Name: Valentine’s Day Slice N’ Bake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened (1 cup); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; Pink gel food coloring; Red gel food coloring; Valentine’s Day nonpareil sprinkles

There is nothing quite like sharing a batch of homemade sweets with someone you love, and this Valentine’s Day Slice N’ Bake Cookies Recipe is just perfect for that. These charming cookies combine soft buttery dough with bright pops of pink and red, kissed with festive sprinkles that scream celebration. Whether you want to impress your sweetheart or delight a whole crowd, these cookies bake up beautifully, offering an irresistible texture and unmistakable charm that captures the spirit of Valentine’s Day in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two flattened dough shapes are shown on a baking mat with a greyish tone. The dough on the left is bright pink with eight heart shapes cut from it, arranged closely together, and a heart-shaped metal cutter placed near the center heart. The dough on the right is darker red with eight heart shapes cut from it as well, carefully placed in a similar pattern. Both dough pieces have some white flour dust scattered over them. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple pantry staples come together in this Valentine’s Day Slice N’ Bake Cookies Recipe to create a flavor profile that is sweet, buttery, and just a touch nutty with almond extract. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the perfect dough texture and the vibrant colors that bring these cookies to life.

3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your cookies, providing structure and a soft crumb.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives just enough lift to keep the cookies tender and cakey.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough for that classic cookie balance.
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and richness, making them melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the perfect texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and a cozy depth of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Brings a delightful nutty note that pairs beautifully with the vanilla.
Pink and red gel food coloring: For those festive Valentine’s hues that make these cookies truly special.
Valentine’s Day nonpareil sprinkles: Add a fun, colorful crunch and that extra bit of celebratory cheer.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Valentine’s Day Slice N’ Bake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the all-purpose flour and baking powder in a bowl and set it aside. This blend is your cookie’s backbone and will ensure each bite is soft but holds just enough shape.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is creamy and light, about two minutes. This creates an airy base that helps your cookies develop a tender texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated. The almond extract gives a subtle but delightful twist, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold in the flour mixture using a spatula, just enough until the dough forms. Overmixing here can toughen your cookies, so take it slow and steady.

Step 5: Divide and Color the Dough

Remove about one-third of the dough and split it in two. Knead red gel food coloring into one portion, and pink into the other, until the colors are uniform and vibrant. This is where the Valentine’s Day magic truly begins!

Step 6: Cut Out the Heart Shapes

Roll each colored dough to about half an inch thick, then use a 1-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to create as many heart cutouts as you can. Keep re-rolling the scraps for more shapes — no dough should be wasted here!

Step 7: Chill and Prepare the Outer Rope

Line the hearts on plastic wrap, wrap up tight, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, roll the remaining plain dough into long narrow ropes that will wrap around each heart.

Step 8: Assemble the Cookie Logs

Carefully wrap each colored heart in the dough ropes, pressing gently to cover the entire shape. This creates a beautiful, multi-layered cookie log ready for sprinkles.

Step 9: Add Festive Sprinkles

Pour nonpareil Valentine’s Day sprinkles into a baking dish and roll each cookie log until completely coated. The sprinkles add an eye-catching texture and festive flair.

Step 10: Refrigerate and Slice

Wrap the sprinkle-coated logs in plastic wrap and chill for at least two hours or overnight. When ready, slice into ½ inch thick cookies and place spaced out on a baking sheet.

Step 11: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully.

How to Serve Valentine’s Day Slice N’ Bake Cookies Recipe

The image shows two heart-shaped desserts placed side by side on a white marbled texture. Each dessert has three layers: the innermost heart-shaped layer is pink or red, surrounded by a thick white layer that forms the outer heart shape. The outside surface is covered with small round sprinkles in shades of pink, red, and white. Two slices lie in front of the desserts, revealing the heart shapes inside clearly, with the sprinkles also visible along the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a drizzle of white chocolate over cooled cookies for an elegant touch. Fresh edible rose petals or tiny heart-shaped candies also make for lovely, romantic accents.

Side Dishes

Pair these sweet treats with a rich hot chocolate or a creamy cup of vanilla latte to elevate your festive celebration. For a fun twist, serve alongside a small bowl of strawberry jam or raspberry preserves for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Valentine’s Day cookies in a beautiful tin lined with parchment paper or arrange them in layers within a glass jar for a delightful gift. Wrapping slices individually with a delicate ribbon adds a personal touch if gifting to friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their tender texture and keeps the sprinkles intact for up to a week.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, slice and freeze the cookie logs before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. When ready, bake straight from frozen with an extra minute or two added to the baking time.

Reheating

Warm individual cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer a slightly soft and freshly baked feeling. Alternatively, a quick 3-minute bake in a preheated 300°F oven will revive their fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth.

FAQs

Can I use food coloring powder instead of gel?

Absolutely! Both gel and powder food colorings work well for this recipe. Gel coloring tends to produce more vibrant hues with less product, while powder might require a touch more kneading to distribute evenly.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough helps it firm up, making slicing easier and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking. It also melds the flavors for a more delicious final result.

Can I substitute almond extract with something else?

If you don’t have almond extract, vanilla extract alone works well too. For a twist, try adding a hint of orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavor without overpowering the classic taste.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from falling off?

Rolling the cookie logs in sprinkles while the dough is still cool and slightly tacky ensures they stick well. Baking them gently helps the sprinkles set into the dough instead of falling off.

What if I want different shapes instead of hearts?

You can definitely swap out the heart-shaped cutter for any small cookie cutter you love. Stars, flowers, or even little cupcakes make adorable alternatives that keep the festive vibe strong.

Final Thoughts

This Valentine’s Day Slice N’ Bake Cookies Recipe is truly a joyful baking project that makes for deliciously charming treats. It’s a wonderful way to show love through homemade goodies, and the colors, flavors, and textures come together to create that perfect warm hug in cookie form. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these sweet moments with people you care about!