Frosted Mini Heart Sugar Cookies

Name: Frosted Mini Heart Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these frosted mini heart sugar cookies for any occasion! They're delightful bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing with friends and family. The buttery flavor combined with a sweet, creamy frosting always brings smiles and adds a festive touch to gatherings. Whether it's Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just a casual weekend treat, these cookies never fail to impress. Plus, the easy-to-follow recipe allows for a fun baking experience that everyone can enjoy, making it a favorite in my kitchen!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:26:30.982Z

When I first made these frosted mini heart sugar cookies, I was amazed at how a simple sugar cookie could become so festive with just a bit of frosting. The secret is in chilling the dough before rolling, which makes it easier to handle and shapes perfectly into hearts. I also discovered that adding a dash of almond extract elevates the flavor, making these cookies stand out.

What I love most about this cookie recipe is its versatility. You can switch up the sprinkles to match any occasion, or even use different flavors of frosting for variety. It’s become a go-to recipe for celebrations and I always enjoy sharing them with loved ones!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Cute mini hearts that are perfect for any celebration
Deliciously buttery and sweet with a creamy frosting
Fun and easy to make with kids or as a solo project

      

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The cornerstone of these frosted mini heart sugar cookies is high-quality unsalted butter. It provides the richness needed for that classic buttery flavor. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming; it should be pliable but not melting. If you're in a hurry, you can grate cold butter and let it sit until soft, but room temperature butter will give you the best texture.

Granulated sugar not only sweetens these cookies but also contributes to their texture. When creamed properly with butter, it helps incorporate air, leading to a fluffier final structure. If you want to alter the sweetness, you can substitute up to half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile.

Frosting Techniques

Achieving the perfect frosting consistency is key to dressing up these cookies. Start with the recommended ratio of powdered sugar to milk, but feel free to adjust. If your frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. For a stiffer frosting that holds up well when spread on the cookies, an additional 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar should do the trick.

When applying the frosting, consider using a small offset spatula for even spreading. A piping bag can also be a fun tool if you want to create decorative swirls or patterns. Just be sure to wait until the cookies are completely cool to avoid melting the frosting. I like using a small round tip for quick and easy designs.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookies:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract

For the Frosting:

2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Now, let’s move on to the preparation and baking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create delightful frosted mini heart sugar cookies:

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light. Beat in the egg and extracts. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.

Cut and Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out cookies. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let them cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Adjust the consistency to your liking. Once the cookies are cool, spread the frosting on top and decorate with sprinkles, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious cookies!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, let the cookies sit for a few hours after frosting. This allows the frosting to set and enhances the overall taste.

Storing and Freezing Cookies

These mini heart sugar cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to layer the cookies with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months, allowing you to prepare them well in advance for special occasions.

To thaw frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. If you've frozen cookies with frosting on them, it's best to frost them after thawing to maintain the frosting's texture and appearance.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to customize these cookies beyond the heart shape! You can use other cookie cutters to match different holiday themes or personal tastes. Changing the extract can also offer different flavor profiles; for instance, replacing almond extract with citrus zest or coconut extract can give a refreshing twist to the cookies, making them even more versatile.

You can also experiment with the frosting by adding food coloring for different occasions or mixing in flavored extracts like peppermint or lemon. Adding a pinch of salt to the frosting will elevate the flavors and balance the sweetness beautifully. If you're looking for a healthier option, use a Greek yogurt-based frosting as an alternative.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month. Just let it thaw before rolling out.

→ What can I use instead of almond extract?

You can substitute with additional vanilla extract or even lemon extract for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I store the finished cookies?

Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can, but the texture will be denser. I recommend using a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a better result.