Print

Perfect Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe Easy Homemade Icing Tutorial

heart shaped sugar cookies - featured image
Print Recipe

These perfect heart-shaped sugar cookies feature a tender, buttery texture with crisp edges and elegant royal icing. Quick and easy to make, they are ideal for any occasion and customizable for dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 5–6 tablespoons water, room temperature
  • Food coloring gels (optional)
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla or lemon extract

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down sides halfway through.
  3. Add egg and extracts: Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until combined. Mixture may look slightly curdled; this is normal.
  4. Combine dry and wet: Gradually add flour mixture in thirds, mixing on low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Chill the dough: Divide dough into two discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
  6. Preheat oven & prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll and cut out cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disc to about ¼-inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cutters to cut cookies and transfer to baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges begin to turn golden. Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. Prepare the icing: Mix powdered sugar with meringue powder in a bowl. Add 5 tablespoons water and beat until thick but spreadable. Adjust water for consistency. Stir in extracts or gel colors as desired.
  10. Decorate: Use piping bags or squeeze bottles to outline and flood cookies with icing. Let outline set for 10-15 minutes before filling. Allow icing to dry completely, about 4-6 hours or overnight.

Notes

Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and maintain shape. Use meringue powder in icing for a shiny, crack-free finish. Outline cookies before flooding to prevent color bleeding. Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: heart shaped sugar cookies, sugar cookies, royal icing, homemade cookies, Valentine's Day cookies, easy sugar cookies, cookie decorating

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/perfect-heart-shaped-sugar-cookies-recipe-easy-homemade-icing-tutorial/