These heart-shaped shortbread cookies are buttery, crisp, and melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, whether you’re gifting a tin of homemade cookies or enjoying them with a cup of tea. Plus, I’ll guide you through exactly how to achieve the perfect bake every time!
I love how shortbread is both elegant and effortless—made with just a few staple ingredients, yet capable of transforming into the most decadent bites. These all-butter shortbread cookies will never let you down.
What Makes Shortbread Special?
Originating from Scotland, shortbread is known for its “short” texture, meaning it’s incredibly tender and delicate. The key? A high butter content that inhibits gluten formation, keeping the cookies crisp yet soft enough to crumble with each bite.
This recipe sticks to tradition—no eggs, no raising agents—just pure, buttery goodness.
Why You’ll Love these Shortbread Cookies
- Easy & Foolproof – Just three core ingredients
- Versatile – Shape them into rounds, fingers, or festive cut-outs.
- Perfect Texture – Light, crisp, and wonderfully buttery.
- Great for Gifting – Wrap them beautifully for a thoughtful homemade present.
These heart-shaped shortbread cookies are a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Whether you enjoy them plain or decorate them for a festive touch, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 284 g/ 10 oz salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup 120g / 4.2 oz icing sugar
- 2 teaspoons 8g / 0.3 oz vanilla sugar
- 3 cups 360g / 12.7 oz cake flour
- Callebaut W2 White Chocolate, Pistachios and Freeze Dried Strawberries for decorating
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and vanilla sugar until creamed.
- Add the icing sugar, mixing until incorporated.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the flour while mixing on low speed. Scrape the bowl again and continue mixing until the dough is combined.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a rectangular prism. Ensure the rectangles are large enough so that when sliced, they will accommodate your heart-shaped cookie cutter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, for at least one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled dough into ¾ cm thick slices. Dip the heart-shaped cookie cutter in flour, then cut out heart shapes from each slice.
- Reshape the excess dough into a prism, wrap it, and refrigerate again. Work in two batches—while one batch of dough is being used for cutting, the other remains in the fridge to stay firm.
- Arrange the hearts on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper, ensuring at least one inch of space between them.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through for even baking. Perfectly baked shortbread is golden around the edges and dry underneath.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Gently melt Callebaut White Chocolate by placing it in a microwave-safe mug. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Carefully dip one half of each shortbread cookie into the melted white chocolate, ensuring an even coating. Allow any excess chocolate to gently drip off.
- Immediately sprinkle the chocolate-coated half of the shortbread with a generous amount of finely chopped pistachios and crumbled freeze-dried strawberries. The contrast of textures and flavours will enhance the overall experience.
- Allow the decorated shortbread to set at room temperature.
Create beautifully shaped heart cookies and treats with the Wilton Nesting Hearts Cookie Cutter Set. Ideal for adding a personal touch to any occasion, from Valentine's Day to weddings.
The Callebaut W2 Finest Belgian White Chocolate is a premium-quality white chocolate crafted for professional and home bakers alike.
This white chocolate is versatile and easy to work with, featuring a smooth texture and excellent melting properties, making it ideal for a wide range of culinary applications.
Packaged in a 5.51-pound (2.5 kg) bag, it’s perfect for bulk use in professional kitchens or for enthusiastic home bakers tackling large projects. The Callebaut W2 is trusted by chefs worldwide for its exceptional quality and flavour, making it a staple for chocolate lovers and artisans.
How to Bake Shortbread Cookies to Perfection
To ensure yours turn out perfectly, follow these tips:
- Chill the dough – This helps the cookies keep their shape.
- Watch the bake time – Bake until just golden around the edges.
Troubleshooting: Avoid Over baked or Underdone Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread should be lightly golden around the edges with a crisp but tender texture. Use this guide to ensure your cookies turn out just right!
- Overbaked: Too dark, too crunchy, and lacks the delicate crumble.
- Underbaked: Still wet inside, with a slightly doughy texture.
- PERFECTLY BAKED : GOLDEN EDGES, DRY UNDERNEATH AND A CRISP BUT TENDER BITE
Decorating Ideas for Shortbread Cookies
Make your shortbread extra special by using your favourite cookie cutters! You can keep them classic or add a festive touch with icing, chocolate drizzle, or edible glitter. These are perfect for gifting in pretty boxes or wrapping in cellophane with a ribbon.
The Sisterly Market Cotton Herringbone Ribbon is a charming and versatile ribbon designed for a wide range of occasions. Measuring 5/8" in width, it features a durable yet soft cotton herringbone weave, making it ideal for adding a touch of elegance to gifts, crafts, and decor.
Available in a selection of delightful pre-designed messages and patterns, this ribbon brings thoughtful personalisation to your projects without requiring custom printing.
- Dipped or drizzled with Chocolate
- Royal Icing: Pipe delicate designs or write sweet messages.
- Sprinkle or fold in finely chopped nuts, cranberries or freeze dried fruit.
- Dip in a lemon glaze
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate, depending on your preference.
How can I store these decorated shortbreads?
To maintain freshness, store the shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent the toppings from sticking.
Can I make the shortbread dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the shortbread dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow the dough to slightly soften before cutting for easier handling.
I would love to hear from you!
Your feedback and thoughts are always appreciated. Whether you have questions about the recipe, suggestions for variations, or simply want to share your own baking experience, I’m eager to hear how these shortbread treats turned out for you. Feel free to reach out through comments or messages – your insights help me continue to create recipes that inspire and delight.
