Go Back
Print Pin

Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies with a Small Red Heart in the Middle

Sugar cookies are a timeless classic, and adding a small red heart to the center gives them a charming touch. These heart-shaped sugar cookies with a small red heart in the middle are perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want to show someone you care. With their buttery flavor and festive look, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Equipment

  • Cookie cutters: A heart-shaped cookie cutter for the main cookie shape and a small heart-shaped cutter for the center.
  • Baking sheets: To bake the cookies on.
  • Parchment paper: To line the baking sheets for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  • Rolling pin: For rolling out the cookie dough.
  • Mixing bowls: To prepare the dough.
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk: For creaming the butter and sugar together.
  • Small spoon or piping bag: For placing the small red heart in the center.

Ingredients

  • For the Sugar Cookies:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp milk if needed, for dough consistency
  • For the Red Heart Filling:
  • Red candy melts or red icing for the small heart in the center

Instructions

  • Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or hand whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  • Add the egg and vanilla extract and continue mixing until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of milk or more flour until you get a workable dough consistency.
  • Divide the dough into two portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  • Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
  • Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  • Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out large hearts. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  • Step 4: Cut Out the Small Red Hearts
  • Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter or a knife to cut out small hearts in the center of each cookie.
  • Gently remove the small heart-shaped pieces from the middle of the cookies. You should now have a heart-shaped cookie with a small heart-shaped hole in the center.
  • Step 5: Add the Red Heart Filling
  • If you’re using red candy melts, melt them according to the package instructions. Once melted, carefully spoon a small amount of red candy melt into the center of each cookie where the small heart-shaped hole is.
  • If using red icing, pipe a small amount of red icing into the center of each cookie. Be sure not to overfill the center.
  • Step 6: Bake the Cookies
  • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Step 7: Serve or Decorate
  • Once the cookies have cooled, they are ready to serve! If desired, you can decorate the cookies with additional icing or sprinkles for extra flair.