Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Roses

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sugar cookies are a timeless classic, and when they’re shaped like hearts and topped with stunning buttercream roses, they become an irresistible combination of beauty and flavor. The cookies themselves are soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweetness. The homemade buttercream frosting, with its rich vanilla flavor, creates the perfect complement to the cookies. Plus, decorating with buttercream roses adds a touch of sophistication and creativity, making these cookies an absolute showstopper. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just for fun, this recipe will add a personal touch to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the buttercream roses:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (pink, red, or your choice)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half and wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
4. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Buttercream Roses:

1. Make the buttercream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
2. Add color: Divide the buttercream into separate bowls if you want different colors for your roses. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl and mix until you achieve your desired color. Pink and red are classic options, but feel free to get creative!
3. Decorate the cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, transfer the buttercream into piping bags fitted with a rose tip (such as Wilton 1M). Starting from the center of the cookie, pipe a small swirl and then continue to pipe outwards in a circular motion to create the rose shape. Continue decorating until all the cookies are adorned with beautiful buttercream roses.
4. Chill and serve: Let the decorated cookies set for 30 minutes to allow the buttercream to firm up before serving. Enjoy your heart-shaped, rose-decorated cookies with loved ones!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 heart-shaped sugar cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.

• Prep time: 45 minutes (including dough chilling)
• Bake time: 8-10 minutes
• Cooling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

These cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep the buttercream roses intact, be sure to stack the cookies carefully, placing parchment paper between layers. These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days for maximum freshness.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without buttercream roses?

Yes! The sugar cookies are delicious on their own, even without the buttercream roses. You can simply sprinkle them with colored sugar or use any frosting or glaze of your choice.

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

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought buttercream frosting. However, making your own frosting allows for more control over the flavor and texture, and it’s easy to color for the roses.

How do I make the buttercream more stable for decorating?

If you’re worried about the buttercream softening, especially in warm weather, you can add a tablespoon or two of meringue powder to stabilize it. This will help the buttercream hold its shape better.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the undecorated sugar cookies (before adding the buttercream roses) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cookies and decorate with the buttercream roses.

Can I use a different shaped cookie cutter?

Yes! While heart-shaped cookies are perfect for occasions like Valentine’s Day, you can use any shape you like. Star, circle, or flower-shaped cutters would all work wonderfully.

How can I make these cookies less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the sugar in the cookie dough by about ¼ cup. The buttercream is already quite sweet, so this will help balance the overall sweetness.

How can I pipe a perfect buttercream rose?

To pipe a perfect buttercream rose, start at the center of the cookie and slowly spiral the frosting outward. Use steady pressure to ensure an even swirl, and don’t rush – the more patient you are, the better the roses will look.

Can I use a different type of flour for these cookies?

For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum to help the cookies hold together.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the sugar cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Decorate them with the buttercream roses closer to the time you plan to serve them to ensure the buttercream stays fresh.

Can I use a different flavor for the buttercream?

Yes! You can experiment with different extracts, such as almond or lemon, for a unique twist. You can also add a little cocoa powder for a chocolate buttercream, if desired.

Conclusion

Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Roses are a charming, elegant, and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their soft, buttery cookies, creamy buttercream roses, and beautiful presentation, these cookies are sure to impress your family, friends, and loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply spreading some sweetness, these cookies are the ideal way to show you care.

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