Almond Heart Cookies

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in some sweet, homemade treats—and these Almond Heart Cookies are just the ticket! They’re buttery, crisp, and full of that rich almond flavor that’s both comforting and a little fancy. Plus, the adorable heart shape makes them the perfect gift for loved ones or a sweet addition to any celebration. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked! Whether you’re sharing them with someone special or enjoying them all to yourself, these cookies are sure to spread a little love around.

Why You’ll Love Almond Heart Cookies

Buttery & Sweet

These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s just the right balance of buttery and sweet. Plus, the almond flavor adds a lovely nutty depth that makes them feel extra special.

Easy to Make

No need for complex ingredients or fancy techniques. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have gorgeous, heart-shaped cookies ready to enjoy in no time!

Perfect for Valentine’s Day

What could be more fitting for a Valentine’s treat than heart-shaped cookies? They’re the perfect mix of sweet, thoughtful, and totally adorable!

Customizable

Want to jazz them up? You can dip them in chocolate, add a little sprinkle of colored sugar, or even drizzle some icing over the top for an extra touch of flair.

Fun to Decorate

These cookies are a blank canvas for all your decorating ideas. Whether you go simple or add vibrant decorations, they’re a fun way to get creative.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• Butter: The foundation of any good cookie. It creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the cookies a beautiful golden color as they bake.
• Almond Extract: The star of the show! This gives the cookies their signature almond flavor that’s nutty and aromatic.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together, giving the dough that perfect consistency.
• Baking Powder: For a little lift and a light texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.

For the Decoration (Optional):

• Icing or Glaze: A simple sugar glaze or royal icing will make these cookies even more irresistible.
• Colored Sprinkles: Valentine’s-themed sprinkles, like pink, red, or heart-shaped ones, are perfect for decorating.
• Chocolate Chips: For dipping or drizzling over the top.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step creates that soft, airy texture we’re looking for in a good cookie.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and almond extract until well combined. The almond extract will infuse the dough with that delightful, nutty flavor.
3. Mix in Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, and we want them nice and soft.
4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

Roll and Cut:

5. Preheat the Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
6. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them because they bake quickly!

Decorate and Serve:

8. Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. Once they’ve cooled completely, decorate them with your choice of icing, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
9. Serve and Enjoy: These cookies are ready to spread some love! Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee, or give them as a sweet gift wrapped in a cute box or jar.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 130
Fat per serving: 7g
Carbs per serving: 18g
Sugar per serving: 10g
Protein per serving: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Almond Heart Cookies

Valentine’s Day Dessert:

These cookies are the perfect way to end a romantic meal or surprise someone with a sweet homemade treat on Valentine’s Day.

Gift-Giving:

Pack them up in a cute tin or jar and give them as a Valentine’s Day gift. They’re the perfect homemade gift for friends, family, or a special someone.

Tea Time Treat:

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea for a cozy, indulgent treat in the afternoon. They also make a wonderful addition to a cookie platter.

Party Favors:

Bring them to a Valentine’s party or brunch. They’re cute, easy to eat, and will definitely impress your guests.

Additional Tips

Chill the Dough!

Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, keeping their perfect heart shape intact.

Customize the Flavors:

If you want to try something new, swap out the almond extract for vanilla or hazelnut extract for a unique twist on the classic flavor.

Decorating Tip:

For a fun, festive touch, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or sprinkles. It adds a nice contrast in both flavor and texture.

Make-Ahead:

These cookies can be made ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies without almond extract?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can use vanilla extract instead of almond, though the almond flavor is what makes these cookies special.

Q2: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A2: Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours before rolling out.

Q3: Can I decorate the cookies with royal icing?
A3: Yes! Royal icing is a great option for decorating. It hardens beautifully, making the cookies look extra polished. You can also use it to pipe designs or write messages.

Q4: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A4: While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine in a pinch. Just keep in mind the taste and texture might be slightly different.

Q5: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
A5: Chilling the dough before baking is key! It helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Also, make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature before placing the cookies inside.

Q6: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A6: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.

Q7: How do I store leftover cookies?
A7: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months if you’d like to enjoy them later.

Q8: Can I make these cookies without using food coloring?
A8: Absolutely! You can skip the food coloring and enjoy the natural buttery, almond flavor of the cookies. They’ll still be just as delicious!

Q9: Can I use a different cookie cutter shape?
A9: Definitely! If you don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter, feel free to use any shape you like. Stars, circles, or even flowers would make these cookies just as festive.

Q10: Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
A10: Yes! A hand mixer works just fine. Just be sure to mix the ingredients until everything is well combined and the dough is smooth.

Conclusion

These Almond Heart Cookies are the perfect Valentine’s treat—sweet, buttery, and irresistibly cute! Whether you’re making them for a loved one or indulging in a little self-love, they’ll add a special touch to any celebration. Enjoy every bite of these heartfelt cookies!

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