Name: Copycat Heart Cookies with Cinnamon Icing
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened); 1 cup Superfine Sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 large Egg; 1 large Egg Yolk; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 2 cups Powdered Sugar; 1 teaspoon Cinnamon; 2 tablespoons Milk; 2 teaspoons Light Corn Syrup; 20-30 drops Red Food Coloring

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There’s something undeniably charming about heart-shaped cookies, especially when they’re beautifully decorated and bursting with flavor. These Copycat Heart Cookies with Cinnamon Icing are inspired by the classic treats you find in bakeries, but they’re made right in your own kitchen. Soft, buttery, and adorned with a sweet cinnamon icing, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or just a sweet craving.

Imagine the warmth of freshly baked cookies filling your home, the sweet aroma wafting through the air, and the joy of sharing these delightful treats with friends and family. Not only are these Copycat Heart Cookies with Cinnamon Icing delicious, but they also offer a fun baking experience that everyone can enjoy. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

Top Reasons to Make Copycat Heart Cookies with Cinnamon Icing

Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery cookies and sweet cinnamon icing is simply irresistible.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just a random Tuesday, these cookies are a hit.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the colors and decorations to fit any theme or celebration.
Fun Activity: Baking these cookies is a fun activity for the whole family, especially with kids.
Impressive Presentation: The beautiful heart shape and icing make these cookies look professionally made.

Your Shopping Guide

Before you start baking, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s a detailed shopping list for your Copycat Heart Cookies with Cinnamon Icing:

Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (8 oz) softened, for a rich, creamy base.
Superfine Sugar: 1 cup (200g) for a sweet touch, making your cookies melt in your mouth.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to balance the sweetness.
Eggs: 1 large egg plus 1 yolk to add moisture and richness.
Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons for a warm, inviting flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups (350g) for the perfect cookie structure.
Powdered Sugar: 2 cups (240g) for your icing, making it sweet and fluffy.
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon for that delightful spiced flavor in your icing.
Milk: 2 tablespoons to achieve the desired icing consistency.
Light Corn Syrup: 2 teaspoons to give your icing a lovely shine.
Red Food Coloring: 20-30 drops, to make your cookies festive and fun.

What You’ll Need (Gear)

To make these cookies, you’ll want to gather the following gear:

Baking Sheets: For placing your cookies as they bake.
Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
Electric Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar smoothly.
Cookie Cutters: A heart-shaped cutter to create those adorable shapes.
Cooling Rack: To allow your cookies to cool completely before icing.
Whisk: For mixing your icing ingredients.
Sealant Bags or Piping Bags: For decorating your cookies with icing.

How to Prepare Copycat Heart Cookies with Cinnamon Icing

Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to create your Copycat Heart Cookies with Cinnamon Icing:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of superfine sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in 1 large egg and 1 egg yolk, followed by 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

5. Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a cooling rack.

7. Prepare the Cinnamon Icing

In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons of light corn syrup. Mix until smooth. If desired, add red food coloring to achieve your desired shade.

8. Decorate the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, use a piping bag or sealant bag to decorate them with the cinnamon icing. Get creative with your designs!

Customize for Your Needs

These Copycat Heart Cookies with Cinnamon Icing are wonderfully versatile. Here are some ways you can customize them:

Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist.
Decoration: Use sprinkles or edible glitter for added flair.
Shapes: Try different cookie cutter shapes for various occasions.
Filling: Add a layer of jam or chocolate ganache between two cookies for a surprise filling.

Common Errors (and Fixes)

Baking can sometimes be tricky, but don’t worry! Here are some common mistakes and how to fix them:

Cookies Spread Too Much: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough before rolling it out.
Cookies Are Too Hard: Overbaking can lead to hard cookies. Keep an eye on them while baking.
Icing Is Too Runny: Add more powdered sugar to thicken the icing if it’s too loose.
Icing Doesn’t Stick: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before icing, or the icing may melt.

Make Ahead Like a Pro

Want to prepare in advance? Here’s how you can make ahead:

Make the Dough: Prepare the cookie dough and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freeze the Cookies: Bake the cookies and freeze them after they’ve cooled. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Prepare the Icing: Make the icing ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using.

Helpful Q&A

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter provides the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine, but the results may differ slightly in taste and texture.

How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have icing on them, it’s best to keep them separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 ratio for best results.

How can I make the icing more vibrant?

Add more drops of red food coloring until you achieve your desired color. Just be careful not to overdo it!

Weekend Projects

Looking for more baking inspiration? Check out these weekend projects:

Sally’s Baking Addiction – Offers a variety of cookie recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
Pinch of Yum – Explore delightful dessert recipes that will impress your friends.
Minimalist Baker – Find simple and delicious recipes, especially for those looking for easy baking options.

Wrap-Up

As you can see, making Copycat Heart Cookies with Cinnamon Icing is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. From the soft, buttery cookie base to the sweet cinnamon icing, every bite is a delight. These cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the process of creating these adorable and delicious treats!