Decadent Shortbread Hearts
Indulge in the rich and buttery goodness of these Decadent Shortbread Hearts, inspired by the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. This classic recipe has been my go-to for years, perfect for every occasion—from festive holiday gatherings to cozy afternoon teas. The simplicity of combining quality ingredients results in a melt-in-your-mouth cookie that can be enjoyed plain or creatively adorned. Elevate your experience by sandwiching them with your favorite jam, or try my beloved After Eight Thin Mints between two delicate hearts for a delightful twist. These cookies are sure to impress everyone with their delightful flavor and charming appearance. Your friends and family will be reaching for seconds, and you’ll be receiving rave reviews for these beautifully baked treats!
24
Servings
100
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter
3/4 lb (room temperature (3 sticks))
Granulated Sugar
1 cup (plus extra for sprinkling)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (or 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste)
All-Purpose Flour
3 1/2 cups (sifted)
Kosher Salt
1/4 teaspoon (sifted with flour)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment until the mixture is creamy and well-combined.
3
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (or 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste) to the butter mixture and mix until incorporated.
4
In a separate bowl, sift together 3.5 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough starts to come together.
5
Transfer the dough to a floured surface, and shape it into a flat disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance the texture.
6
After chilling, roll the dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch between sheets of waxed paper dusted with flour to prevent sticking.
7
Use a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on an ungreased baking sheet (parchment paper works well too). Sprinkle each cookie lightly with granulated sugar.
8
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a golden brown.
9
Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
10
Serve plain or enhance with melted chocolate or Royal Icing for decoration. To achieve sharper edges, consider chilling the cookies in the fridge before baking.
11
Store baked cookies in a tightly sealed container, wrapped in waxed tissue paper, in the refrigerator for freshness—these delightful treats can last weeks!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
8.75g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration behind the Decadent Shortbread Hearts recipe?
These cookies are inspired by the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, and have been a go-to classic for years.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 24 servings.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What type of butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of unsalted butter (3 sticks) at room temperature.
Can I use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste.
What type of flour is required for these shortbread hearts?
You will need 3.5 cups of all-purpose flour, which should be sifted before mixing.
How much salt should be added to the dough?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, sifted together with the flour.
Do I need to chill the dough before rolling it out?
Yes, you should wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance the texture.
How thick should I roll the shortbread dough?
Roll the dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch between sheets of waxed paper.
What size and shape cookie cutter is recommended?
A 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter is recommended for this recipe.
Should the cookies be topped with anything before baking?
Yes, sprinkle each cookie lightly with granulated sugar before placing them in the oven.
How long do the cookies take to bake?
Bake the cookies for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges begin to turn a golden brown.
What should I do if I want the cookies to have sharper edges?
Consider chilling the cut-out cookies in the fridge briefly before placing them in the oven.
How should the cookies be cooled after baking?
Once removed from the oven, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
What are some ways to decorate these shortbread hearts?
You can serve them plain, dip them in melted chocolate, or use Royal Icing for decoration.
Can these cookies be used to make sandwiches?
Yes, you can sandwich them with your favorite jam or even After Eight Thin Mints for a unique twist.
How should I store the finished cookies?
Store them in a tightly sealed container, wrapped in waxed tissue paper, and kept in the refrigerator.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
When stored correctly in the refrigerator, these shortbread cookies can last for weeks.
How many calories are in one cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving has 8.75g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of these cookies?
Each cookie provides 1.25g of protein.
What mixer attachment is best for this dough?
An electric mixer with a paddle attachment is recommended for beating the butter and sugar.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
You can use an ungreased baking sheet, though parchment paper also works very well.
What ingredients are in the dough?
The dough consists of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and kosher salt.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 5 total ingredients required for this recipe.
What speed should the mixer be on when adding flour?
Add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar while mixing on low speed until the dough starts to come together.
Is there any fiber in these cookies?
The fiber content for this recipe is negligible or not listed.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include shortbread, cookies, dessert, Ina Garten, holiday treats, buttery cookies, and baking.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, they are described as perfect for festive holiday gatherings and cozy afternoon teas.