Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies are delightful, tender sugar cookies infused with vanilla and almond extracts, rolled in sparkling sanding sugar for a festive touch, and topped with a charming chocolate heart. These cookies are perfect for any celebration, especially Valentine’s Day, when love is in the air. Their buttery richness combined with a hint of cream cheese makes them irresistible. Plus, the sparkling exterior catches the light beautifully, making them a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table. Let’s dive into how to make these enchanting treats!

Why You’ll Love This Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies

These Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies are not just visually appealing; they are a treat for your taste buds, too. Here are a few reasons to make them:

Easy to follow recipe, perfect for beginners.
Delicious flavors of vanilla and almond.
Great for gifting or sharing with loved ones.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Fun and festive decorations with sanding sugar.
Soft and tender texture that melts in your mouth.

These cookies are not just Sweetheart Sugar Cookies; they can also be called Romantic Sparkling Cookies thanks to their charming look. The Festive Sweetheart Cookies are also a great way to celebrate any special occasion!

Ingredients for Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies

Gather these items:

3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 ounces (57g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 cup (150g) sanding sugar, pink and red or assorted colors
32 chocolate hearts, unwrapped

How to Make Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl until evenly combined. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese on high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until creamy.
Step 3: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract on high speed for about 1 minute until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Cover the dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30-60 minutes.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 6: Roll the chilled dough into approximately 1 tablespoon-sized balls and coat each ball in sanding sugar. Place on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake for 12 to 13 minutes or until the edges are very lightly browned.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Press a chocolate heart into the center of each cookie.
Step 9: Chill the cookies for about 15 minutes to help the chocolate set.
Step 10: Transfer the cookies to an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Chill the dough for optimal texture.
Use different colors of sanding sugar for variety.
Store cookies in an airtight container.
For a twist, try adding lemon zest for a refreshing flavor.
Experiment with different chocolate toppings such as white or dark chocolate.

Nutrition Facts for Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies

Per 1 cookie:

Calories: 150
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 70mg
Cholesterol: 25mg

Nutritional values are estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies?

The key is to chill the dough properly, which ensures a soft and tender cookie that holds its shape. This also enhances the flavor development, making each bite irresistible.

Can I make Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance. Just chill it as instructed, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days before baking. This makes it easy to whip up fresh cookies when needed.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies?

To avoid common pitfalls, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and chill the dough as directed. Overbaking can also lead to dry cookies, so keep an eye on them while baking.

Variations of Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies You Can Try

There are many ways to customize your Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies. Here are a few ideas:

Add colored sprinkles for extra flair.
Try different flavors of extracts, like peppermint or coconut, for a unique twist.
Make Frosted Heart Cookies by adding a simple icing on top.
Use a variety of chocolate shapes, such as stars or circles, for diverse toppings.

Delicious Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies for Every Celebration - Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out Cranberry Bliss Cupcakes or Nutella Snowball Cookies.

Delicious Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies for Every Celebration - Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies - additional detail

For more baking tips, you can read about White Russian Cupcakes and Eggnog Snickerdoodles.

For additional information on baking techniques, you can visit King Arthur Baking.

Delicious Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies for Every Celebration

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Margaret
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 32 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Sparkling Sweetheart Cookies are delightful, tender sugar cookies infused with vanilla and almond extracts, rolled in sparkling sanding sugar for a festive touch, and topped with a charming chocolate heart.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 ounces (57g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 cup (150g) sanding sugar, pink and red or assorted colors
32 chocolate hearts, unwrapped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl until evenly combined. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese on high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until creamy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract on high speed for about 1 minute until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Cover the dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30-60 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll the chilled dough into approximately 1 tablespoon-sized balls and coat each ball in sanding sugar. Place on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 12 to 13 minutes or until the edges are very lightly browned.
Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Press a chocolate heart into the center of each cookie.
Chill the cookies for about 15 minutes to help the chocolate set.
Transfer the cookies to an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 1 week.