Romantic Valentines Cookies Recipe
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Valentine’s Day
Servings
25
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Calories
100
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to whip up something sweet and special, and these heart-shaped shortbread cookies tick all the right boxes!
Buttery, crumbly, and oh-so-delicious, they’re a joy to make and even better to share.
Impress with artistic piped designs or keep it simple with a sprinkle of hearts, these cookies are guaranteed to spread the love.
Let’s get baking! ❤️
Ingredients
-
200g plain flour
-
100g caster sugar
-
150g unsalted butter (cold, diced)
-
1tsp vanilla extract
-
A pinch of salt
-
150g icing sugar
-
2-3 tbsp water
-
Heart-shaped sugar sprinkles or pink and red hundreds and thousands
-
150g icing sugar
-
2-3 tbsp water
-
Food colouring (red, pink, white)
-
Piping bags with fine nozzles
For the Valentine's Day Cookies
For the Cookie Toppings (Option 1 - White Icing with Heart Decorations):
For the Cookie Toppings (Option 2 - Piping Icing Designs):
Directions
Make the Shortbread for the Cookies
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 160°C (fan) / 180°C / Gas Mark 4. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, rub the butter into the flour and salt until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract, then knead into a smooth dough.
Roll and Cut: Roll the dough to about 1cm thickness on a lightly floured surface.
Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out your cookies and transfer them to the prepared trays.
Chill: Pop the trays in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up the dough. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until pale golden. Leave to cool completely on a wire rack.
Topping Option 1: White Icing with Heart Decorations
Mix the icing sugar with water until smooth and thick enough to coat the cookies without dripping off.
Spread the icing over the cookies with a spoon or palette knife.
Sprinkle with heart decorations or hundreds and thousands before the icing sets.
Topping Option 2: Piping Icing Designs
Mix the icing sugar with water to create a thicker consistency.
Divide into bowls and tint with food colouring.
Transfer each colour to a piping bag fitted with a fine nozzle.
Pipe hearts, swirls, or romantic messages like "Be Mine" or "Love" onto the cooled cookies.
Let the icing dry completely.
Serving Tip
Wrap the cookies in cellophane with a pretty ribbon for a sweet Valentine’s gift or present them on a festive plate for a cosy evening in.
Happy Valentine’s baking! ❤️
Recipe Notes
If you have any questions, please post a comment below and we will get back to you asap.
Servings:The recipe typically yields about 25 tasty Valentine's Day cookies.
Calories per serving:160 calories.
Remember:Tag #whitakerschocolates with your romantic, heart-shaped creations!
How to Store Your Homemade Cookies
To keep your homemade Valentine’s Day heart-shaped shortbread cookies fresh and delicious:
In an Airtight Container:Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Add a Layer of Parchment: If stacking the cookies, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent the icing or decorations from smudging.
Freezing (Optional): You can freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Once baked and cooled, wrap them individually in cling film and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
Enjoy them as fresh as the day they were made! 🍪❤️
Serving Suggestions:
These delightful heart-shaped shortbread cookies are as versatile as they are tasty!
Here are a few serving suggestions to spread the love:
Gift-Wrapped Charm:Wrap the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red or pink ribbons for a thoughtful homemade Valentine’s gift.
Tea Time Treat:Serve alongside a steaming pot of tea or hot chocolate for a cosy afternoon pick-me-up.
Dessert Platter:Arrange on a decorative plate with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of melted chocolate for an indulgent dessert spread.
Personalised Favour:Add names or sweet messages with piped icing and place them at each setting for a romantic dinner party.
Perfect for any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness! ❤️
Why Do We Celebrate Valentine's Day?
Valentine's Day originated from the Roman festival Lupercalia and was later Christianized to honor St. Valentine, a 3rd-century Roman saint.
The modern romantic celebration emerged in medieval Europe through the tradition of courtly love and Geoffrey Chaucer's poetry linking the saint's feast day to romantic love.
The holiday became commercialized in the 1840s when Esther Howland began mass-producing Valentine's cards in America.
Today, it's celebrated globally on February 14th as a day to express love and affection through cards, flowers, chocolates, and other gifts such as delicious homemade cookies.
