Valentine Cookies

why make this recipe

These Valentine Cookies are simple, pretty, and good for gifts. You can make them with basic pantry items. They look sweet and taste like a soft butter cookie with a light pink layer.

introduction

This recipe makes heart-shaped cookies that you can share with friends or family. They are nice for a party or a small gift, and they are easy to make even if you are new to baking. If you like other easy cookie ideas, try the chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies for a different flavor.

how to make Valentine Cookies

Make two dough batches: one plain and one pink. Roll each dough thin, chill, layer, and then cut hearts. Chill the shaped cookies again so they hold their shape. Bake until the edges set and the cookies stay pale.

Ingredients :

• 1 cup unsalted butter (227g), room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar (234g)
• 2 eggs
• 4 cups all purpose flour (500g), sifted
• 3/4 cup cornstarch (80g), sifted
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (4g)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (15mL)
• 1/4 cup pink sanding sugar (50g)
• few drops pink food coloring

Directions :

1. Divide ingredients into two batches: one for uncolored and one for pink cookies.
2. For the uncolored batch, sift 2 cups flour, 40g cornstarch, and about 1/3 tsp salt into a bowl and whisk.
3. In a stand mixer, cream 1/2 cup butter with 1/2 cup sugar. Mix in 1 1/2 tsp vanilla and one egg.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture until just combined.
5. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness, transfer to a baking sheet, and chill.
6. For the pink batch, repeat steps 2-5, adding pink food coloring with the vanilla.
7. After chilling, cut both batches into strips and layer them. Roll to create a seal and chill again.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F, cut cookies with a heart-shaped cutter, and bake for about 12 minutes.
9. Allow to cool before enjoying.

how to serve Valentine Cookies

Serve on a plate or in a box for a gift. Add a little pink sanding sugar on top for sparkle. These cookies go well with tea, coffee, or milk.

how to store Valentine Cookies

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

tips to make Valentine Cookies

• Chill the dough well so the cookies keep their shape.
• Roll both doughs to the same thickness so layers match.
• Use a sharp cutter for clean heart edges.
• For crisper edges, bake a minute or two longer. For softer cookies, remove sooner.
• For a flavor twist, try a richer butter like in our chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies recipe.

variation (if any)

• Add a thin layer of jam between the layers before cutting for a fruity version.
• Use red or purple food color for different looks.
• Press sprinkles into the tops before baking for more color.

FAQs

Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes, but reduce added salt by half.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to one month.

Q: Why do I need cornstarch?
A: Cornstarch makes the cookies tender and soft.

Q: My cookies spread too much. What did I do wrong?
A: The dough may have been too warm. Chill the dough well before cutting and baking.

Q: Can I bake at a lower temperature for longer?
A: You can lower the oven to 350°F and bake a bit longer, but check cookies often so they do not brown too much.

Ellie

Valentine Cookies

These heart-shaped cookies are a delightful blend of soft butter cookie flavors and a sweet touch of pink, perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Baking

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 pieces eggs
• 4 cups all purpose flour, sifted
• 3/4 cup cornstarch, sifted
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup pink sanding sugar
• a few drops pink food coloring

Method

 

Preparation

1. Divide ingredients into two batches: one for uncolored and one for pink cookies.
2. For the uncolored batch, sift 2 cups flour, 40g cornstarch, and about 1/3 tsp salt into a bowl and whisk.
3. In a stand mixer, cream 1/2 cup butter with 1/2 cup sugar. Mix in 1 1/2 tsp vanilla and one egg.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture until just combined.
5. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness, transfer to a baking sheet, and chill.
6. For the pink batch, repeat the same steps as above, adding pink food coloring.
7. After chilling, cut both batches into strips and layer them. Roll to create a seal and chill again.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut cookies with a heart-shaped cutter and bake for about 12 minutes.
3. Allow to cool before enjoying.

Notes

Chill the dough well so the cookies keep their shape. Roll both doughs to the same thickness for uniform layers. For different looks, use red or purple food color. For a fruity version, add a thin layer of jam between the layers before cutting.