In questo articolo, esploreremo una ricetta deliziosa e facile da preparare.

Heart-Shaped Cookies: A Sweet Expression of Love

Cookies are a universal language of love, and what better way to express your affection than with a batch of heart-shaped cookies? Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just a spontaneous burst of affection, these cookies are the perfect treat. Soft, chewy, and mildly sweet, they are sure to warm hearts and satisfy sweet cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you dive into baking, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter: Ensure it’s cold—European-style butter is preferred for its rich flavor.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp almond extract or vanilla extract: Choose your favorite flavor or try both for variation.
• 3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour: The amount depends on your local humidity level.
• ½ cup cornstarch: A key ingredient for that tender crumb.
• ½ tsp table salt

Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Line several baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the cold butter until creamy. If you have a butter paddle beater, it’s ideal for this task. Add the sugar gradually and continue beating until the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Flavor

Mix in the eggs and your choice of almond or vanilla extract until well combined. These ingredients will infuse the dough with a delightful aroma.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour, cornstarch, and salt to the mixture. Once mostly incorporated, increase the speed and beat until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough to a ¼-inch thickness. With heart-shaped cookie cutters, cut out your cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Chill the cut dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has chilled, bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges have set. The cookies will retain their pale color; they should not be golden.

Step 8: Cool and Store

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before storing or decorating.

Serving and Storing

Once cooled, these heart-shaped cookies can be stacked in an airtight container and stored at room temperature for several days. If you’re feeling creative, decorate them with frosting or icing of your choice for a personalized touch.

Pro Tips

• Cornstarch vs. Cornmeal: Remember to use cornstarch for that desired texture. Cornmeal is not suitable for this recipe.
• Butter Choice: Using European-style butter enhances the cookie’s buttery flavor and texture, similar to shortbread.
• Minimal Spread: Thanks to the chill time, these cookies hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for intricate designs.

Nutrition Information

Each cookie is approximately 156 calories, with 21g of carbohydrates, 2g of protein, and 7g of fat. They are a deliciously indulgent treat that can fit into most diets when enjoyed in moderation.

Baking these heart-shaped cookies is not just about creating a tasty treat; it’s about sharing love and joy. Pour your heart into each step, and the results will be as delightful as the love they represent. Enjoy baking, and more importantly, enjoy the smiles these cookies bring!

Heart Shaped Cookies

Soft and chewy heart-shaped cookies with a tender crumble. Perfect for any occasion and easy to decorate.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 11 minutes mins

Chill Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 46 minutes mins

Servings: 26 cookies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 156

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Dough

• 227 g unsalted butter COLD, preferably European-style
• 200 g granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp almond extract OR vanilla extract
• 360 g all-purpose flour up to 480g depending on humidity level
• 60 g cornstarch
• 0.5 tsp table salt

Equipment

• heart-shaped cookie cutters

Method

 

1. Line several baking sheets with parchment. Set aside.
2. Beat the cold butter in the mixing bowl until creamy. If you have the butter paddle beater – that will work best.
3. Add the sugar and beat until smooth.
4. Mix in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.
5. Slowly stir in the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Once mostly incorporated, increase the speed and beat until smooth. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl.
6. Transfer the dough onto a smooth (lightly floured) work surface.
7. Use a rolling pin to work the dough to a flat, ¼” thick. Then use the cookie cutters to cut out the cookies.
8. Transfer to the prepared baking sheets and then chill in the refrigerator for 15 min.
9. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
10. Once the cut dough has chilled, bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes or until the edges appear to have set. They will not be golden – they will maintain their pale color.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before storing or decorating.
12. Once the cookies are cool – you can stack them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for several days. OR you can decorate with a frosting or icing of your choosing.

Notes

These cookies are mildly sweet and keep their shape with minimal chill time. Use cornstarch, not cornmeal. Decorate with your favorite icing for extra flair.