Shortbread Hearts
Why Make This Recipe
Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts are a delightful treat that brings joy to your celebrations of love. They are simple to make and perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and family. The sweet, buttery shortbread paired with delicious chocolates and colorful sprinkles makes them not just tasty but also beautiful. Whether you want to impress your partner or show appreciation to friends, these heart-shaped cookies are a lovely choice.
How to Make Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts
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)
Directions:
- Make the Shortbread Hearts
- In a bowl, cream together the soft unsalted butter and caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the plain flour and mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1 cm thick. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help them keep their shape while baking.
- Decorate the Shortbread Hearts
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Bake the shortbread hearts for about 15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, melt the milk and white chocolate in separate bowls. Dip half of each shortbread heart into the melted chocolate and then decorate with Valentine’s sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft. Let the decorated cookies set on the rack.
How to Serve Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts
Serve the Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts on a pretty plate or in a decorative box. They are perfect for a romantic dinner, a tea party, or as a sweet surprise for loved ones. You can also pair them with a cup of tea or coffee to enhance the experience.
How to Store Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts
To keep your shortbread hearts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can also freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe container separated by layers of parchment paper.
Tips to Make Valentine’s Shortbread Hearts
- Make sure your butter is soft, as this will help create a lighter texture.
- Chill the dough before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading.
- Feel free to customize the decorations with different types of chocolate or sprinkles!
Variation
You can add a dash of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor or even mix in some chopped nuts for a crunchy texture. Feel free to use different shapes for various occasions, not just hearts!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes! You can experiment with almond flour or gluten-free flour, but this may change the texture slightly.
2. Can I use different decorations?
Absolutely! You can use colored sugar, various types of sprinkles, or even edible glitter to make them festive.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage before baking.
Valentine's Shortbread Hearts
Ingredients
For the Shortbread
- 150 g Plain flour
- 100 g Unsalted butter (soft at room temperature)
- 50 g Caster sugar
For Decoration
- 50 g Milk chocolate
- 50 g White chocolate
- Valentine's sprinkles (to decorate)
Instructions
Make the Shortbread Hearts
- In a bowl, cream together the soft unsalted butter and caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the plain flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1 cm thick.
- Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help them keep their shape while baking.
Decorate the Shortbread Hearts
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Bake the shortbread hearts for about 15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.
- Remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, melt the milk and white chocolate in separate bowls.
- Dip half of each shortbread heart into the melted chocolate and then decorate with Valentine’s sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft.
- Let the decorated cookies set on the rack.
