These conversation heart cookies are soft, buttery sugar cookies topped with those classic pastel candy hearts. They’re cute, easy, and basically made for classroom treats, cookie boxes, and Valentine’s Day parties. Best part? You don’t need fancy decorating skills—just bake, press on the hearts, and you’re done.
The Valentine Cookie That Makes Everyone Smile
Conversation hearts are nostalgic in the best way. When you put them on a soft cookie, suddenly you’ve got a treat that feels fun and special (without a lot of work). This conversation heart cookies recipe is also a total kid favorite—everyone wants to pick the hearts with the funniest messages.
The standout trick is adding the candy hearts after baking so they don’t melt in the oven. That keeps the words readable and the hearts looking crisp. Trust me, don’t skip this step.
Why You’ll Love These Conversation Heart Cookies
- Family-friendly: Fun, colorful cookies everyone recognizes and loves.
- Easy Valentine treat: No piping bags required for a cute finish.
- Soft-baked texture: Tender centers with lightly crisp edges.
- Great for parties: Makes a big batch for platters and treat bags.
- Make-ahead friendly: Dough can chill overnight.
- Customizable: Add glaze, sprinkles, or a little lemon zest.
Ingredients for Conversation Heart Cookies
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The base structure. Spoon and level so cookies stay soft, not dry.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): The little secret for extra soft cookies.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps cookies puff slightly and stay tender.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, room temperature): Rich flavor and soft texture.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetness and lightly crisp edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Classic sugar cookie flavor.
- Conversation heart candies (about 2 cups): Press on after baking so they keep their shape and words.
- Sprinkles (optional): Extra Valentine sparkle.
Helpful aside: If your butter is too warm, your cookies can spread. If the dough feels sticky, chill it—easy fix.
How to Make Conversation Heart Cookies
- 1. Preheat the oven: Heat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2. Whisk the dry ingredients: Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- 3. Cream butter and sugar: Beat on medium-high for 2 minutes until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
- 4. Mix the dough: Mix in dry ingredients on low just until dough forms. Chill 30 minutes if sticky.
- 5. Scoop and bake: Scoop tablespoon-size dough balls, space 2 inches apart, bake 9–11 minutes until edges set and centers stay soft.
- 6. Press on the hearts: Cool 2 minutes, then gently press 2–3 hearts onto each cookie. Cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Conversation Heart Cookies
- Add hearts after baking: Keeps candy from melting and blurring words.
- Don’t overbake: Soft centers are the goal.
- Chill if needed: Cooler dough spreads less.
- Press gently: Helps hearts stick without cracking cookies.
Variations & Substitutions
- Frosted version: Add a thin glaze, then add hearts.
- Chocolate version: Replace 1/4 cup flour with 1/4 cup cocoa powder.
- Mini cookies: Bake 1–2 minutes less.
- Sprinkle edges: Roll dough balls in sanding sugar.
Make-Ahead & Storing
- Fridge: Airtight up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cookies (without hearts) up to 2 months. Thaw, then add hearts.
- Dough: Chill wrapped dough up to 2 days.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Valentine treat bags (2–3 cookies each)
- Dessert board with berries and chocolates
- Hot cocoa night
Reader Review: These were a hit with the kids, and the hearts stayed perfect because we added them after baking. So easy and so cute.
If you make these conversation heart cookies, leave a rating and a comment. Which heart messages did you hunt for first?