These Valentine Cookies are sweet and pretty, perfect for sharing with someone special! They can be shaped into hearts and decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles.
I love making these cookies as a fun way to celebrate love! They’re a hit at parties, and honestly, who can resist a cute heart-shaped treat? 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for both cookie types. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It gives similar results!
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds the chocolate flavor. If you want a milder taste, consider Dutch-processed cocoa as a substitute.
Unsalted butter: This adds richness. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or vegan butter. It works well in cookies!
Granulated sugar: It’s great for sweetness. Brown sugar could be used instead for a slightly gooey texture and caramel flavor.
Gel food coloring: I love using gel for intense colors without adding too much liquid. Liquid food coloring can work, but it may change the dough consistency.
How Do You Get Your Cookies to Keep Their Shape?
Keeping the heart shape of cookies during baking can be a challenge, but I have tips!
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This makes it firmer and less likely to spread.
- Roll out the dough to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch. Too thin and they’ll lose shape; too thick can be hard to bake through.
- For any cookie cutouts, place them in the freezer for 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet before baking. This helps them keep their shape!
These simple steps ensure your Valentine cookies come out pretty and perfectly shaped! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Valentine Cookies (Chocolate and Pink Frosted Heart Cookies)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For Chocolate Heart Cookies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Heart-shaped red and white sprinkles
For Pink Frosted Heart Cookies:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red or pink gel food coloring
- Heart and rod sprinkles in red, white, and pink colors
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 20 minutes for preparation and approximately 20 minutes for baking. Then, just allow the cookies to cool completely before serving. In total, you should set aside about an hour to enjoy creating and decorating these lovely Valentine cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Chocolate Heart Cookies:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined.
Slowly stir in the dry flour mixture until a soft dough forms. Once ready, roll the dough into small heart shapes using your hands or a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Gently press some red and white sprinkles onto the tops of each cookie for some festive flair.
3. Bake the Chocolate Cookies:
Place the chocolate heart cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake them for 8-10 minutes, or until set. Allow them to cool fully on a wire rack or on the baking sheet.
4. Make the Pink Frosted Heart Cookies:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add a few drops of red or pink gel food coloring to the dough, stirring until the color is evenly distributed.
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until everything is well combined. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes, placing them on the baking sheets.
5. Bake the Pink Cookies:
Decorate the tops of the pink cookies with heart and rod sprinkles, pressing them lightly into the dough. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9-11 minutes, until they are set but not browned at the edges. Allow them to cool fully as well.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once your cookies have cooled completely, they’re ready to be served or packaged up as sweet gifts. Enjoy these festive Valentine cookies with their lovely red, white, and pink sprinkles—perfect for your Valentine’s Day celebration!
Can I Use Other Shapes for the Cookies?
Absolutely! While these cookies are perfect as hearts for Valentine’s Day, you can use any cookie cutter shape you like. Just keep an eye on baking time, as different shapes may require slight adjustments.
Can I Make These Cookies in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, roll out the dough, cut your shapes, and bake as directed. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months—just thaw them before decorating.
How Should I Store the Cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’ve decorated them with frosting, placing a sheet of parchment paper between layers can help prevent smudging!
What If I Don’t Have Gel Food Coloring?
If you don’t have gel food coloring, regular liquid food coloring will work, but the color may be less vibrant. Start with just a few drops and mix well until you achieve your desired shade. Keep in mind that too much liquid dye might affect the dough’s consistency, so use it sparingly!
