Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies

Introduction

Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies are a delightful treat that combine the sweet, delicate flavor of strawberries with the rich, buttery goodness of cookies. These heart-shaped cookies, topped with a smooth and creamy strawberry frosting, are perfect for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any time you want to show someone you care. The soft texture of the cookies paired with the sweet and tangy strawberry frosting makes these cookies irresistibly delicious.

I remember baking these for a family gathering, and they quickly became the centerpiece of the dessert table. The vibrant pink frosting and heart-shaped design not only looked beautiful but also brought a warm, festive feel to the occasion. What makes these cookies extra special is their versatility—you can decorate them with sprinkles, drizzle them with white chocolate, or even add a hint of lemon zest to the frosting for a citrusy twist.

The best part about Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies is that they’re simple to make and so much fun to decorate. With just a handful of ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up a batch of cookies that are as gorgeous as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking them for a celebration or just as a sweet surprise, these cookies are sure to spread love and joy!

Perfect for:

• Valentine’s Day
• Anniversaries
• Special occasions
• Gift-giving
• Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies

Here’s why Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies will become your new favorite treat:

• Perfectly Soft and Buttery Cookies: These cookies are soft and tender with a rich, buttery flavor that serves as the perfect base for the sweet strawberry frosting.
• Strawberry Frosting: The strawberry frosting is smooth, creamy, and packed with fresh strawberry flavor, creating a beautiful contrast to the cookies.
• Fun to Decorate: Heart-shaped cookies are perfect for customizing with sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a drizzle of extra frosting.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: While they’re ideal for Valentine’s Day, they also make a great gift or dessert for any special occasion or celebration.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and simple, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional)
• Servings: 24-30 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-170 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk (or more as needed)

For the Strawberry Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree or strawberry jam
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed for consistency)

Ingredient Highlights

• Unsalted Butter: The butter in both the cookies and frosting ensures a smooth, rich texture and flavor.
• Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberry puree or strawberry jam gives the frosting a fruity and slightly tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness and flavor of both the cookies and frosting.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used as the base for the cookies, providing the structure and texture for a soft, chewy bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If the dough feels too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to help it come together.
6. Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.

Roll and Bake the Cookies:

7. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies.
8. Bake: Place the heart-shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Frosting:

9. Make the Frosting: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the strawberry puree or jam and vanilla extract, then continue to mix until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
10. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of strawberry frosting on each cookie, smoothing it out with a butter knife or offset spatula.

How to Serve Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies

Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies are perfect for many occasions:

• For Valentine’s Day: Serve them as a sweet treat for your loved ones or as a dessert for a Valentine’s Day celebration.
• Gift-Giving: Package them in a cute gift box or jar for a personalized, homemade gift.
• Dessert Platter: Add these cookies to a dessert table alongside other sweet treats like brownies, cupcakes, or truffles.
• For Special Occasions: These cookies are great for anniversaries, bridal showers, or any event that calls for a sweet gesture.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies turn out perfectly:

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and prevents spreading.
• Ensure Cookies Are Cool: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before frosting them to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Use Fresh Strawberry Puree: If you have fresh strawberries, puree them in a blender for a vibrant and natural strawberry flavor in the frosting.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Both the butter for the cookies and the frosting should be softened to room temperature for the best texture and consistency.
• Decorate: Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or mini chocolate chips for extra flair and decoration.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies:

• Chocolate Dipped: After frosting, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
• Lemon Frosted: Swap the strawberry puree for lemon juice and zest for a tangy lemon frosting.
• White Chocolate Chips: Add white chocolate chips to the cookie dough for extra sweetness.
• Strawberry Jam Filling: Add a spoonful of strawberry jam in the center of the cookies before baking for a jam-filled treat.
• Pink Sprinkles: Use pink or red sprinkles to decorate the frosted cookies for a festive look.
• Almond Extract: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Raspberry Frosted: Swap the strawberry puree for raspberry puree for a different berry twist.
• Peanut Butter Frosting: Add a layer of creamy peanut butter frosting underneath the strawberry frosting for a nutty contrast.
• Sugar Cookie Base: Swap the cookie dough for a sugar cookie dough for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies

• Freezing: To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If the weather is warm, you may want to refrigerate them to keep the frosting from softening.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies easier:

• Electric Mixer: Use a hand or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar and mix the frosting ingredients.
• Cookie Cutters: A heart-shaped cookie cutter will give your cookies the perfect shape for special occasions.
• Rolling Pin: Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough evenly for consistent cookie shapes.
• Offset Spatula: An offset spatula helps spread the frosting evenly over each cookie.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper ensures easy cookie removal and even baking.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies

1. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of homemade?
   Yes, you can use store-bought frosting if you’re short on time, but homemade frosting offers better flavor and texture.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the cookies in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to frost them.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
   Yes, the cookies freeze well. Just make sure to freeze them before adding the frosting.
4. Can I use frozen strawberries for the frosting?
   Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them and puree them before adding to the frosting.
5. Can I make the cookies without eggs?
   Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or use an egg replacer.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies are the perfect treat for any special occasion. With their soft, buttery texture and sweet, creamy strawberry frosting, these cookies are as delicious as they are charming. Whether you’re baking them for Valentine’s Day, gifting them to loved ones, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these heart-shaped delights are sure to bring joy to anyone’s day.

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to share, making it ideal for everything from festive celebrations to cozy afternoons in the kitchen. Whether you’re decorating them with loved ones or enjoying them all to yourself, these Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies are a delightful way to spread sweetness.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Frosted Heart Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations. Happy baking!