Heart Cookie Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a charming, delicious treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’re in for a real delight with this Heart Cookie Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out buttery, soft, and perfectly sweet, while the cream cheese frosting adds that luscious tangy finish everyone swoons over. Whether you’re baking for a special someone, a party, or just because, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts (pun intended) and you’ll find it easier than you think to master it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Heart Cookie Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe relies on classic pantry staples that blend simply yet yield incredible results. Using softened butter and cream cheese ensures the perfect smooth frosting and tender dough, so don’t rush that part!

• All-purpose flour: Provides the ideal structure for soft, sturdy cookies that hold their heart shape beautifully.
• Baking powder: Just a touch gives the cookies a light lift without making them cakey.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors without being overpowering.
• Butter: Both in the cookie dough and frosting, butter gives richness and tenderness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a tender crumb.
• Large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture — room temperature works best for even mixing.
• Milk: Adds just enough liquid for a smooth dough without it being sticky.
• Pure vanilla extract: The secret flavor enhancer that makes the cookies taste homemade and comforting.
• Cream cheese: This is the star of the frosting, contributing a lovely tang and creamy texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
• Pink and red food coloring: To get those adorable heart vibes and festive flair.
• Sprinkles: For that extra pop of fun and color that makes these cookies party-ready.

Variations

I love making this Heart Cookie Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe my own by mixing up the frosting colors or even tweaking the base flavor now and then. You should feel free to experiment to suit your taste or occasion!

• Flavor Twist: I sometimes add a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla for a lovely nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with cream cheese.
• Gluten-Free: You can swap the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend – just watch the dough consistency and add a tablespoon of milk if needed.
• Vegan Version: I’ve tried using vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and it still turns out delicious, just keep frosting refrigerated longer.
• Decorations: Besides sprinkles, edible glitter or crushed freeze-dried strawberries make stunning toppings.

How to Make Heart Cookie Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients for Perfect Texture

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt in a large bowl. This ensures even distribution and helps your cookies bake consistently. I like to give it a good whisk to avoid any pockets of baking powder that could make uneven bubbles.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer until pale and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The fluffiness is key because it traps air, making those cookies light and tender instead of dense. Don’t rush this part—it makes a big difference!

Step 3: Incorporate Egg, Milk, and Vanilla

Add in the large egg, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until everything is combined. I usually scrape down the sides of the bowl here to make sure nothing’s left out. This combination adds moisture and helps bind the dough without making it runny.

Step 4: Gradually Mix in Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, start adding the flour mixture little by little. This gradual approach prevents flour clouds and keeps your dough smooth. Once combined, the dough will be soft but manageable—a little sticky, but perfect for rolling later.

Step 5: Chill the Dough for Clean Cuts

Divide the dough into two flattened discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling step is crucial for firming up the dough so your heart shapes cut cleanly and don’t lose definition while baking. I always let mine rest longer if I have time—it’s worth the wait!

Step 6: Roll Out, Cut, and Freeze Before Baking

When chilled, preheat your oven to 350ºF and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour your surface and roll out dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 2 1/2-inch heart-shaped cutter, cut out your cookies and transfer gently to the sheets. Here’s a neat trick—it helps to freeze the cut cookies for 10 minutes before baking so they keep their shape perfectly without spreading.

Step 7: Bake Lightly Until Edges Turn Golden

Bake your hearts for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges start to turn a light golden color. You don’t want to overbake them or they’ll lose their tender softness. I’m always hovering around the oven window here – it’s a delicate balance!

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, whip up the frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until super smooth. Then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating again until fully combined. Split the frosting into three bowls and color two with pink and red food coloring to get playful, festive shades.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Using an offset spatula, spread the colorful frostings onto your cooled cookies in any pattern you like—swirls, stripes, or solid colors all work! Top with sprinkles for the ultimate cute finishing touch. My family goes crazy for this part, and it’s the perfect excuse to get the kids involved.

How to Serve Heart Cookie Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick to classic red and pink sprinkles because they’re festive and add great texture. But sometimes, I experiment with crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a bit of natural tartness or edible pearl dust to make them sparkle—perfect for celebrations.

Side Dishes

These heart cookies pair incredibly well with a warm cup of tea or a latte. For a party, I like serving them alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to add some freshness to the sweet platter.

Creative Ways to Present

For Valentine’s or Mother’s Day, I’ve arranged these heart cookies in a circle on a pretty plate or tiered stand, and even wrapped a few in cellophane with ribbons for gifting. I find presentation can turn this simple recipe into a true crowd-pleaser or heartfelt gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I separate layers with parchment paper to keep the frosting intact and prevent sticking. This keeps them fresh and tasty without drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen both unbaked dough discs and fully frosted cookies with great success. For baked cookies, freeze them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers by letting them come to room temperature naturally. If you want warm cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes—but don’t heat the frosting or it might get melty. I prefer them slightly chilled with room temp doughy centers!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Heart Cookie Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen because of how approachable it is and how often it gets compliments. Sharing these feels like sharing a little homemade love, and nothing beats watching friends and family smile when they take that first bite. I can’t recommend it enough—grab your apron, have fun with the decorating, and enjoy this deliciously sweet way to show some heart.

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