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These heart shaped cookies with EASY icing recipe uses toothpicks. You won't believe how simple it is to make beautiful designs with our step by step!
Click here to PIN these Heart Cookies and Icing Recipe!
Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and you might be on the search for a treat to bring to work, school, church, the neighbors, etc. If you're looking to impress, this recipe for Sugar Cookie Hearts with an EASY Royal Icing Recipe is the choice for you!
Looking for more Valentines Day inspiration? Follow me on Instagram!
Would you believe me if I told you that these cookies are extremely easy to decorate? It only takes three colors of royal icing (red, white and pink) in three different squeeze bottles and a handful of toothpicks. An off-set spatula to spread the icing is also helpful.
I saw these cute hearts years ago originally on Karen's Cookie blog. She included a nice tutorial on how to make these cookies and to my delight they were so simple and turned out beautifully!
How to Make Marble Hearts with Royal Icing
To create the marble hearts, you simply flood the cookie with the royal icing and then quickly dot the background with another color. While it's still wet, run a toothpick through the dots and they magically become hearts! Below is a step-by-step and photo tutorial on how to create the marble hearts on the cookies.
- Flood heart cookies with royal icing.
- Quickly dot the background with another icing color.
- While icing is still wet, run a toothpick through the dots to make the hearts.
- Let set to harden.
How to create tie-dye with royal icing
- Flood heart cookies with royal icing.
- Use two different icing colors to draw lines over the flooded base color.
- While icing is still wet, run a toothpick through the lines either vertically, horizontally, or circular.
- Let set to harden.
Tips for decorating cookies with royal icing
Work with one or two cookies at a time. You want the icing to stay wet and not harden before you can finish decorating. This ensures the different colors will set into each other for flat results.
Store squeeze bottles upside down in glasses. It helps to keep the bottles tipped upside down in glasses so they are ready to go. Place a little splash of water in the bottom of each glass so the tips of the bottle don't dry out.
Reuse your toothpicks. Keep paper towels nearby to wipe your toothpick(s) after each use.
Check out Karen's Cookies. For more detailed instructions, visit Karen's Cookie blog.
You will need meringue powder to make royal icing. What is meringue powder and where can you find it? Meringue powder is egg white powder. It is found in most craft and baking stores, like Michael's and Joann Fabrics. I've even found it at Walmart. Or, you can quickly purchase it on Amazon here.
Click here to see how I used a miniature version of these sugar cookie hearts to top my favorite strawberry cupcakes for a Valentine's Day treat!
I am a fan of the royal icing recipe provided by Karen's Cookies AND her sugar cookie recipe we found years ago. You'll be very proud of yourself after making these cookies. And, you'll have a hard time eating them since they're so pretty!
Other Recipes Using Easy Royal Icing
- Monster Sugar Cookies
- Father's Day Sugar Cookies
- Mother's Day Sugar Cookies
- Welcome Home Sugar Cookies
- DIY Homemade Candy Dots
PIN this to save for later. Made this recipe? Leave a star rating and tag me on Instagram @seededtable so I can see. I love hearing from you!
This post for Heart Shaped Cookies and Easy Royal Icing was originally published on February 7, 2011 and updated on February 3rd, 2020 with new recipe tips then again January 2022 with optimized photos. The recipes were not changed during any of these updates.
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5 from 5 votes
Heart Shaped Cookies with Royal Icing
These heart shaped cookies with EASY icing recipe uses toothpicks. You won't believe how simple it is to make beautiful designs with our step by step!
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: American
Keyword: heart-shaped sugar cookies, sugar cookie hearts, sugar cookie recipe
Servings: 24 cookies, varies
Calories: 154kcal
Author: Nikki Gladd
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter , softened
- 1 cup superfine sugar (or granulated sugar processed in food processor for 30 seconds)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- ½ teaspoon almond extract , optional
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar and salt at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolk and beat until fully incorporated. Mix in the whole egg, vanilla and optional almond extract. Beat until full mixed. Add the flour, then beat at low speed just until combined. Be careful to not over-mix. Divide the dough in half and wrap in plastic wrap. Store in fridge until firm, at least one hour and up to 2 days.
Preheat oven to 375°F. On a floured work surface, roll the dough to ¼-inch thick, sprinkling with additional flour as needed to prevent sticking. Use cookies cutters to cut into shapes and place on parchment or silicone-lined pans. Bake until cookies appear dry on the surface and are light golden brown on the edges, about 10 minutes (or a few more for larger cookies). Let sit for 2 minutes before removing from cookie sheets. Allow to cool completely on cooling racks before decorating.
Decorate with our Easy Royal Icing recipe.
Notes
Nutrition information is based on a yield of 2 dozen cookies. Servings will vary based on size of cookie cutters used.
Nutrition
Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 119mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 257IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Take a pic and tag @seededtable or #SeededAtTheTable to be featured!
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4.84 from 6 votes
EASY Royal Icing Recipe
This royal icing is quick to make and easy to use for decorating cookies!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy royal icing, how to decorate with royal icing, royal icing, royal icing tips
Calories: 152kcal
Author: Nikki Gladd
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1 lb powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons water , more or less as needed
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract , optional
Instructions
Beat all ingredients together until stiff peaks form (about 10 minutes).
Divide into separate containers, depending on how many colors you plan to use. Mix in food coloring. Add water to thin each color out so that when it runs off the spoon it quickly dissolves back into the remaining icing within 10 seconds. Add powdered sugar if need to thicken.
Pour into squeeze bottles and decorate cookies.
Notes
- Source: Karen’s Cookies
- Nutritional information is an estimate only, based on 12 servings.
Nutrition
Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 11mg | Sugar: 37g | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Take a pic and tag @seededtable or #SeededAtTheTable to be featured!
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About Seeded At The Table
Thanks for visiting! We’re the Gladd family! We love donuts, Disney, LEGO and Jesus. Not in that order, of course. 🙂 Ben shares DIY wood-working projects and Nikki shares delicious recipes. You’ll also find a sprinkling of travel adventures and other family fun ideas!
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Michaela says
Hello! These just look beautiful! I’ve been wondering how could I change the meringue powder because we don’t have it in Bulgaria, any suggestions? 🙂Reply
Nikki Gladd says
Hi Michaela,
I'm sorry I do not have any suggestions, but hoping another reader might and can comment! 🙂Reply
Kim Ruegsegger says
Here are substitutes for meringue powder. I personally have not tried them yet. Hope this helps.
Fresh, pasteurized egg whites
Considered the best substitute because it has the best foaming ability. However, powdered egg whites need to be rehydrated and don't have pre-added sugar or stabilizer.
Aquafaba
The liquid from a can of chickpeas that can be whipped into a foam or meringue. It's one of the few egg replacers that can whip into meringue and be used as an egg white substitute.
Agar powder
A vegan, stabilized whipped cream.
Powdered sugar
Meringue powder is simply powdered sugar mixed with egg whites. To make meringue powder, mix 3/4 cup granulated white sugar with 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot) and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
Other substitutes for meringue powder include:
Dried egg whites
GelatinReply
Stephanie says
Hi! Do you think I can make these cookies and freeze them for two weeks before thawing and frosting?
Reply
Nikki Gladd says
I think that should be fine! 🙂
Reply
Cindy says
LOVE THESE!!! I'm putting together a Foodie Friday Roundup this week for Valentine's Cookies. Could I include a pic and your post link?
Reply
Cristy says
Nikki these look so yummy. I have included them in my roundup of 20 Yummy Heart Shaped Treats.
Reply
Sarah says
What's the difference between one egg and one egg yolk?
Reply
Nikki Gladd says
Separate the yolk from the egg white and only use the yolk.
Reply
natalie says
these are so cute! im nervous to attempt these because i tried sugar cookies before and the icing was to runny. What do i do if that happens again?
Reply
Nikki Gladd says
Hi Natalie,
You can thicken the icing with more powdered sugar. 🙂Reply
Jennifer Vang says
Hello, I wanted to make these for a baby shower, but I didn't know how much more I should double the quantity. How many serviings does this recipe make?
I'm assuming 36 cookies?
I'm looking to make roughly 100-150. Thanks!Reply
Nikki Gladd says
Hi Jennifer,
That's a hard question to answer because it totally depends on the size of your cookie cutters and how thin/thick you decide to roll the dough. I would probably double it first, to see how much it makes for you, then double again, etc.Reply
Mickey Nash says
Found your darling cookies by typing in Valentines Cookies... these are gorgeous and look so professional! Can't wait to bake them and bag them in threes in a clear gusseted bag for teachers gifts 🙂
Reply
Kirsten Murray says
Hi Nikki,
Thanks so much for this wonderful recipe & tutorial! I made these for a milk & cookies open house event this past week and they were a huge hit.
Have a lovely week,
KirstenReply
Nikki says
So glad the tutorial helped you, Kirsten! Thanks for the feedback! 🙂
Reply
Tiffany says
Hi!! I will be using this recipe for my sons birthday party this weekend. Did you use salter or unsalted butter? Does it matter?
Reply
Nikki says
When baking, I always use unsalted butter unless the recipe specifically calls for salted. 🙂 Have a great party!
Reply
vivian says
Got them in the oven hope they turn out good 🙂
Reply
conniesua says
Hi:
I made your cookies recipe, and I want to say yoy, !! its fantastic !! I need to work in the decorating, but all it´s delicious.Reply
Palomita says
Made these for my husband for V-day 🙂 They came out pretty good. Normally I never cream stuff first, just throw it in at the same time. This time I followed directions verbatim 🙂 Adding this recipe to the file!
Reply
Mary J. says
How did you get the colors on your site for the sugar cookie hearts? They are so rich and deep in color especially the "red". I am going to attempt to make these for a church function in February. Any advice would be appreciated as I am a rookie crafter/creator Mj 🙂
Reply
Nikki says
Hi Mary, Since I don't make sugar cookies extremely often, I don't really have a specific formula for colors and just experiment every time. I'd recommend a couple of other blogs that specialize in sugar cookies, like Sugarbelle and Bake@350. 🙂
Reply
Gisell says
love your blog im just star making then for self
Reply
Amy says
I am making these cookies today for my son's party at school tomorrow. So far it's been pretty easy but some of my cookies bubbled up a little during baking. They will be fine for three year olds but how can I prevent this in the future?
new baker!
Reply
Pennies on a Platter says
Hi Amy,
It's hard to tell, but maybe you are over mixing the dough? When you add the flour, you want to mix until it is JUST combined. I also heard before that if you reuse parchment paper, this can also cause bubbling, but I think on the bottom of the cookies. I have no idea if that's true, though. 🙂
-Nikki
Reply
Denise says
I made these with my 10 year old girls for their classes at school. They had so much fun with it, their 7 and 5 year old brothers joined in the fun! They're not as professional looking, but they're still beautiful. The best part is, everyone, including mom, had fun with the icing. I got it a little thin, so it ran a little bit, but adding more powdered sugar helped. Also, I was able to find everything I needed except the super fine sugar at Wal-Mart. The one near me has the cake decorating materials near the greeting cards, not in the baking aisle, FYI! Thanks for sharing a fun idea!
Reply
Pennies on a Platter says
Denise - What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing! (And, very weird how the cake decorating materials are near the greeting cards rather than the baking aisle. ha! I'll have to remember that!)
-Nikki
Reply
Cora says
This is my first time making royal icing and I couldn't find merengue powder. I asked the clerk at the grocery store and they told me to get cream of tartar. Is that right? Or where else could I possibly look for merengue powder? Thanks 🙂
Reply
Pennies on a Platter says
No, do not use cream of tartar. You can find meringue powder at baking supply stores or craft stores that have a baking area such as Michael's, Joann Fabrics, and possibly Hobby Lobby. I'm sure you can also order it on Amazon.
Nikki
Reply
Beth Ann says
I wondered how you did those beautiful patterns on the cookies! Thanks for sharing all the info!!! Love them! Beth Ann
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Vicki says
These are beautiful, Nik. Can't wait to try them!
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Rachel says
These cookies are beautiful and look as if you spent HOURS decorating! I love that you demonstrated your techniques!
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Bridget says
That's perfect! I've been trying to figure out how to bring super frilly royal icing decorated sugar cookies to the office potluck on Monday after being out of town all weekend. This is the answer because I don't have to wait until the icing dries before adding detail like I would for most royal icing decorations!
Reply
Sarah says
These are adorable! This time of year really brings out some of the cutest dessert recipes. We had another blogger friend who shared her Text Message cookies with us recently. So fun! You can see that cute recipe here:
https://blog.recipelion.com/guest-post-valentines-day-brings-sweet-text-messages/Thanks as always for the great recipes.
Sarah
Editor
https://www.recipelion.comReply
Amy's Cooking Adventures says
So cute! I've been nervous about using royal icing in the past, but this one has me convinced--off to get squeeze bottle I go!
Reply
tryityoumightlikeit says
I did my first cookies with the flood technique yesterday and it worked out great. I love your designs!
Reply
Marissa says
These are so cute!!! I can't wait to try them! 🙂 I love decorating sugar cookies, but it takes me such a long time that I can't do it too often! haha
-Marissa
https://noraisinsonmyparade.comReply
Sara says
Gorgeous! I love the swirls. I want to make cute cookies like these! 🙂
Reply
Marg Sandiford says
These hearts are great! I used this technique on leaf shaped cookies in fall colours and they turned out really well
Reply
Shawnda says
Such a great job! I absolutely love the trail of hearts and the swirly valentine vortex 🙂
Reply
Becky says
These are so beautiful! Do you outline and flood the cookie with the royal icing at the same consistancy or do you thin it to flood? What kind of food coloring do you use? I've never used royal icing before, and these seem like great cookies to start with! Have a happy Monday!
Reply
Pennies on a Platter says
Hi Becky,
For these, I use the same consistency of icing to both outline and flood the cookies. Just make a thin layer for the base to avoid overflow when adding the dots for the hearts. Here is a link to the icing colors I use.
-Nikki
Reply
Happy When Not Hungry says
These cookies look so beautiful! I definitely am going to try some of Karen's techniques since they look fairly easy. Thanks for sharing!
Reply
Josie says
Gorgeous, Nikki!! So so pretty!
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Rachel says
These are GORGEOUS and I love the picture tutorial. It will help those of us who aren't so adept with the royal icing. 🙂
Reply
keeley says
I love your cookies! so cute! Where did you get the bottles that you used to decorate? That's a really good idea for royal icing!
Reply
Pennies on a Platter says
Hi Keeley,
Within the post, I provided an Amazon link to the squeeze bottles, however, you can get them at Michael's or Joann Fabrics, as well. (Or, any craft store where you can find Wilton baking items.)
-Nikki
Reply
Anonymous says
walmart has them to
Reply
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