Chocolate Shortbread Heart Cookies

Are you looking for a delightful treat to share with your loved ones this Valentine’s Day? Look no further than these Chocolate Shortbread Heart Cookies! With a rich cocoa flavor and a buttery, crumbly texture, these cookies are sure to steal the hearts of anyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for a special someone or hosting a Galentine’s Day gathering, these cookies are the perfect way to show your love. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that will have everyone asking for more.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. Add the vanilla extract.

Mix until the dough comes together and forms a ball.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies.

Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until set.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Your Chocolate Shortbread Heart Cookies are now ready to enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Room temperature butter will cream more easily with the sugar.
• Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading in the oven.
• You can decorate the cookies with melted chocolate drizzle or dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Storage & Substitutions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for longer storage.

If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and reduce the added salt in the recipe accordingly. You can also substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture of the cookies may be slightly denser.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies will stay fresh for up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out and baking.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

You can use a dairy-free butter substitute and dairy-free chocolate to make these cookies dairy-free

These Chocolate Shortbread Heart Cookies are a perfect way to spread love and sweetness on any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just a cozy night in, these cookies will always be a hit. Share them with your friends and family, or indulge in them all by yourself. Get ready to fall in love with every bite of these delicious chocolate treats!

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