Description
Make simple heart cookies with icing hearts using basic tools. This recipe features quick chocolate dough and an easy drag technique for beautiful results, perfect for sharing love.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons meringue powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons warm water
- Red gel food coloring
Instructions
- Whisk flour cocoa powder baking soda and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- Beat butter granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy about 2 minutes.
- Add egg coffee and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients mixing until dough forms. Divide into two disks wrap in plastic and chill 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Roll dough 1/4-inch thick on floured surface. Cut heart shapes with 3-inch cutter then small heart from center of half.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on sheets. Freeze 5 minutes.
- Bake 8-10 minutes until edges firm. Cool on sheets 5 minutes then transfer to rack.
- Beat meringue powder powdered sugar and water until stiff peaks form about 7 minutes.
- Divide icing. Tint one portion red. Thin both to medium consistency with water 1 teaspoon at a time.
- Outline cooled cookies with red icing. Let set 30 minutes.
- Flood centers with white icing. Add 4-5 red dots immediately.
- Drag toothpick from top center through dots on one side in one motion. Repeat other side. Dry 8 hours.
Notes
- Use strong brewed coffee for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Chilling the dough for 1 hour helps maintain shape during baking.
- Freezing cookies briefly before baking prevents spreading.
- Thin the icing slowly, adding water one teaspoon at a time for the right consistency.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Icing
- Cuisine: American