If you want to spread some sweet love this season, nothing beats making your own Valentine’s Day treats from scratch, and this Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe is an absolute winner. These delightful heart-shaped cookies are perfect for baking up warm feelings as they combine a tender, buttery texture with the cheerful crunch of red and pink sprinkles on top. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or sneaking a bite yourself, these cookies bring a festive pop of color and love to any moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step to making cookies that are both delicious and charming. Each element plays a key role, from the soft butter that gives richness, to the sprinkles that add a playful, festive touch.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation, giving the cookies structure without making them tough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them light and tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a touch of lift for the perfect crumb.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth good.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping achieve that desirable golden-brown finish.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together and adds slight tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts flavor with a classic warmth and aromatic depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty note that makes these cookies unique and irresistible.
- 3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk: Ensures a soft, tender dough that’s easy to roll and shape.
- Red and pink sprinkles: These bring the festive colors and a little crunch to the cookies’ tops.
How to Make Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is ready once your dough is shaped and decorated, leading to cookies that bake evenly and come out with perfect golden edges.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Combining these first helps keep everything evenly distributed so that every cookie bakes to consistency.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. This step is where you start building that tender texture, so take your time for best results.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into your creamy mixture. These ingredients give the dough moisture, flavor, and richness that will make your cookies unforgettable.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mixing slowly ensures you don’t overwork the dough, which helps keep the cookies tender and soft.
Step 6: Add Buttermilk for Perfect Dough
Spoon in 3 to 4 tablespoons of buttermilk until your dough becomes soft but not sticky. This little addition will give your cookies a lovely moist quality that makes them extra delightful.
Step 7: Roll and Cut into Heart Shapes
Lightly flour a clean surface, roll out the dough, and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create your charming little hearts. This is the fun part where those Valentine vibes start to show!
Step 8: Decorate with Sprinkles
Place the cookie hearts on a baking sheet and generously top them with red and pink sprinkles. These sprinkles add bursts of color and set the tone for a festive treat.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden hue. Keep an eye on them so you catch that perfect moment when they’re cooked through but still soft.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents breakage and lets the sprinkles set beautifully.
How to Serve Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are gorgeous on their own, you can enhance their presentation by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or pairing them with a drizzle of white chocolate for added decadence. Fresh edible rose petals make an elegant touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with classic Valentine’s treats like a rich hot chocolate, a cup of creamy coffee, or even a frothy lavender latte. The warmth of the drinks complements the buttery sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special surprise, arrange the heart cookies in a decorative tin or a mason jar tied with a pretty ribbon. You can also stack them in alternating layers with parchment paper, making them easy to gift or take on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe cookies store best in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps their texture soft and sprinkles intact for up to a week, so you can enjoy your efforts longer.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls or the fully baked cookies in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to three months, allowing you to bake fresh batches whenever you want.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the texture and gives the sprinkles a slight snap that feels like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter for this recipe?
Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture, but you can substitute margarine. Keep in mind, the cookies may be less rich and a bit different in texture, but still tasty.
Do I have to use almond extract?
Almond extract adds a lovely subtle flavor, but if you’re allergic or don’t have any, just omit it or replace it with an extra half teaspoon of vanilla extract for a sweet, classic taste.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to check if it needs any additional binding agents. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Roll your dough about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness strikes a perfect balance between soft and sturdy, holding their heart shape beautifully during baking.
Can I add different sprinkles or decorations?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any festive sprinkles, colored sugars, or even edible glitter to personalize your Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Making these Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe is such a joyous way to create something meaningful and delicious, especially when shared with those you care about. They’re simple, colorful, and utterly charming—so go ahead, bake a batch, and feel the love with every bite!
Print
Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these charming heart-shaped cookies that combine a tender, buttery base with a hint of almond and vanilla. Decorated with festive red and pink sprinkles, they make the perfect sweet treat to share with your loved ones.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk
Decoration
- Red and pink sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and white sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, creating a light texture for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated to enhance the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture, stirring to combine and form the cookie dough.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of buttermilk to the dough until it reaches a soft but non-sticky consistency, making it easier to roll out.
- Shape Cookies: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into heart shapes using cookie cutters.
- Decorate: Place the heart-shaped cookies on a baking sheet and sprinkle generously with red and pink sprinkles to add color and festivity.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges turn a gentle golden color, signaling doneness.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to easily cream with the sugar.
- Do not overmix once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- If dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a teaspoon of buttermilk at a time.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
