Why Make This Recipe

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion filled with love, and what better way to express your affection than through baked treats? These Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies are perfect for celebrating the day. They are sweet, colorful, and fun to make. You can enjoy them as a treat or share them with friends and loved ones, adding a personal touch to your gift-giving.

How to Make Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies

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 (we used this natural food coloring)

Directions:

Add the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer). Beat at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 3-4 batches, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too wet, add in an additional 1-2 tablespoons of flour as needed (this can depend on the size of your eggs, etc.).
Remove about 1/2 to 2/3 of the dough and set it aside. Add several drops of food coloring to the remaining dough and mix until combined. Add more food coloring to reach the desired hue.
Place the pink dough in the freezer for 5 minutes, then roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Return to the freezer for 20 minutes. This makes it much easier to cut out the hearts without ruining their shape.
Use a small heart cookie cutter (roughly 1.5" across) to cut out hearts. Dip a finger in a little bit of water and lightly rub it on the floured side of the cookie before adhering another heart. This helps them stick together, but don’t overdo it; you only need a tiny amount of water. Repeat with all hearts until you have a log about 10 inches long.
Return the log to the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until frozen solid. Remove from the freezer and press the plain cookie dough directly onto and around the hearts. Make sure to really press it in to avoid any gaps. Roll into a smooth log.
Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350˚F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
When you’re ready to bake, slice the dough into 1/4” rounds, then space them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for about 12 minutes or until the bottoms are light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.

How to Serve Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies

Serve these delightful cookies on a decorative plate, or pack them in a cute box for a sweet gift. You can enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a lovely treat for your Valentine.

How to Store Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies

To keep the cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
Don’t skip the chilling time; it helps the dough hold its shape when baking.
Feel free to experiment with different colors for the dough to match other occasions!

Variation

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to the dough for an additional burst of flavor. Decorate the cooled cookies with icing or edible glitter for extra flair.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
You can use any shape cookie cutter you have or simply cut the dough into squares.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Check the bottoms; they should be light golden brown. The tops may still look light, but the cookies will firm up as they cool.