Description
Hearts & Bows Cookies are charming, buttery sugar cookies perfect for gifting or decorating. These tender cookies are shaped with a heart cutter, baked to golden perfection, then decorated with coarse sugar and finished with ribbon bows threaded through carefully poked holes. The dough is enriched with buttermilk for extra moisture and flavor, making these delightful treats ideal for celebrations or cozy afternoons with tea.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 7 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
For Decoration
- Coarse or colored sugar (optional)
- Ribbon
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
- Straw (for poking holes)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then beat in the pure vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least one hour until it is firm enough to handle.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set them aside ready for use.
- Roll Out and Cut Cookies: On a heavily floured surface, roll the chilled cookie dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Using a floured heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies from the dough. Place the cut cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Optionally, sprinkle the tops with coarse or colored sugar for added texture and sparkle.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes.
- Poke Holes and Cool Completely: While the cookies are still warm but cool enough to handle, gently poke two holes into each cookie using a straw. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set and become firm.
- Add Ribbons and Finish: Once the cookies are fully cooled, thread ribbons through the holes in each cookie and tie them into bows. Trim the ends of the ribbons if necessary for a neat appearance. Your charming Hearts & Bows Cookies are now ready to serve or gift!
Notes
- Refrigerating the dough makes it easier to roll and cut, preventing sticking and maintaining cookie shape during baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to avoid cookies sticking and to promote even baking.
- Be careful when poking holes while cookies are warm to avoid breakage.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, weddings, or any special occasion.
