heart cookies?

Stack a few in a clear bag, tie with a red ribbon, and add a handwritten note for a sweet Valentine’s gift.