Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies

Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies are the perfect way to spread love and sweetness during the most romantic time of year. These buttery, soft sugar cookies feature an adorable heart-shaped center that appears in every slice, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for a loved one, your kids, or just treating yourself, these cookies are a joyful, edible celebration of Valentine’s Day. They’re also ideal for make-ahead baking, since the dough can be stored in the freezer. Let your creativity shine with these festive and fun cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies Recipe

These cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. The slice-and-bake method is incredibly convenient and lets you create a showstopping heart design with minimal fuss. The recipe is customizable with natural food coloring and can even be made vegan. They’re freezer-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for gifting or parties.

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
• Red or pink food coloring (natural or traditional)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in 3–4 batches. Mix until a dough forms. If it seems too wet, add 1–2 tablespoons more flour.
5. Set aside about 2/3 of the dough. To the remaining 1/3, mix in a few drops of food coloring until the desired shade is reached.
6. Freeze the colored dough for 5 minutes, then roll it out on a floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness. Freeze again for 20 minutes.
7. Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts. Lightly dampen each one to help them stick, stacking into a log about 10 inches long.
8. Freeze the log of hearts for at least 30 minutes until solid.
9. Press the plain dough evenly around the heart log, forming a smooth cylinder. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
10. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
11. Slice the dough log into 1/4-inch rounds and space them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
12. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden. Cool completely before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Chill the colored dough to preserve the shape of the hearts.
• Don’t chill the plain dough; it needs to be soft to mold around the hearts.
• Use minimal water when stacking heart cutouts to avoid sogginess.
• Use a small (1.5-inch) heart-shaped cookie cutter for best results.

Substitutions And Variations

• Use a vegan sugar cookie dough recipe for a plant-based version.
• Swap pink for red, or try multiple colors for a fun rainbow effect.
• Add a drop of almond extract for a hint of nutty flavor.
• Decorate the edges of the cookies with sanding sugar or sprinkles before baking.

Storage Instructions

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To freeze, wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing and baking.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 2 cookies
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 16.8 g
• Sodium: 111.9 mg
• Fat: 12.6 g
• Carbohydrates: 37.1 g
• Fiber: 0.7 g
• Protein: 3.9 g

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day parties, gift bags, or romantic dessert trays. Add them to a cookie platter or pair with strawberries for an extra festive vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough log in advance and freeze it. Just slice and bake whenever you’re ready.

Can I use different shapes besides hearts?
Yes, though hearts are perfect for Valentine’s Day, feel free to experiment with stars, flowers, or other shapes for different occasions.

Do I have to use food coloring?
Nope! You can skip it or use natural alternatives like beet powder for a rosy hue.

Can I make the dough without a mixer?
Yes, just use a wooden spoon or hand mixer. It may take a bit more elbow grease, but it works just fine.

How can I ensure clean slices when cutting the dough?
Make sure the dough log is very firm. A sharp, thin knife and a gentle sawing motion will give you clean cookie slices without smooshing the design.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for stopping by to try this Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies recipe. I absolutely love making these cheerful, heart-filled cookies every February, and I hope you do too. They’re easy enough to make with kids but stunning enough to impress anyone you serve them to. The buttery texture and sweet flavor make them a true treat, and the make-ahead option is a lifesaver. Happy baking and happy Valentine’s Day! I’m so glad you’re part of this sweet little baking community.

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