Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: Red or pink food coloring for the dough or icing
- For decoration: sprinkles, colored sugar, or icing as preferred
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a larger mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until fully combined. Then gradually mix in the dry ingredients until you form a smooth but not sticky dough. Optionally add red or pink food coloring.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier rolling and cutting.
- Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies. Place cookies on parchment-lined trays with space between each.
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and golden texture.
- Arrange cookies in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Monitor closely in the last minutes to avoid over-browning.
- Remove cookies and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before decorating with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar. Optionally, pipe pink or red icing hearts or Valentine’s messages.
Notes
Air Fryer Heart-Shaped Cookies for Valentine’s Day are the perfect homemade treat to celebrate love with a delightful twist. This recipe combines the ease and quick cooking benefits of an air fryer with the joy of baking charming heart-shaped cookies that melt in your mouth. Whether you are planning a romantic gesture, a family activity, or a special gift, these cookies bring warmth and sweetness in every bite.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20 medium-sized cookies
- Calories: 120 calories
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Fat: 6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 0.5 grams
- Protein: 1.2 grams