Print

Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 107 reviews

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these adorable Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies. Featuring a creamy, buttery dough with vibrant pink heart cutouts, these cookies are perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones. The layered dough ensures each bite is delightful and visually charming, making them a standout treat for the holiday.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough 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

Additional

  • Red or pink food coloring (natural preferred)
  • Water (for adhering dough pieces)

Instructions

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar: Add the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Beat at medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
  2. Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition to maintain the dough’s consistency.
  3. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in 3-4 batches, mixing until the dough comes together. If too wet, add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of flour to achieve the desired texture.
  5. Color Portion of Dough: Remove about 1/2 to 2/3 of the dough and set it aside. Add several drops of red or pink food coloring to the remaining dough and mix until fully combined, adding more drops for a deeper hue.
  6. Chill and Roll Colored Dough: Place the colored 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 the rolled dough to the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up for cutting.
  7. Cut Heart Shapes: Using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter (~1.5 inches), cut hearts from the chilled colored dough. Lightly wet the floured side of the hearts with a finger dipped in water, then adhere hearts onto each other to form a log approximately 10 inches long.
  8. Freeze Heart Log: Freeze the heart log for at least 30 minutes until it is frozen solid, preparing it for assembly.
  9. Assemble Cookie Log: Press the plain dough onto and around the frozen heart shapes, ensuring no gaps exist by firmly pressing the dough to create a smooth, integrated log.
  10. Chill the Entire Log: Wrap the combined log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to set the shape before baking.
  11. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  12. Slice and Bake: Slice the dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the bottoms turn a light golden brown.
  13. Cool Cookies: Remove the baked cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets to firm up before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For best results, use large eggs and ensure the butter is fully softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Adjust flour quantity slightly if the dough feels too sticky or wet, as egg sizes and humidity can affect dough consistency.
  • Natural food coloring is recommended for a healthier option, but any red or pink coloring can be used.
  • Chilling times are important to maintain the cookie shapes and avoid spread during baking.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • These cookies can be frozen after baking for longer storage.

Keywords: Valentine's Day cookies, slice and bake cookies, heart cookies, buttery cookies, festive cookies, pink cookies, holiday baking

Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/slice-and-bake-valentines-day-cookies-recipe/