Description

These heart-shaped cookies feature tender vanilla and rich chocolate swirls, making them a romantic, buttery treat perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Quick to make and irresistibly cute, they’re ideal for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon milk (any type)
Melted white chocolate or candy melts, for drizzling (optional)
Valentine’s sprinkles, for decorating (optional)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until pale and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer).
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix on low until a soft dough forms; stop as soon as the dough pulls together.
Scoop out about half of the vanilla dough and set aside. To the remaining dough, add cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons sugar, and milk. Mix until evenly chocolatey. Add a few drops more milk if the dough seems dry.
Roll each dough (vanilla and chocolate) into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick, on parchment paper. Lay the chocolate dough over the vanilla and gently press together.
Roll the stacked doughs together lightly to fuse them, then trim edges for neatness. Starting from a short side, carefully roll both doughs into a tight log. Chill the log for 15-20 minutes.
Slice the log into 1/4-inch rounds. Press each round gently into a heart-shaped cutter, or shape by hand.
Place hearts on a lined baking sheet, spacing at least 1 inch apart. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft.
Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with melted white chocolate and add sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Chill the dough log before slicing for defined swirls and minimal spreading. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, substitute flour and dairy ingredients as needed. Decorate only after cookies are fully cool for neat results. Cookies freeze well and can be made ahead.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 7
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 3.5
Carbohydrates: 15
Protein: 1

Keywords: Valentine's Day, heart cookies, chocolate swirl, romantic dessert, easy cookies, holiday baking, butter cookies, cut-out cookies