Love at First Bite… make a batch of Heart shaped butter cookies.  Easy butter cookie recipe that bakes the shape of the heart shaped cookie cutter.  Using a puzzle heart shaped cookie cutter makes the cookies look like pieces of a puzzle.  Two heart halves into one.

Special Sentimental Messages in Frosting

Not only is the cookie shape intriguing, the messages can be personalized.  Whatever special messages you want to send your valentine is totally up to you. My messages were simple to make sure I could read them and to fit on the cookies.  I sent my cookies to my mother and father in-law inside a Valentine care package.

Also, you will frost each cookie separately with soft pink and hot pink tinted royal icing and dark pink buttercream to pipe the messages.   Even though, these cookies have written messages but they would be super cute with just frosting and sprinkles.

How to Make the Puzzle Cookies

You need a recipe that will not spread during baking. Check out my favorite cookie dough recipe that will bake the shape you cut it. Simple butter cookie recipe that has the flavor of butter and sugar. It is delicious and I promise it will not spread during baking.  This is exactly what you need for this kind of cut out cookie. The cookie cutter comes in two separate pieces and when put together creates the puzzle looking pieces.  I found my cutter on Fancy Flours but it had been discontinued.  However, I found this cutter on amazon.  Another great source is Ann Clarks Cookie Cutters, Made in the USA.

How to Make the Cookie Cut Outs

With a stand mixer prepare cookie dough, cream sugar and butter until fluffy, about 5 minutes.  Add eggs and flavoring. Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl and add to butter mixture. Mix well.

Divide dough in half and place between two sheets of parchment paper to roll into desired thickness, 1/8 to 1/2″.  Repeat with the rest of the dough.  Put the rolled dough including the parchment paper on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 10 minutes or longer.  Your dough will be chilled and ready to cut and bake with no wait and no added flour! Repeat the process with scraps after cutting cookies.

Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.  Let cool on rack before frosting.

When cookies are cool, frost with royal icing-meringue powder buttercream or your favorite buttercream frosting recipe.

Recipe for Meringue Powder Royal Icing

Make the royal icing using meringue powder.   Place half of the powdered sugar and the meringue powder in the bowl of an electric mixer. Whisk together well. Turn on mixer (use whip attachment). While motor is running, slowly add the water. Mix until everything is incorporated. Turn mixer to high speed and whip until stiff peaks form. Add flavorings and mix well. Change to paddle attachment (for stand mixer). If using a hand mixer, use the same beaters you were using before. Add remaining powdered sugar, shortening and whip for 2-3 minutes more.

Note: Don’t skimp on the whipping time after adding the shortening. You really need to whip it well to prevent separation later.  Recipe compliments of Karen’s Cookies

To see how to outline and flood the cookies go here. 

Best Butter Cookie Recipe That Holds it Shape During Baking

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Hope you enjoy this recipe.  It takes a bit of time to create, but worth the effort.

Here is a pattern for you to download and copy if you opt not to purchase the special cutter.  You will have to scale it to the size you want.  There are three sizes.  Recipe makes 4 dozen 3″ cookies.  But you can make it your own.  Make a Statement, Make is Sassy and Make it Yours! ™

Download Puzzle Heart Pattern

Other ideas you might like to try: