Remember those slice and bake cookies from your childhood that came in a tube? These homemade Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies are surprisingly easy to make, taste better than the original, and are free from preservatives and artificial coloring. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any sweet occasion, these heart-shaped treats will surely delight your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies cookie-making with straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of butter, sugar, and vanilla creates a rich, mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable Colors: Use natural food coloring to create vibrant heart cookies that catch the eye and impress guests.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are ideal for gifting on Valentine’s Day—pack them beautifully to share love in every bite!
- Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the freezer, making it convenient for last-minute baking.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Small heart cookie cutter
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: This allows ample space to mix ingredients without spilling.
- Stand mixer: Makes beating the butter and sugar easier, ensuring a light texture.
- Small heart cookie cutter: Essential for creating perfectly shaped cookies that look adorable.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Red or pink food coloring (we used this natural food coloring)
How to Make Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
Step 1: Beat the Butter Mixture
Add butter, sugar, and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer). Beat at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Incorporate Eggs
Add in eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 3-4 batches. Mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is too wet, add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of flour as needed.
Step 5: Color the Dough
Remove about 1/2-2/3 of the dough and set aside. Add several drops of food coloring to the remaining dough. Mix until combined. Add more food coloring if needed to achieve your desired hue.
Step 6: Shape the Colored Dough
Place the pink dough in the freezer for 5 minutes. Roll out into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Return it to the freezer for 20 minutes for easier cutting.
Step 7: Cut Out Hearts
Use a small heart cookie cutter (about 1.5 across) to cut out hearts. Lightly rub a floured finger dipped in water on one side of each cookie before adhering another heart to help them stick together. Repeat until you have a log about 10-inches long.
Step 8: Freeze Again
Return the log to the freezer for at least 30 minutes or until frozen solid. Remove from freezer and press plain cookie dough directly onto and around the hearts, ensuring no gaps remain. Roll into a smooth log.
Step 9: Chill Wrapped Dough
Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least another 30 minutes.
Step 10: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 11: Slice and Bake
When you’re ready to bake, slice the dough into 1/4” rounds, spacing them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for approximately 12 minutes or until the bottoms are light golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.
Enjoy these delightful Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies with family or friends!
How to Serve Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
These delightful slice and bake Valentine’s Day cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially when you want to impress loved ones. Here are some serving suggestions that will make your cookies even more special.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that never goes out of style.
Gift Them in a Cute Box
- Present your cookies in a decorative box or tin; this makes for a sweet gift that’s perfect for friends or family.
Decorate with Icing
- Enhance the sweetness by drizzling royal icing or melted chocolate on top of each cookie for an extra touch.
Create a Cookie Platter
- Arrange your slice and bake heart cookies on a platter alongside other treats like brownies or mini cupcakes for a festive dessert table.
Serve with Fresh Berries
- Add a fresh element by including strawberries or raspberries on the side, balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
How to Perfect Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
Perfecting your slice and bake Valentine’s Day cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right every time.
- Chill the Dough: After shaping the dough into logs, chilling it thoroughly helps maintain its shape during baking.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choosing high-quality butter and fresh eggs can significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies.
- Measure Accurately: Properly measuring your flour with the spoon-and-level method prevents dry or crumbly dough.
- Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking; this step cannot be skipped!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be light golden brown at the bottom but soft in the middle.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add extracts like almond or lemon zest for added depth in flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
While these slice and bake Valentine’s Day cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with some tasty side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies atop a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious melting treat.
- Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses can complement the sweetness while offering savory contrasts.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into warm chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience.
- Coffee or Espresso: A cup of coffee pairs wonderfully, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing flavors.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows and whipped cream for cozy indulgence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent the cookies from achieving the right texture.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step may result in misshapen cookies. Chilling helps maintain their form during baking.
- Overmixing the dough: Be cautious when combining wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones.
- Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Removing them too late or too early can affect their texture and taste.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring tools for dry and wet ingredients. Inaccurate measurements can ruin the recipe balance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
- Wrap unbaked cookie logs tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date, so you remember when you made them.
Reheating Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350˚F and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for about 10-15 seconds per cookie, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies.
Can I use other shapes besides hearts?
You can absolutely use any cookie cutter shape you like! Just adjust the baking time if your shapes vary in size.
How do I add flavor variations?
Consider adding almond extract or lemon zest for unique flavors. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, freeze it, and bake fresh cookies whenever you’re ready.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, gradually add more flour until it’s manageable. Be careful not to add too much!
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still taste great!
Final Thoughts
These Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies are not only easy to make but also customizable for any occasion. With endless options for colors and flavors, you can create a batch that reflects your personal style. Try this recipe today and bring joy to your loved ones with heartwarming treats!
Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies
Indulge in the nostalgia of childhood with these homemade Slice and Bake Valentine’s Day Cookies. These charming heart-shaped treats are not only easier to make than you might think, but they also taste far superior to the store-bought versions. Made with wholesome ingredients and free from preservatives, these cookies are perfect for celebrating love on Valentine’s Day or any sweet occasion. Customize them with natural food coloring for a vibrant touch, making them an excellent choice for gifting or sharing with friends and family. With just a few simple steps, you can create delicious memories that everyone will adore.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red or pink food coloring (natural)
Instructions
- Beat softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; then combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients in batches until dough forms.
- Divide dough; color one portion with natural food coloring.
- Shape colored dough into a rectangle, freeze briefly, then cut out hearts.
- Encase heart shapes in plain dough to form a log; freeze again until solid.
- Slice into rounds and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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