Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies (Printable Version)
Buttery heart-shaped sugar treats topped with sweet royal icing for celebrations or gifting.
# What You Need:
→ Sugar Cookies
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Royal Icing
08 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
09 - 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder
10 - 3-4 tablespoons warm water
11 - Gel food coloring (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, beating on low speed until dough forms.
05 - Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut heart shapes and place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
08 - Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges begin to turn golden. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
09 - Combine powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add 3 tablespoons water and beat on low speed until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. Adjust consistency with additional water if needed.
10 - Divide icing and tint with gel food coloring as desired. Transfer to piping bags and decorate cooled cookies. Let set at room temperature until dry, approximately 1 hour.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The dough is forgiving enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough for gift giving
- Royal icing creates that professional bakery look without any fancy techniques
02 -
- Cold dough is non negotiable for shapes that actually look like hearts
- Room temperature butter should leave a slight indentation when pressed but not feel greasy
03 -
- Add lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus variation
- Use a toothpick to guide icing into tight corners of the heart shape