Heart Shaped Cookies

I've made versions of sugar cookies for years, but shaping them into a heart and decorating the top with fresh fruit creates a special treat. They're one of my favorite desserts to make for Valentine's Day, bridal brunches, baby showers, and whenever I want to say "I love you."

If you're serving these heart shaped cookies for brunch, consider serving them with a Sweet Croissant Breakfast Casserole for the perfect pairing! 

What You'll Need

You'll need the following simple ingredients to make this recipe. To view quantities, see the printable recipe card below.

• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that classic soft sugar cookie texture.
• Salted butter: Make sure it's at room temperature so it mixes smoothly.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and gives structure.
• Vanilla bean paste: Adds deep vanilla flavor and visible vanilla specks.
• All purpose flour: Provides structure without making the cookies dense.
• Baking powder: Gives the cookie just enough lift so it holds its shape.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and prevents the cookies from tasting overly sweet.
• Cream cheese: Full fat cream cheese works best.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and creates a smooth consistency.
• Assorted Fruits: I use raspberries, strawberries and blueberries, but you can choose your favorites.
• Candy and Rose Buds: Optional for adding a festive Valentine's Day touch.

How to Make Heart Shaped Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla bean paste and mix until fully combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure there are no streaks of flour.
4. Roll the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, flatten into a disc, and refrigerate for 1½ hours. This chilling step helps prevent spreading.
5. Let the dough sit at room temperature for 5 minutes, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Cut out heart shapes using a heart shaped cookie cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Chill until ready to bake.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely.
7. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla bean paste, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until creamy.
8. Once the cookies are fully cooled, pipe or spread frosting on top.
9. Decorate each cookie with fresh fruit, candies, and edible flowers if desired.

Favorite Pairings

This sugar cookie fruit pizza pairs well with fresh lemonade, sparkling water, cherry limeade, or hot coffee. For special occasions, it also tastes amazing with champagne or raspberry mimosas. 🥂

I like to serve these heart shaped cookies with a plate of chocolate covered strawberries, and if I'm giving them as a gift, I package them together in the same box. 🍓 Now, that's a gift worth giving!

Variations

Use blackberries, kiwi, pineapple, grapes, or orange slices for different fruit combinations. 

You can also make one large heart shaped fruit pizza instead of individual cookies, or add a hint of almond extract to the frosting for a flavor twist.

Helpful Tips

• Chilling the dough before baking is key to keeping the heart shape intact.
• Frost cookies only after they are completely cool to prevent melting.
• Pat fruit dry before decorating to keep the frosting and cookies from being soggy.
• If transporting for a party, assemble the fruit after arrival to insure freshness.

Recipe FAQ

Storage Guide

Store frosted sugar cookie fruit pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and decorating.

Tried this Recipe and Loved It? ❤️ Please scroll down and leave a *STAR* review for others to read!