Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts
Highlighted under: Sweet Treats & Homemade Desserts
I absolutely adore making these Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts, especially during festive seasons. The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet sugar transforms simple dough into heart-shaped delights that capture the spirit of love and joy. It's not just the flavors that excite me; it's the process of cutting the dough and seeing the hearts take shape that fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. If you're looking for a way to share affection, these cookies are the perfect treat to make and share with loved ones.
When I first tried making these Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts, I was blown away by how simple yet delightful they were. The sweet, buttery dough is spiced just right with cinnamon, and you can really taste the love in every bite. One tip I discovered is to let the dough chill for a bit before rolling it out; it makes it so much easier to work with.
Each time I bake these, they remind me of the happiness and warmth that comes from sharing cookies with family and friends. The heart shape adds a charming touch that makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day you want to spread joy!
You’ll Love These Hearts Because:
- The irresistible blend of cinnamon and sugar creates an unforgettable aroma.
- Easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
- The heart shape makes them a perfect gift for any occasion.
Creating the Perfect Dough
The dough for Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts is the heart of this recipe, and getting it right is crucial. Make sure your butter is softened, which can be achieved by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow for better incorporation when creaming with sugar, creating a light and airy texture. Combining your wet and dry ingredients gradually prevents lumps and ensures a smooth dough. Refrigerating the dough for at least 15 minutes also helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out without sticking to your surfaces.
When mixing your dough, be cautious not to overwork it once the flour is added. Overmixed dough can lead to tough cookies, which we definitely want to avoid! Instead, mix until just combined, and you’ll have a tender treat. If you're at altitude or your dough feels too wet, consider adding a slight amount of additional flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the proper consistency.
Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies
After cutting your heart shapes, it's essential to keep the cookies chilled before baking to maintain their shape. If your cookies start to lose their form, simply pop the cookie sheet back in the refrigerator for another 10 minutes. This little step can prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, preserving their lovely heart shape. Pay attention to baking times closely, as ovens can vary; look for edges that are just turning golden, which typically takes 10-12 minutes. Overbaking can lead to dryness, so it’s best to check a minute or two early.
Coating the cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking adds a delightful texture and flavor right from the start. For an extra hint of flavor, consider infusing your sugar with freshly grated nutmeg or adding a sprinkle of orange zest to the coating mix. This small addition can elevate the cookie experience, making each bite a bit more intriguing without overwhelming the classic cinnamon flavor.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make these delightful cookies:
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional cinnamon and sugar mixture for coating
Mix these ingredients well for delicious Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your heart-shaped cookies:
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Coat and Bake
In a small bowl, mix together additional sugar and cinnamon for coating. Lightly dust each heart with the cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden.
Enjoy your sweet creations, perfect for sharing!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, experiment with different extracts or even dip the cooled cookies in chocolate!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to keep them fresher for longer, consider freezing the uncooked dough. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, roll out, and cut in your favorite shapes. This is perfect for those last-minute baking needs when you want something homemade but don't have the time on hand.
You can also freeze baked cookies! Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will maintain their delicious flavor and texture for up to three months. Just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to refresh them before serving.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While these cookies are delightful as they are, don’t be hesitant to get creative! You could experiment with different shapes suitable for the occasion, such as stars for festive celebrations or circles for casual gatherings. Also, consider sandwiching two cookies together with a layer of frosting or a sweet cream cheese spread to elevate them even further. This would make a charming treat for parties or as gifts.
For those who prefer a subtle twist, try replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier texture, or use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a slight caramel flavor. These small changes create unique variants while keeping the spirit of the original recipe intact, allowing you to adapt to your personal taste or dietary preferences.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
→ How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out.
→ What occasions are these cookies best for?
These cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any time you want to share love and sweetness.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts
I absolutely adore making these Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Hearts, especially during festive seasons. The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet sugar transforms simple dough into heart-shaped delights that capture the spirit of love and joy. It's not just the flavors that excite me; it's the process of cutting the dough and seeing the hearts take shape that fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. If you're looking for a way to share affection, these cookies are the perfect treat to make and share with loved ones.
Created by: Lena
Recipe Type: Sweet Treats & Homemade Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 hearts
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional cinnamon and sugar mixture for coating
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms, then wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix together additional sugar and cinnamon for coating. Lightly dust each heart with the cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, experiment with different extracts or even dip the cooled cookies in chocolate!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 2g