Description
Sweet and buttery slice and bake heart cookies bring romantic charm to dessert tables across North America. Delicate pastry shapes create memorable moments for special celebrations with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups (310 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (230 grams / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp red or pink food coloring
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then blend in egg and vanilla extract. Gently mix flour and salt to form a smooth, cohesive dough.
- Color Separation: Segment the vanilla dough, reserving a portion. Knead food coloring into the separated segment until evenly distributed, then shape into a precise heart-shaped core using careful molding techniques.
- Dough Encasement: Envelop the colored heart core with remaining vanilla dough, forming a uniform log. Roll on a flat surface to ensure seamless integration and smooth exterior.
- Chilling Process: Refrigerate the dough log for one hour to solidify structure and concentrate flavors, creating optimal cookie consistency.
- Slicing and Baking: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Slice chilled log into thin, uniform rounds using a sharp knife. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets, maintaining appropriate spacing.
- Finishing Touches: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden. Cool briefly on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. Optionally embellish with chocolate drizzle or decorative sugar for enhanced presentation.
Notes
- Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for optimal dough consistency and smooth blending with sugar.
- Precise Coloring Technique: Use gel food coloring for vibrant, even color distribution without altering dough moisture content.
- Chill for Structural Perfection: Refrigeration is crucial for clean cookie slices and preventing dough from spreading during baking.
- Slice with Sharp Precision: Use a super-sharp knife and clean wipes between cuts to maintain crisp heart-shaped cookie edges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 25
- Calories: 164
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 0.1 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 24 mg