Valentine's Day Heart Shortbread Cookies

Kristen Massad — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Valentine's Day Heart Shortbread Cookies are buttery goodness that you are going to fall in love with. Quick and easy shortbread cookie dough cut into hearts and dipped into a creamy colorful glaze and sprinkled with a touch of shimmer.

February is one of my favorite months, we are one month into the year and we have had time to settle in. As we head into this month and Valentine's Day full of love, friendship and family time, there are so many ways we can make this holiday extra special for our Valentine or Galentine! Sweet treats are always a must and these Valentine's Day Heart Shortbread Cookies are a classic that you will want to make every year.

These decorated glazed heart shortbread cookies are super buttery and easily dipped into an extra creamy colorful glaze. The pastel pink, yellow, turquoise and lime green glaze resemble our favorite conversation heart candies and make the perfect dessert, neighbor gift or treats for Valentine's Day classroom parties at school!

Ingredients

Shortbread Cookie Dough
Sugar- Granulated sugar is the best for these buttery cookies.
Butter-I prefer to use unsalted butter for my cookie recipes, this way I can control the amount of salt that goes into my recipes!
Egg-Only ONE egg!!
Vanilla- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean adds a wonderful flavor to these shortbread cookies. I love using fresh vanilla bean scraped or vanilla bean paste for an extra pop of vanilla flavor.
Flour-All purpose flour is the only flour you need for these cookies.

Cookie Glaze
Powdered Sugar- Sifted powdered sugar (aka confectioners sugar) is going to create a sweet and creamy glaze for these cookies.
Milk- It is important to use whole milk for the frosting recipe for a thick texture. I also like using heavy cream if you prefer a slightly richer glaze.

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare The Shortbread Cookie Dough

Cream together the sugar and butter in a mixing bowl with paddle attachment until creamy
Add egg and vanilla bean to the butter mixture, scrape down the sides and mix until combined
Slowly add the flour and mix until the dough comes together into a ball
Place the dough on a floured surface and gently kneed until smooth
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes

Bake The Shortbread Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper while waiting for the dough to chill
Roll the dough into ⅛" thick and cut into heart shapes (small, medium and large hearts)
Bake the cookies for 14-16 minutes or until the edges turn light golden in color
Allow the cookies to cool completely before glazing

Glaze The Cookies

In a medium bowl combine the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract; whisk together until smooth and creamy (if the glaze is to thick, add more milk or to thin, add more powdered sugar)
Separate the glaze into 4 small bowls and add one of each food color to each bowl (light pink, yellow and turquoise) and mix to combine
Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off and then place the glazed cookie on a drying rack
Allow the cookies to dry completely before stacking, packaging or serving.

What You Need

Mixer
It is best to use an electric mixer with a paddle attachment for an easy mixing process.
Heart Cookie Cutters
A variety of sizes are a great way to mix these cookies up, but you can use all one size as well!
Food Coloring
I love using gel food coloring when mixing glaze or frosting. This food coloring can make pastel shades or vibrant and bold shades of color.
Edible Glitter
I love the addition of a little sparkle on these cookies and edible glitter is the key to making every cookie look great!
Rolling Pin
I use a french rolling pin, tapered at the ends, but any rolling pin will do. This is a staple in the kitchen that sometimes we forget we need.
Heart Plates
These are the cutest and most festive Valentine's Day plates that are all different shades of pink!

Tips and FAQS To Make The Best Valentine's Day Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients
When making shortbread cookie dough, it is important to have all the ingredients at room temperature to be sure that all ingredients combine evenly mix together.

Storing Glazed Shortbread Cookies
If the shortbread cookies are baked and not going to be glazed immediately, store them in an airtight container or plastic zip lock bag to keep them fresh for up to 1 week. Once the cookies are glazed, I would recommend eating them within 3 days. If you have some leftover you can store them in an airtight container once the glaze is dry.

Valentine's Day Gifting
These Glazed Heart Shortbread Cookies make the perfect gift for Valentine's Day! For your favorite neighbor, friend, family or Classroom Valentine's Day Party, these cookies are the perfect treat! Wrap each cookie or a group of cookies in cellophane bags with a ribbon and a cute gift tag and you are all set for the sweetest Valentines Treat.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?

The shortbread cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for 1 week. Once you glaze the cookies I would enjoy them within 3 days to ensure the glaze stays soft and fresh.

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