Name: Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Cookies with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ Cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); 1 Cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 2 ½ Cups all-purpose flour; ¼ Teaspoon salt; ½ Teaspoon baking soda; 4 Ounces cream cheese (at room temperature); 1 Cup powdered sugar; 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ Teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 Pinch salt; 2 Tablespoons heavy cream, Half & Half or whole milk; 5 Drops food coloring (red, optional); ¼ Cup sprinkles (pink and red)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 12 reviews

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to share with someone special, this Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Cookies with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe is guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy sweet cravings. These tender, buttery cookies shaped like little hearts pair beautifully with a creamy, dreamy cream cheese dip that’s lightly sweetened and just the right balance of tangy and rich. Whether you’re planning a cozy afternoon with your loved ones or a fun baking activity to spread some love, these cookies and dip bring warmth and joy to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A pink speckled tray holds various baking ingredients and utensils neatly arranged. At the top, three white measuring cups contain red and pink heart-shaped sprinkles in the smallest cup on the left, flour in the middle largest cup, and white granulated sugar in the right cup. Below these, five metal measuring spoons lined up in descending size hold baking powder, a dark liquid extract, pink salt, and a small amount of milk. On the lower left corner, a white bowl contains a rectangular block of yellow butter, next to two white eggs resting on the tray. A white bowl filled with powdered sugar is placed at the lower right. Near the center left of the tray is a silver heart-shaped cookie cutter. The whole scene is set on a light pink background with the tray's soft color and subtle texture standing out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect cookies and dip. From the creamy butter that enriches the dough to the hint of vanilla that whispers sweetness, every component contributes to the texture, flavor, and color you’ll adore.

½ Cup unsalted butter (at room temperature): Softened butter provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
1 Cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that delicate crunch on the outside.
2 eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture for a soft chewy bite.
2 ½ Cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and texture in the cookies.
¼ Teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
½ Teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft.
4 Ounces cream cheese (at room temperature): Creates the luscious base for the dip with a tangy smooth finish.
1 Cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese dip beautifully.
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds extra creaminess and stability to the dip.
½ Teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses both dough and dip with warm fragrant notes.
1 Pinch salt: Balances the sweetness in the dip for complexity.
¼ Cup sprinkles (pink and red): Adds festive sparkle and color, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
2 Tablespoons heavy cream, Half & Half or whole milk: Adjusts the dip to the perfect consistency.
5 Drops food coloring (red, optional): For that bold, romantic hue in the dip if you want to amp up the presentation.

How to Make Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Cookies with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Begin by combining the flour, salt, and baking soda in a medium mixing bowl. Stir these together well, then set aside to incorporate smoothly into the dough later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract with the creamed butter and sugar. These add moisture and flavor complexity, making the dough rich without being heavy.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, starting at a low speed. Beat until the dough just comes together—overworking can toughen the cookies, so gentle mixing is best.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a ball and cut it in half. Wrap each half tightly in plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. Chilling firms the dough for easier rolling and cuts down on spreading during baking.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans

Set your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps bake the cookies evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 7: Roll Out Dough

Take one portion of dough from the fridge and roll it out to about ⅛-inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Work with small sections at a time for even thickness and flawless heart shapes.

Step 8: Cut Out Heart Shapes

Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the dough into charming Valentine’s Day hearts. Gather and re-roll scraps as necessary and continue cutting until all dough is used.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space in between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden. This timing ensures a tender texture with a slight crisp on the outer rim.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Cooling fully is critical so the cookies don’t crumble when dipped in the cream cheese frosting.

Step 11: Prepare the Cream Cheese Dip

While the cookies cool, beat the cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Then add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whip everything well until smooth and creamy.

Step 12: Adjust Dip Consistency and Color

If the dip feels too thick, slowly add milk or heavy cream in small amounts until the texture is perfect for dipping. For a festive touch, stir in red food coloring and sprinkle colorful pink and red sprinkles on top.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the dip into a bowl and serve alongside your freshly baked heart-shaped cookies. Watch how these sweet bites disappear quickly with smiles all around!

How to Serve Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Cookies with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe

A close-up image shows a white measuring cup labeled 1/4 cup filled with small heart-shaped sprinkles in red, pink, and white colors, gently falling into a mixing bowl with light pink creamy mixture inside. The bowl appears silver metal but is placed on a white marbled surface with some pink color reflecting softly. The background is blurred with a soft pink tone. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkles are a classic choice to add an extra pop of color and fun texture to your cream cheese dip. You can also try crushed freeze-dried raspberries or a dusting of edible glitter for an added sparkle that makes each bite feel special.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or a light fruity tea for a cozy vibe. A fresh fruit platter with berries complements the richness of the dip and adds a tangy freshness that balances sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For an unforgettable Valentine’s Day display, arrange the cookies and dip on a pretty platter lined with rose petals or heart-shaped doilies. Consider layering the dip inside a small decorative jar to bring elegance to your snack table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Store the cream cheese dip separately in the fridge in a sealed jar or bowl covered tightly with plastic wrap.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough after rolling it into balls or after shaping the cookies but before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight before baking. The dip is best made fresh, but it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month; thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, gently reheat them in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies too soft. The cream cheese dip is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating needed there.

FAQs

Can I use a different shape cutter besides hearts?

Absolutely! While the heart shape is perfect for Valentine’s Day, you can use any cookie cutter you love to suit the occasion or your mood. Stars, circles, or even animal shapes will taste just as delicious.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for the cream cheese dip?

You can swap regular cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives made from cashews or soy. Just ensure they are softened and blend smoothly for the best dip consistency.

How can I make the cookies more colorful?

Add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to the cookie dough before chilling, or decorate with icing after baking. Sprinkles and edible glitter also bring vibrant Valentine’s charm to your cookies.

Can I prepare this recipe with kids?

Definitely! Rolling out the dough, cutting shapes, and mixing the dip are all fun, hands-on steps that kids will enjoy. Just handle the oven part yourself for safety.

What if I don’t have a hand mixer for the dip?

You can use a sturdy whisk or a fork to beat the cream cheese and butter, but be prepared for a bit more elbow grease. The dip won’t be quite as fluffy but will still taste amazing!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Cookies with Cream Cheese Dip Recipe with the people you love. This recipe brings simple ingredients together in a fun, festive way that transforms a sweet treat into a heartfelt experience. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and create warm memories with every bite!

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