Go Back

Heart-Shaped Slice and Bake Cookies

A classic freezer-friendly cookie log shaped and sliced into festive hearts, these cookies are made from a simple buttery dough perfect for gifting or themed treats.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baked Goods
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough Ingredients
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • sprinkles or sanding sugar for decorating (optional)

Method
 

Making the Dough
  1. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
  2. Beat in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract until combined.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
  1. Whisk together 2 3/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a separate bowl.
  2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed until just combined.
Adding Milk and Shaping
  1. Add 2 tablespoons milk if the dough feels too stiff; mix until a soft, moldable dough forms.
  2. Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a log about 2 inches in diameter.
Wrapping and Chilling
  1. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or freeze for 30 minutes.
Preheating and Slicing
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Unwrap the log and slice 1/4-inch thick rounds. For heart shapes, slightly press a thin angled cut to form the top of the heart as you slice.
Baking
  1. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, rotating pans halfway through for even coloring.
  2. Cookies should be set at the edges and just barely colored, while the centers stay tender.
Cooling and Decorating
  1. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Decorate with royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles while slightly warm.

Notes

If slices crumble, the dough may be too soft – chill longer. For a softer cookie, reduce bake time by 1-2 minutes. Use a serrated knife for clean slicing.