Table of Contents
introduction
Valentine Cookies are soft, pretty cookies made for sharing. They use two dough colors that you layer and cut into hearts. The recipe is simple and works for bakers of any skill.
why make this recipe
Make these cookies for a small gift, a school treat, or a sweet snack. They look lovely and taste like classic butter cookies. You can make them ahead and bake them later. Kids can help with the rolling and cutting.
how to make Valentine Cookies
Follow the steps below to make the dough, layer the strips, and cut hearts. Work in cool bowls and chill the dough between steps so it stays firm. If you want another easy cookie to try later, check our irresistible chocolate chip cookies for a different flavor and shape.
Ingredients :
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (227g), 1 cup granulated sugar (234g), 2 eggs, 4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted (500g), 3/4 cup cornstarch, sifted (80g), 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (4g), 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (15mL), 1/4 cup pink sanding sugar (50g), few drops pink food coloring
Directions :
- To make the cookie dough, divide the ingredients into two batches: one for uncolored and one for pink. Sift 2 cups of flour, 40g of cornstarch, and about 1/3 tsp of salt into a bowl, and whisk to combine.
- In a stand mixer, cream 1/2 cup of room temperature butter with 1/2 cup of sugar. Mix in 1 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract and then add 1 egg to the mixture.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness, transfer to a baking sheet, and chill in the refrigerator.
- Repeat the mixing process for the pink dough, adding in a few drops of pink food coloring. Roll out the pink dough and sprinkle with pink sanding sugar. Chill again.
- Once the doughs are chilled, cut into 1/2 inch strips and layer the pink and white strips together. Roll to seal and chill again.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut cookies with a heart-shaped cutter, place on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 12 minutes. Let cool before enjoying.
how to serve Valentine Cookies
Serve these cookies on a small plate or in a box with tissue paper. Let them cool fully so they keep shape. Offer tea, coffee, or milk with the cookies. They are nice on a dessert tray with other small sweets.
how to store Valentine Cookies
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They last 4 to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Valentine Cookies
- Keep butter and eggs at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Chill dough between steps to keep the layers neat.
- Roll to an even 1/4 inch so cookies bake the same.
- Use light pressure when cutting to keep heart edges clean.
- If dough cracks when rolling, chill more before shaping.
variation (if any)
- Use red or purple food color for different tones.
- Add lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla for a new flavor.
- Make round or star shapes instead of hearts.
- Sprinkle colored sanding sugar on both dough colors.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough a day ahead?
A: Yes. Wrap the dough tightly and chill for up to 24 hours before cutting and baking.
Q: Can I freeze the unbaked shaped cookies?
A: Yes. Freeze on a tray until firm, then move to a bag. Bake from frozen, add 1–2 minutes to baking time.
Q: My layers separate while baking. How do I fix that?
A: Press the layers more firmly when you roll and seal the strips. Chill well before cutting.
Q: Can I make mini cookies with the same dough?
A: Yes. Use a smaller cutter and reduce baking time by a few minutes.
Valentine Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and pretty cookies made for sharing, layered in two colors and cut into heart shapes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (227g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (234g)
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted (500g)
- 3/4 cup cornstarch, sifted (80g)
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (4g)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (15mL)
- 1/4 cup pink sanding sugar (50g)
- Few drops pink food coloring
Instructions
- Divide the ingredients into two batches: one for uncolored and one for pink.
- Sift 2 cups of flour, 40g of cornstarch, and about 1/3 tsp of salt into a bowl, and whisk to combine.
- Cream 1/2 cup of room temperature butter with 1/2 cup of sugar in a stand mixer.
- Mix in 1 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract and 1 egg.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness, transfer to a baking sheet, and chill in the refrigerator.
- Repeat the process for the pink dough, adding in a few drops of pink food coloring and rolling it out.
- Sprinkle with pink sanding sugar and chill again.
- Cut into 1/2 inch strips and layer the pink and white strips together, then roll to seal and chill again.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut cookies with a heart-shaped cutter, place on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 12 minutes.
- Let cool before enjoying.
Notes
Chill dough between steps to keep layers neat. Use light pressure when cutting to maintain clean heart edges.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American