Sweetheart Sugar Cookies (Printable)
Tender buttery heart-shaped sugar cookies with glaze and sprinkles, perfect for sharing on special occasions.
# Ingredient List:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Vanilla Glaze
08 - 1 cup powdered sugar
09 - 2-3 tablespoons milk
10 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - Food coloring (optional)
12 - Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until mixture appears pale and fluffy.
03 - Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until fully incorporated and smooth, scraping down bowl sides as needed.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until a uniform dough forms without overmixing.
05 - Divide dough into two equal portions. Flatten each into a 1-inch thick disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour to firm.
06 - Set oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On lightly floured work surface, roll one dough disc to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut heart shapes using cookie cutter and arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
08 - Gather remaining dough scraps, re-roll to 1/4-inch thickness, and cut additional shapes. Repeat process with second dough disc until all dough is used.
09 - Bake one sheet at a time for 8-10 minutes until edges show faint golden color. Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to wire rack.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract in small bowl until completely smooth. Adjust consistency with additional milk if needed. Add food coloring as desired.
11 - Once cookies have cooled completely, spread or drizzle glaze over each cookie and immediately top with sprinkles. Allow glaze to set for 20 minutes before serving or storing.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The dough is incredibly forgiving and rolls out beautifully without sticking
- That perfect balance of crisp edges and soft centers makes people ask for seconds
02 -
- Chilling the dough is non-negotiable because it prevents spreading and keeps those sharp heart edges
- Letting the glaze set completely before stacking cookies saves you from a sticky disaster
03 -
- Rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking for even golden edges
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to keep your glaze from becoming too thin