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
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.
Notes
- Chill the dough for optimal texture.
- Use different colors of sanding sugar for variety.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg