Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, friendship, and all things sweet. Whether you’re baking for a romantic partner, a group of friends, or your kids, these Valentine’s Day Shortbread Cookie Bites are the perfect way to show you care.
With their buttery texture, melt-in-your-mouth taste, and adorable heart shapes, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Plus, the festive sprinkles add a pop of Valentine’s Day color that makes these treats feel extra special.
The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make! Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll find this recipe simple to follow. And because these cookies are small and bite-sized, they’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or even adding to a dessert charcuterie board for a Valentine’s Day party.
So grab your apron, a rolling pin, and a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, and let’s get started on these sweet little bites of joy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons red, pink, and white sprinkles (plus extra for decorating)
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the ingredients until light and fluffy, which takes about 2–3 minutes. The key here is to ensure the butter is softened (not melted), as this creates the perfect creamy base for your dough. - Add the Extracts:
Mix in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon almond extract. These extracts give the shortbread its rich, aromatic flavor. Feel free to adjust the almond extract to your taste or substitute it with more vanilla if preferred. - Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour and ¾ teaspoon kosher salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies. You’re looking for a soft, pliable dough that’s not sticky. - Fold in the Sprinkles:
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in 2 tablespoons of red, pink, and white sprinkles. These colorful accents are what make the cookies festive for Valentine’s Day. If you want a more subtle look, you can reduce the sprinkles slightly. - Prepare the Dough:
Line a 9 x 13-inch baking sheet with two layers of parchment paper, crossing them in opposite directions for easy removal. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray to keep it in place. Transfer the dough to the pan and press it down evenly using your hands, a rolling pin, or the bottom of a flat measuring cup. - Chill the Dough:
Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill the dough for at least 1 hour. This step is essential for firming up the dough, making it easier to cut into heart shapes. - Preheat the Oven and Shape the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many hearts as possible. Gently press each heart into a shallow plate of sprinkles to decorate the tops. This extra step gives the cookies a playful and colorful finish. - Bake the Cookies:
Arrange the heart-shaped dough pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about ½ inch of space between each one. Bake for 13–16 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be sure to watch closely—shortbread cookies should remain pale with only a hint of golden color at the edges. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Shortbread Cookie Bites:
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the dough hold its shape during baking and makes cutting out heart shapes much easier.
- Mix with Care: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is fully incorporated.
- Watch the Bake Time: Shortbread is all about its tender, buttery texture. Keep an eye on the cookies, and remove them as soon as the edges begin to turn golden.
Why You’ll Love These Shortbread Cookie Bites
These cookies are versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to bring smiles. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day celebrations at home, school, or the office. Package them in a cute tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Whether you’re celebrating with a romantic dinner or a cozy night in with your family, these Valentine’s Day Shortbread Cookie Bites are sure to make the day a little sweeter. Happy Valentine’s Day, and happy baking!
Valentine’s Day Shortbread Cookie Bites
Description
These Valentine’s Day Shortbread Cookie Bites are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats cut into adorable heart shapes and topped with festive sprinkles. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying yourself, they’re a delightful way to celebrate love and sweetness this Valentine’s Day!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the ingredients until light and fluffy, which takes about 2–3 minutes. The key here is to ensure the butter is softened (not melted), as this creates the perfect creamy base for your dough.
-
Mix in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon almond extract. These extracts give the shortbread its rich, aromatic flavor. Feel free to adjust the almond extract to your taste or substitute it with more vanilla if preferred.
-
Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour and ¾ teaspoon kosher salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies. You’re looking for a soft, pliable dough that’s not sticky.
-
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in 2 tablespoons of red, pink, and white sprinkles. These colorful accents are what make the cookies festive for Valentine’s Day. If you want a more subtle look, you can reduce the sprinkles slightly.
-
Line a 9 x 13-inch baking sheet with two layers of parchment paper, crossing them in opposite directions for easy removal. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray to keep it in place. Transfer the dough to the pan and press it down evenly using your hands, a rolling pin, or the bottom of a flat measuring cup.
-
Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill the dough for at least 1 hour. This step is essential for firming up the dough, making it easier to cut into heart shapes.
-
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many hearts as possible. Gently press each heart into a shallow plate of sprinkles to decorate the tops. This extra step gives the cookies a playful and colorful finish.
-
Arrange the heart-shaped dough pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about ½ inch of space between each one. Bake for 13–16 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be sure to watch closely—shortbread cookies should remain pale with only a hint of golden color at the edges.
-
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy!
