Name: Slice and Bake Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-489161H42S
Total time: PT-489161H42S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; Red or pink food coloring

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These Slice and Bake Cookies are as pretty as they are delicious. With a simple vanilla sugar cookie dough and a sweet heart-shaped surprise in the center, they make the perfect festive treat for celebrating with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beautiful heart design hidden inside each slice
Buttery sugar cookie flavor with a tender crumb
Make-ahead friendly—just chill, slice, and bake
Perfect for gifting, parties dessert tables
Fun baking project for both kids and adults

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Red or pink food coloring

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture in 3–4 batches until dough forms. If dough feels too wet, add 1–2 tablespoons more flour.
Divide dough: set aside about ½–⅔ of the dough as plain. Mix food coloring into the remaining dough until evenly tinted.
Freeze tinted dough for 5 minutes, then roll into a ½-inch-thick rectangle. Freeze again for 20 minutes.
Use a 1.5-inch heart cookie cutter to cut out hearts. Lightly dampen one side of each heart with a touch of water and stack them together to form a 10-inch log. Freeze for 30 minutes or until firm.
Wrap plain dough around the heart log, pressing tightly to avoid gaps. Shape into a smooth cylinder. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Slice dough into ¼-inch rounds. Arrange on baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12 minutes, or until bottoms are light golden brown. Cool completely before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 30 cookies.
Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time of 1½–2 hours)
Cooking time: 12 minutes per batch
Total time: about 2½–3 hours including chilling

Variations

Add a few drops of almond extract for extra flavor.
Roll plain dough in festive sprinkles before chilling for a decorative edge.
Try different shapes for other holidays (stars, trees, shamrocks).
Use chocolate dough for the outer layer to contrast with pink hearts.
Fill hearts with two colors (red and pink) for a layered effect.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freeze unbaked dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.

FAQs

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling is crucial for clean heart shapes and easy slicing.

What type of food coloring works best?

Gel food coloring provides vibrant colors without adding too much liquid.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt to ¼ teaspoon.

How do I keep the hearts from separating?

Lightly dampen the edges with a bit of water before stacking to help them stick.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Can I make mini cookies?

Yes, use a smaller cutter and slice thinner rounds—just reduce baking time slightly.

What if I don’t have a heart cutter?

You can shape the colored dough into a log, though the hearts make it extra festive.

How do I know the cookies are done?

They’re ready when the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops are still pale.

Can I decorate them after baking?

Yes, drizzle with melted chocolate or add sprinkles once cooled.

Do these spread in the oven?

Not much—chilling the dough helps them hold their shape.

Conclusion

Slice and Bake Cookies are a festive, creative treat that brings a little extra love to the holiday. With their sweet heart centers and buttery vanilla flavor, they’re as delightful to make as they are to eat. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or treating yourself.