INTRODUCTION
Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. They are soft, sweet, and full of love. With their vibrant colors and cute chocolate hearts, these cookies are perfect for celebrations like Valentine’s Day, weddings, or even just a special snack at home. The combination of cream cheese and butter in the dough makes them rich and delicious. Plus, their shimmering sugar coating adds a festive touch that makes them extra special.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies. Firstly, they are easy to make with simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. The cookies are soft and chewy, giving you that comforting homemade feel. The chocolate hearts on top add a sweet surprise that everyone loves. You can easily customize these cookies with different colors of sanding sugar and heart shapes for various occasions. Whether you’re baking for a party or just to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends. And the best part? They stay fresh for a whole week!
HOW TO MAKE Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies
Making Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. Let’s break it down into simple steps.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Hand-held or stand mixer with a paddle attachment
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap or aluminum foil
- Refrigerator or freezer
- Baking spatula
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 ounces (57g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract*
- 3/4 cup (150g) sanding sugar, pink and red or assorted colors*
- 32 chocolate hearts, unwrapped*
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
-
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until mixed well. Set this bowl aside. -
Cream Butter and Cheese
In a large bowl, use a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together on high speed. Do this for about 2 minutes until it looks smooth. -
Add Sugar
Next, add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mix. Beat this mixture until creamy and combined. -
Add Wet Ingredients
Crack the egg into the bowl. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract. Beat everything together on high speed for about 1 minute. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to mix well. -
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now, add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix everything on low speed until just combined. The dough will feel quite thick. -
Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Put it in the fridge to chill for 30 to 60 minutes. You can also chill the dough for up to 3-4 days. If chilling for more than a few hours, let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling. -
Preheat the Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. -
Prepare Sanding Sugar
Pour the sanding sugar into a bowl. If you are using different colors, separate them into a few bowls. -
Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Roll each ball in the sanding sugar to coat it. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. -
Flatten the Dough
Using the back of a measuring cup or glass, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten it a bit. -
Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the oven for 12 to 13 minutes. They are ready when the edges are very lightly browned. -
Press in Chocolate Hearts
After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, press a chocolate heart into the center of each cookie. Quickly put the baking sheets in the refrigerator or freezer so the warm cookie does not melt the chocolate completely. Let the chocolate set for about 15 minutes. -
Enjoy!
Your Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies are now ready! They will stay fresh at room temperature for about one week if covered properly.
HOW TO SERVE Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies
These cookies are perfect for serving at different events. You can set them out on a colorful plate for guests or pack them as gifts in a nice box. They are also great for a cozy movie night at home. Add a glass of milk or your favorite hot drink, and you have a perfect treat. If you are celebrating a special occasion, consider decorating the plate with some flowers or candles for an added touch.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies
To keep Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can last for about a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them again, just let them thaw at room temperature, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies can be enjoyed in many ways. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea. You might also consider serving them with a scoop of ice cream for a fun dessert. If you’re hosting a party, these cookies can be one of the desserts on a dessert table filled with cakes, cupcakes, and other treats.
VARIATIONS
There are lots of fun ways to customize your Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies. Here are a few ideas:
- Different Extracts: Instead of almond extract, try coconut or lemon for a different flavor.
- Add Sprinkles: Mix in some colorful sprinkles into the dough for an extra fun twist.
- Use Different Chocolates: You can use white chocolate or milk chocolate hearts instead of dark chocolate.
- Change the Color: Customize the sanding sugar to correspond with any holiday or event theme.
FAQs
What is sanding sugar?
Sanding sugar is a coarse sugar that adds sparkle and crunch to baked goods. It is perfect for decorating cookies and helps give them a festive look.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature before rolling and baking.
Can I freeze the dough?
Definitely! You can freeze the dough in balls and bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use another type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese gives the cookies a rich taste and texture, you can try using ricotta cheese or mascarpone. However, results may vary.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies
If you want to save time, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and chill it. This way, you can bake fresh cookies on demand whenever you feel like having a sweet treat! Alternatively, you can bake the cookies in advance and freeze them. This allows you to enjoy delicious cookies anytime. Just remember to let them cool completely before freezing.
Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until mixed well. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and cream cheese together on high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar to the butter and cream cheese mix. Beat until creamy and combined.
- Crack the egg into the bowl, add the vanilla and almond extracts, and beat on high speed for about 1 minute, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. The dough will feel thick.
- Cover the bowl tightly with foil or wrap. Chill in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes or up to 3-4 days, allowing it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling if necessary.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Prepare the sanding sugar in a bowl, separating colors if using different shades.
- Roll the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie, then coat in sanding sugar. Place on baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press down on each dough ball to flatten it slightly.
- Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned.
- Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. Press a chocolate heart into the center of each cookie and put the baking sheets in the refrigerator or freezer for 15 minutes to set the chocolate.
- Enjoy the cookies fresh, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.