why make this recipe
These Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies are perfect for sharing love with family, friends, and that special someone. They’re not just sweet treats; they showcase your creativity and thoughtfulness. Shaped like little hearts, these cookies come in lovely shades of pink, making them an ideal gift or a fun activity to do with kids. Plus, they are easy to make, slice, and bake, allowing you to whip up a batch quickly without any fuss.
how to make Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red or pink food coloring (we used this natural food coloring)
Directions:
- Add butter, sugar, and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer). Beat at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add in eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 3-4 batches until the dough comes together. If too wet, add in an additional 1-2 tablespoons of flour as needed.
- Remove about 1/2 to 2/3 of the dough and set aside. Add several drops of food coloring to the remaining dough and mix until combined. Add more food coloring to reach the desired hue.
- Place the pink dough in the freezer for 5 minutes, then roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Return to the freezer for 20 minutes to make cutting easier.
- Use a small heart cookie cutter (roughly 1.5 inches across) to cut out hearts. Dip a finger in a little water and lightly rub on the floured side of the cookie before adhering another heart. This helps them stick together.
- Repeat with all hearts until you have a log about 10 inches long.
- Return the log to the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until frozen solid.
- Remove from the freezer and press the plain cookie dough directly onto and around the hearts. Make sure to really press it in.
- Roll the dough into a smooth log and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- When you’re ready to bake, slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds, spacing them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.
how to serve Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
These cookies look as lovely as they taste! Serve them on a pretty plate, or wrap them in cellophane for a sweet gift. A cup of milk or tea pairs beautifully with these treats, making them a delightful snack for any time of day.
how to store Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
tips to make Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
- Chill the dough: Make sure to chill the dough sufficiently. This helps in cutting the cookies neatly.
- Experiment with colors: Don’t hesitate to try different colors for various occasions! Using natural food coloring can also add a lovely touch.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be light golden brown at the bottom but soft in the middle.
variation
Feel free to add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture. You can also use different types of cookie cutters for various shapes, not just hearts!
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months.
2. What if I don’t have heart-shaped cookie cutters?
No worries! You can use any cookie cutter shape you have at home, or even just cut the dough into squares for simpler cookies.
3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter provides the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine in a pinch. Just keep in mind that it may change the taste a bit.
Enjoy baking these delightful Valentine’s Day cookies! They are sure to bring joy and sweetness to your celebrations.
Slice and Bake Valentine's Day Cookies
Equipment
- large bowl
- whisk
- plastic wrap
- baking sheets
- parchment paper
- wire rack
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- red food coloring optional
For Decorating
- sprinkles Valentine's themed
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half; if desired, knead red food coloring into one half until evenly colored.
Form and Chill
- Shape each dough half into a log, about 1.5 inches in diameter, then roll in sprinkles if desired to coat the outside.
- Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Slice and Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough logs into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, then cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.