Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts
If you’re looking to spread a little love this Valentine’s Day, there’s no better way to do it than with homemade Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts. These delightful treats are not just visually stunning, with their rich chocolate drizzles and festive sprinkles, but they taste heavenly too. Shortbread has a unique melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes it a perennial favorite and, when shaped into hearts and adorned with colorful decorations, they become an adorable gift that speaks from the heart.
Why you’ll love this dish
What’s not to adore about shortbread? With just a handful of ingredients, it’s a quick and easy recipe that anyone can master. These Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts are perfect for all ages—kids will love helping decorate, and the results make for a charming gift for friends or loved ones. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction in creating something special with your own hands. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, this recipe is also a great way to bring a little joy to a random Tuesday when you need a sweet treat to brighten your day.
“I made these cookies for my kids’ school party, and they were a hit! The kids loved decorating them, and the flavor is just perfect. You really can’t go wrong with chocolate and sprinkles!”
Preparing Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts
Making these shortbread hearts is a fun and simple process—ideal for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. You’ll start by creating a dough that’s easy to work with, rolling it out, and cutting it into heart shapes. Once baked and cooled, you’ll drizzle them with creamy milk and white chocolate and finish with festive sprinkles. In just a few steps, you’ll have beautiful homemade treats ready to impress!
What you’ll need
To make these charming Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts, gather the following 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)
Feel free to play around with the type of chocolate or sprinkles to match your personal taste or theme!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the plain flour, combining until a smooth dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1 cm thick.
- Using a cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes and place them on the baking tray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool on a wire rack.
- Melt the milk and white chocolate separately in a microwave or double boiler.
- Once the shortbread hearts are cool, drizzle the melted chocolates over them and quickly add festive Valentine’s sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a variety of serving ideas. Pair the cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat, or present them as part of a sweet platter alongside fresh strawberries and whipped cream. They also make a thoughtful addition to any dessert gift basket!
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your shortbread hearts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to prepare these treats in advance, freeze the baked shortbread hearts before decorating. Once ready to serve, simply thaw and proceed with the chocolate and sprinkles. Always remember to handle chocolate-related treats with care to prevent melting!
Helpful cooking tips
For perfectly textured shortbread, ensure that your butter is at the right temperature—soft but not melted. Additionally, don’t skip the cooling step after baking; allowing the shortbread to cool completely will help keep their shape when decorating. If you want an added hint of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture.
Creative twists
Looking to make your Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts unique? You can experiment with different chocolate varieties—dark chocolate adds a rich depth, while white chocolate pairs beautifully with citrus zest for a refreshing twist. Swap in some crushed nuts or dried fruits into the dough for added texture and taste. And don’t forget about edible glitter for a whimsical touch!
Your questions answered
Q: What’s the prep time for these cookies?
A: The preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 15-20 minutes for baking.
Q: Can I substitute the unsalted butter?
A: Yes! You can use margarine or a plant-based butter alternative if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. For longer storage, freezing is a great option!
With these Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts, you’ll surely impress everyone with your baking skills and add a touch of sweetness to your special day. Happy baking!
Valentine's Shortbread Hearts
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the plain flour, combining until a smooth dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1 cm thick.
- Using a cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes and place them on the baking tray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool on a wire rack.
- Melt the milk and white chocolate separately in a microwave or double boiler.
- Once the shortbread hearts are cool, drizzle the melted chocolates over them and quickly add festive Valentine’s sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
