Heart Cookies Decorated with Royal Icing Recipe

Few treats feel as sweet and thoughtful as homemade heart cookies decorated with royal icing. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, baby showers, or a cozy weekend with family, these tender, buttery cookies bring instant joy. Soft in the center, lightly crisp at the edges, and topped with smooth, glossy icing, they’re the kind of dessert that turns a simple moment into a celebration. If you love baking projects that are both creative and delicious, this homemade heart cookie recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for special occasions, gifting, and festive dessert tables
• Soft, buttery cookies that hold their shape beautifully
• Easy homemade royal icing that dries smooth and glossy
• Fun and creative—great for baking with kids or friends
• Make-ahead friendly and easy to store

Ingredients

For the Heart Cookies

• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and a tender crumb
• Baking soda – Adds lightness and helps the cookies rise slightly
• Baking powder – Creates a soft, delicate texture
• Unsalted butter, softened – Gives rich flavor and tender cookies
• White sugar – Sweetens and helps create lightly crisp edges
• Large egg – Binds the dough and adds richness
• Vanilla extract – Adds warm, classic aroma and flavor

For the Royal Icing

• Meringue powder – Essential for structure and smooth, set icing
• Powdered sugar – Creates sweetness and a silky texture
• Water – Brings the icing to piping consistency
• Food coloring (as needed) – For decorating and creative designs

How to Make Heart Cookies Decorated with Royal Icing

Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets if desired, though these cookies can bake directly on ungreased sheets.

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and smooth. This step is key for soft, evenly textured cookies.

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, blending just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Roll and Shape

Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness for cookies that are sturdy but still soft.

Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Transfer cookies to baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Bake

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The centers should look set but not browned.

Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes on the tray, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. The cookies must be fully cooled before decorating.

Make the Royal Icing

In a large bowl, combine meringue powder, powdered sugar, and water.

Beat on high speed for 5 to 7 minutes, until thick, glossy, and stiff peaks form. If the icing is too thick, add a few drops of water. If too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Divide into bowls and tint with your desired food coloring.

Decorate the Cookies

Transfer icing to piping bags or use small spatulas and spoons to decorate.

Outline first, then flood the centers for a smooth finish. Add sprinkles or details while the icing is still wet.

Let the decorated heart cookies dry completely at room temperature before stacking or storing.

Tips for Success

• Always decorate completely cooled cookies to prevent melting or sliding icing
• For ultra-smooth results, tap the cookie gently on the counter after flooding with icing
• Keep unused icing covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying
• Use toothpicks for fine details and to pop air bubbles
• Allow several hours of drying time for fully set royal icing

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Heart-shaped cookie cutters
• Baking sheets
• Wire cooling racks
• Piping bags or zip-top bags with snipped corners
• Toothpicks or decorating tools

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Heart Cookies: Replace ¼ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for rich chocolate cookies
• Lemon Sugar Hearts: Add lemon zest to the dough and lemon juice to the icing for a bright, citrusy twist
• Spiced Heart Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, aromatic flavor
• Marbled Icing Cookies: Swirl two icing colors together for a beautiful, artistic effect

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a dessert platter with cupcakes, brownies, and fresh berries
• Wrap individually in clear bags and tie with ribbon for party favors
• Pair with hot chocolate, tea, or milk for a cozy treat
• Use as edible décor for cakes or dessert boards

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Wrap the dough tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Let it soften slightly before rolling.

How long do decorated heart cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Undecorated cookies freeze very well for up to 3 months. Decorated cookies can be frozen carefully, but colors may bleed slightly.

What if I don’t have meringue powder?
Meringue powder is best for food safety and stability. If needed, you can substitute pasteurized egg whites, but drying time may vary.

How do I control icing consistency?
Thicker icing is best for outlines; thinner icing is perfect for flooding. Adjust with tiny amounts of water or powdered sugar.

Final Thoughts

These heart cookies decorated with royal icing are more than just a dessert—they’re a way to share love, creativity, and sweetness from your kitchen. Whether you keep them simple or go all-out with colorful designs, this easy heart cookie recipe is sure to become a favorite for celebrations and thoughtful homemade gifts. If you try these homemade heart cookies, I’d love to hear how you decorated them and who you shared them with. Happy baking and decorating! 💖

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