Description
These Slice and Bake Heart Cookies are classic, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. With a simple dough that is shaped into logs and chilled before slicing, these cookies bake up beautifully with soft centers and golden edges. Optionally decorated with sprinkles or icing, they make a charming treat that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Optional Decoration
- Decorative sprinkles or icing
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth and even base for the dough.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly until well combined with the creamed butter and sugars, enhancing the flavor profile of the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agent and seasoning evenly throughout the flour.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until all components are fully incorporated and a cohesive dough forms.
- Shape and Chill: Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a log approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up the dough for easier slicing.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Slice and Arrange: Remove chilled dough logs from the refrigerator and slice each into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, allowing space between each cookie for spreading.
- Decorate (Optional): If desired, add decorative sprinkles or lightly pipe icing on top of the cookie rounds before baking for added visual appeal.
- Bake: Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft, striking the perfect balance for a tender bite.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack or serving dish to enjoy.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to maintain shape and achieve clean cookie slices.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Decorative sprinkles can be added before baking for festive presentation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free alternative, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
