Love-Dipped Shortbread Hearts
These delightful Love-Dipped Shortbread Hearts are perfect for sharing with loved ones. Made with a buttery, delicate shortbread and dipped in rich bittersweet chocolate, they're a simple yet elegant treat for any occasion, especially Valentine's Day.
Equipment
- Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
- Rolling Pin
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
- Wire Rack
- Microwave-safe Bowl or Double Boiler
Ingredients
Shortbread Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Chocolate Coating
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate high quality for melting
Instructions
- Making the Heartfelt Shortbread:
- 1. Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup, ensuring your cookies won't stick.
- 2. Cream It: In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy – this creates that lovely delicate texture.
- 3. Flavor Boost: Stir in the pure vanilla extract and fine salt until they are well combined throughout the creamy mixture, adding depth to the flavor.
- 4. Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make shortbread tough!
- 5. Roll & Cut: Gently gather the dough into a ball and lightly flour your countertop or a large cutting board. Roll the dough out evenly to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to create your romantic shortbread hearts. Re-roll any dough scraps gently to make even more delicious cookies!
- 6. Bake to Golden: Carefully transfer the heart-shaped dough pieces to your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden brown, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- 7. Cool Down: Let the baked cookies cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to decorate them. This ensures the chocolate will set properly.
- Dipping in Love (Chocolate!):
- 1. Melt the Chocolate: Finely chop the bittersweet chocolate and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, you can melt it gently over a double boiler.
- 2. Dip Away: Take each cooled shortbread heart and dip half of it into the melted chocolate, or get creative and drizzle the chocolate artfully over the tops with a spoon for a delicate finish.
- 3. Set the Love: Place the chocolate-dipped hearts onto a fresh piece of parchment paper. Pop them into the freezer for just a few minutes until the chocolate is firm and perfectly set.
- 4. Share & Enjoy: Serve these delightful treats immediately to your loved ones, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to share the love!
Notes
Nutrition per cookie (approximate): Calories: ~165 kcal, Total Carbs: ~18g, Net Carbs: ~16g, Fats: ~10g, Protein: ~2g.
Feel free to get creative with your chocolate dipping or drizzling! Store these delightful treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to share the love!
