Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup g=ranulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- food coloring (optional)
- royal icing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy– about 2 minutes on medium-high speed.
- With the mixer on low speed, add the vanilla extract and food coloring, if using, and mix until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour. Mix just until the dough has come together in a ball.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer to chill for 15-20 minutes, or until it has hardened slightly.
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out until it is ¼” thick. Cut the cookies using a heart shaped cookie cutter that is about 2” across. Transfer the cut cookies to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Reroll any leftover dough and repeat the cutout process.
- Bake the cookies for 10-15 minutes (depending on the size of your hearts), or until the edges are starting to turn golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool fully before icing.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.