Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Roses

There’s something special about heart-shaped sugar cookies, especially when they’re topped with delicate buttercream roses. These cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a work of edible art! Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a wedding, or just to spread a little love, these Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Roses are a showstopper. The buttery, crisp sugar cookie base is the perfect canvas for the soft, creamy buttercream. I love making these for special occasions, and they never fail to impress. Let’s bake something beautiful! 💕

Why You'll Like It

✔️ Buttery & Delicious – The cookies have the perfect balance of crisp edges and a soft center.
✔️ Perfect for Decorating – Holds its shape beautifully for intricate designs.
✔️ Customizable Colors – Use pink, red, or any color to match your theme!
✔️ Great for Gifting – These cookies make stunning gifts for loved ones.
✔️ Fun to Make – Get creative with piping buttercream roses!

The Recipe

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Buttercream Roses:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pink and red gel food coloring

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Cookie Dough

• In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
• Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing until well combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

2️⃣ Chill & Roll the Dough

• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Roll the dough out on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
• Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies.

3️⃣ Bake the Cookies

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cookies at least 1 inch apart.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating.

4️⃣ Make the Buttercream

• In a bowl, beat butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
• Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
• Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat on high speed until fluffy (about 3 minutes).
• Divide the buttercream into separate bowls and tint with pink and red gel food coloring.

5️⃣ Decorate with Buttercream Roses

• Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (Wilton 1M or 2D works best).
• Pipe buttercream roses directly onto the cookies or onto parchment paper using a flower nail, then transfer them once set.
• Let the buttercream set before serving or packaging.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but are even better after a few hours when the buttercream sets.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Baked cookies (without buttercream) can also be frozen.

Helpful Notes

✅ For Crisp Edges – Chilling the dough before rolling helps cookies hold their shape while baking.
✅ Smooth Buttercream – For an extra smooth finish, sift the powdered sugar before mixing.
✅ Use Gel Food Coloring – This ensures vibrant colors without altering the texture.
✅ Piping Tip – If you’re new to piping roses, practice on parchment paper before decorating the cookies.
✅ Flavor Variations – Swap almond extract for lemon or rose extract for a different flavor twist!

---

FAQs

1. Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Baked cookies can also be stored and decorated later.

2. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of homemade buttercream?

Yes, but homemade buttercream gives the best texture and flavor for piping roses.

3. How do I get perfect buttercream roses?

Use a Wilton 1M or 2D piping tip, start in the center, and swirl outward in a circular motion.

4. How can I make these cookies softer?

For softer cookies, bake them for the shorter end of the baking time and store them in an airtight container.

5. Can I make different shapes with this dough?

Absolutely! This dough works well with any cookie cutter shape.

Final Thoughts

These Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Roses are as beautiful as they are delicious! The buttery, vanilla-flavored sugar cookies pair perfectly with the smooth and creamy buttercream, making them a delight for any occasion. Whether you’re making these for Valentine’s Day, a bridal shower, or just a sweet treat, they’re guaranteed to impress. Enjoy creating (and eating) these gorgeous cookies!

---