Red Heart Sugar Cookies
There is something instantly joyful about bright red heart shaped sugar cookies. Just looking at them brings back memories of classroom Valentine exchanges, handwritten notes, and the simple excitement of making something sweet for people you love.
These cookies are bold, festive, and full of personality, yet they are also incredibly versatile and easy to adapt to different textures and tastes.
Make these bright red heart shaped sugar cookies for Valentine’s Day or any day you’d like to treat yourself or others.
Love is the secret ingredient…
I just love a nice sweet treat and these cookies are a huge hit, bright colored and delicious with a nice sugar crunch!
For these cookies, the dough can be rolled two different ways…
Thin or thick… You choose. Crispy or chewy, the choice is yours!
Some cookies were rolled thin for a crisp, delicate bite, while others were left thicker for a soft and chewy center. This small change makes a big difference and gives everyone a cookie they will love. Crisp cookies pair beautifully with coffee or tea, while chewy ones feel more indulgent and comforting, especially when they are still slightly warm.
The bright red color is part of the magic. Red has long been associated with love, warmth, and connection. Heart shapes have symbolized affection and care for centuries, making these cookies instantly meaningful even before the first bite!
Funny story… we’ve been camping, and I forgot to pack a rolling pin, so I had minimal options within reach… and a cold 16oz beer can was the perfect item, I floured it like I would a rolling pin, and the coolness kept the cookie dough nice and smooth!
While Valentine’s Day is the obvious occasion, these cookies are a reminder that love is worth celebrating any day of the year. A random Tuesday, a thank you, or a just because moment can feel extra special with a heart shaped cookie on the plate.
One of the details that truly makes these cookies irresistible is the sugar sprinkled on top. That light coating of sugar creates a subtle crunch as the cookies bake, adding texture and sparkle. It catches the light, enhances the red color, and delivers that satisfying first bite that makes you reach for another.
The contrast between the crisp sugar crust and the soft interior is something you will absolutely fall in love with.
Beyond how they look and taste, these cookies invite you to be creative.
You can keep them simple and classic, or use them as a base for decorating, adding colored sprinkles, icing, frosting, or write cute words on them with icing.
For the love of love… and cookies!
How do I get sugar cookies crisp instead of chewy?
Rolling the dough thinner and baking slightly longer creates a crisp cookie. Thicker dough results in a softer, chewier texture.
What makes sugar cookies chewy?
Chewy cookies usually come from thicker dough, slightly underbaking, and a higher moisture content in the dough.
Why add sugar on top before baking?
Sprinkling sugar on top adds texture, a light crunch, and a beautiful sparkle. It also enhances flavor without overpowering the cookie.
These bright red heart shaped sugar cookies prove that sometimes the simplest recipes carry the most meaning.
Whether crisp or chewy, dusted with sugar and made with care, they are a sweet reminder that love is always worth sharing.
Love at first bite!
Red Heart Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, salted (room temperature) if using unsalted butter add an additional pinch of salt if desired for balanced sweetness
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- additional 1/4 cup granulated sugar for coating cookies
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
- 1 1/2-1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking power
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium to large bowl, use a stnd or hand mixer.
- Add butter and sugar and mix until combined, well blended and slightly fluffy.
- Add in the egg, vanilla, and red food coloring, and mix to combine.
- Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add additional flour if needed. You'll be looking for the cookie dough to be firm but not dry or crumbly, the dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl and form a ball, roll it into a ball on a floured surface if adding more flour. If the dough does not need any additional flour, roll the dough 1/4" inch thick between plastic wrap or thicker to 3/8" thick.
- Cut with a desired shape and size cookie cutter, I used a 2" heart.
- Place the 1/4 cup granualed sguar intoa small bowl or dish, and place each cut cookie into the sugar. Turn the cookie over gently so both sides are covered in sugar.
- Place each cookie on the parchment-lined baking sheet 1-2 inches apart so when they are baked, they have space so they bake evenly.
- Bake cookies at 400° for 7-9 minutes. The bottom of the cookies should be firm on the bottom and edges. Thinner cookies will be crispier, and thicker cookies will be chewier.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets.