why make this recipe
Valentine’s Day is a special occasion to express love and affection. Making Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts is a delightful way to show someone you care. These sweet and buttery cookies are not only easy to make, but they also look beautiful with their charming heart shape. Plus, you can customize them with chocolate and sprinkles, making them a perfect treat for loved ones.
how to make Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts
Ingredients
- 150 g Plain flour
- 100 g Unsalted butter (soft at room temperature)
- 50 g Caster sugar
- 50 g Milk chocolate
- 50 g White chocolate
- Valentine’s sprinkles (to decorate)
Directions
- Make the shortbread hearts: In a mixing bowl, cream the soft butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the plain flour and mix until you form a dough. Roll the dough out to about 1 cm thick and cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter. Place the hearts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the hearts: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and bake the hearts for about 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely.
- Decorate the shortbread hearts: Melt the milk and white chocolate in separate bowls. Dip half of each shortbread heart in the melted milk chocolate and half in the white chocolate. Place them back on the baking tray and sprinkle Valentine’s sprinkles on top before the chocolate hardens.
how to serve Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts
These lovely shortbread cookies can be served on a beautiful plate or in a gift box for a loved one. They make a sweet addition to a Valentine’s Day dinner or can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
how to store Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts
Store the Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge, but make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.
tips to make Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts
- Make sure your butter is soft at room temperature to achieve a smooth dough.
- Avoid overmixing the dough; mix just until combined.
- Feel free to add your favorite flavors, like vanilla or almond extract, to the dough for extra taste.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate or sprinkles to make them unique.
variation
You can add a touch of color by making the cookies with colored icing instead of chocolate or using flavored chocolate such as strawberry or caramel to give them an extra twist.
FAQs
Can I use different shapes instead of hearts?
Yes, you can use any cookie cutter shape you like! Just make sure to adjust the baking time if you choose a larger or smaller shape.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly and let it thaw in the fridge before rolling and cutting.
What if I don’t have caster sugar?
You can use granulated sugar instead of caster sugar. Just be aware that it may affect the texture slightly, but the cookies will still taste great!