Conversation Heart Cookies

These Conversation Heart Cookies are my favorite way to add a little fun and sweetness to Valentine’s Day—or any day I want to bake something cute and colorful. Soft, buttery, and full of charm, they’re decorated just like the classic candy hearts, with playful messages and pastel icing. Whether I’m making them for a party, gifting them, or just for fun, they’re always a hit.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how creative and nostalgic these cookies feel. The dough is easy to roll and cut into heart shapes, and the decorating is where the real fun begins. I get to personalize each cookie with little messages, making them perfect for holidays, birthdays, or special notes to friends. Plus, the cookies are soft and just sweet enough to balance the icing on top.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted vegan butter or regular butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, or 1 regular egg)
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons plant-based milk or regular milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
• Food coloring (pink, purple, yellow, green, blue, etc.)
• Red food coloring gel or edible pens for writing messages

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. I start by preheating my oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. I cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. I add the flax egg (or regular egg) and vanilla, mixing until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. I gradually add this to the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
5. I wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it for at least 30 minutes.
6. Once chilled, I roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness and cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
7. I place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set but not browned.
8. I let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

To decorate:

1. I mix the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk in a bowl until I get a smooth, spreadable icing.
2. I divide the icing into small bowls and tint each with a different color.
3. I frost each cookie and let them dry for at least 1 hour (or until fully set).
4. Once dry, I use red gel or an edible pen to write fun messages like “BE MINE,” “LOVE YOU,” or “XOXO.”

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Bake Time: 8–10 minutes
• Total Time: Around 1 hour

Variations

• Make them gluten-free: I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if needed.
• Add citrus zest: A little lemon or orange zest in the dough brightens the flavor.
• Use royal icing: If I want more intricate decorating, I make a thicker royal icing with aquafaba or egg whites.
• Flavor the icing: A drop of almond, peppermint, or strawberry extract adds a fun twist.
• Dye the dough: I tint the dough itself with natural or gel food coloring for pastel-colored cookies before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen (undecorated or decorated) for up to 1 month. If I freeze them decorated, I separate layers with parchment paper and thaw them at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps the dough hold its shape and makes it easier to roll and cut.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely. I make the dough a day ahead, wrap it tightly, and keep it in the fridge until I’m ready to roll and bake.

What kind of food coloring works best?

I prefer gel food coloring because it gives vibrant colors without thinning the icing. Natural color powders also work for a more subtle look.

How do I write on the cookies?

I use edible pens or red gel with a fine tip once the icing is fully dry. This gives the cleanest lines and won’t smudge.

Can kids help with decorating?

Yes! This is a great recipe to make with kids—they love picking colors, icing the hearts, and writing their own fun messages.

Conclusion

These Conversation Heart Cookies are such a sweet way to share a little love. They’re fun to make, even more fun to decorate, and the perfect treat to brighten someone’s day. Whether I’m baking them for Valentine’s Day or just because, they always bring smiles and plenty of love to the table.