Have you ever needed a dessert idea but didn't feel like doing something elaborate from scratch? This semi-homemade conversation heart cookies tutorial is the perfect solution! Ready-made cookie dough, a simple icing mix, edible food pens, and a bit of time and you suddenly have a gorgeous cookie that is ideal for Valentine's Day! It also gives you a simple method of dressing up any basic cookie dough recipe.
Conversation Heart Cookies
My first real introduction to baking was cookies. So, usually, semi-homemade is not something I reach for. In this case, though, it's an obvious choice for saving a bit of effort while still giving a truly unique and personalized treat on Valentine's Day. If you are like me, you can definitely make your own homemade cookie dough instead of buying a prepared version. Both methods are delicious and perfect for this recipe.
What is the Best Cookie Dough for This Idea?
The best cookies for this recipe will be the dough that is a roll and cut dough. Typically, you would reach for something like our homemade sugar cookie recipe that is an easy roll and cut dough ideal for icing. If you want something a bit different in flavor, you might like to do this with our red velvet cookies recipe instead.s
Focus on cookie doughs that can be rolled out and cut with your favorite cookie cutters. In our house, that usually means the pre-packaged Toll House products, but Pillsbury and even the store brand work excellent for this. You can even use a dry cookie mix and prepare as directed then cut and bake to use for this idea.
I have even bought ready-made cookies at the bakery, scraped the icing off the top, and added my own decorations. Whatever method you use is perfect! Just make it fun and easy to share with others.
What Do I Use to Write on Cookies?
The easiest and best way to make your words and sayings on the cookies is to use an edible pen. Wilton edible markers are the brand used for this particular cookie. There are other brands and options available in stores, simply make sure they are from the cake decorating section of your store and not stationary. They need to be edible markers and designed specifically for writing on baked goods.
What Sayings Should I Put on My Conversation Heart Cookies?
The best part of this cookie idea is what messages you can add to the cookies themselves. There are tons of easy options that make sense, but I absolutely LOVE that you can customize these. In fact, I love the idea of making them truly personal. Below are some ideas you can consider.
- Use personal nicknames or words of endearment such as baby, honey, sweetie, love, lovely, lover, wife, wifey, hubs, or hubby.
- Classic sayings like love, call me, your mine, be mine, kiss, hug, sweet, real love, my guy, BFF, cutie pie, luv, or only you.
- Use to propose marriage by adding the individual words or full phrase on the cookies and display them in a box or platter.
Get creative. Use texting slang, cute messages, or even add adult-themed messages if not sharing with kids. You can even add things song lyrics or favorite poems! There is no right or wrong choice to write on your cookies.
Can I Buy Ready-Made Royal Icing?
Luckily, you can actually buy a royal icing mix that is perfect for a super easy and foolproof batch of icing. Of course, if you want to make it completely from scratch, you can use this royal icing recipe from The Food Network. If you aren't worried about writing on the cookies, any icing works including our simple sugar cookie glaze recipe.
Is it Safe to Eat Royal Icing?
Yes. While there is a fear of eating raw egg, in this case, if you happen to make the icing from scratch and use raw egg, it is still perfectly safe to eat. While there is a small risk of salmonella, the use of pasteurized eggs is typically more than enough to prevent that from occurring. When in doubt, reach for pasteurized eggs when making anything with a raw egg element.
Do I Need to Refrigerate Iced Sugar Cookies
No, you do not have to refrigerate these cookies. When stored in an airtight container, they are good for 3-4 days on the counter. If you wish them to last longer, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Ingredients
- Cookie dough - we used this easy sugar cookie dough recipe
- Royal icing mix
- Food gel or food coloring
- Edible food markers
Helpful Supplies
- Piping bags
- Offset spatula
- Small mixing bowls
- Piping tips
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters
- Toothpicks
- Scissors
How to Make Conversation Heart Cookies
Prepare, cut out, and bake cookies according to recipe or package directions then cool completely.
Prepare royal icing then divide into bowls, one for each color icing you wish to use.
Add food gel or coloring to each bowl and mix until you are happy with the colors made.
Use a cup to hold the empty piping bag, then fill, one color per bag.
Squeeze out any extra air and prepare your work station with the cookies, spatula, toothpicks, and piping bags. Lay out parchment to place the cookies on for allowing the icing to dry.
Cut the tip off the bag of icing or add a small tip if desired. Test to make sure it is working properly for you, then begin outlining the cookies.
Create an outline around the outside edge of the cookie.
Add additional icing into the center.
Use a toothpick skewer, or offset spatula to spread the icing around on the cookie filling in the open space around the outline. The icing should be a puffy layer on the cookie, not flat.
Place the iced cookies on prepared parchment to dry for 2-6 hours. A fan can assist in drying them faster, but humidity may play a part in how long these take to dry.
When the cookie icing is dry, use the edible markers to write notes onto the cookies as desired.
Store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.
More Valentine's Day Treats
If you need something else to add to your Valentine's Day dessert platters, you'll love the treats below. Tons of great ideas that are fun and delicious. There are homemade, semi-homemade, and easy options to choose from.
- Valentine's Day Candy Box Sugar Cookies Tutorial
- Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies Dipped with Sprinkles
- The Best Ever Easy Chocolate Mousse Recipe
- Strawberry Kiss Cookies Recipe
- Chocolate Covered Cookie Dough Hearts
📖 Recipe
Easy Conversation Heart Cookies Tutorial
Follow this simple tutorial for taking ready-made cookie dough and turning it into adorable little conversation heart cookies everyone will love seeing on Valentine's Day!
Ingredients
- Sugar cookie dough of choice
- Royal icing mix
- Edible food markers
- Food coloring or food gel
Instructions
- Prepare, cut out, and bake cookies according to recipe or package directions then cool completely.
- Prepare royal icing then divide into bowls, one for each color icing you wish to use.
- Add food gel or coloring to each bowl and mix until you are happy with the colors made.
- Use a cup to hold the empty piping bag, then fill, one color per bag.
- Squeeze out any extra air and prepare your work station with the cookies, spatula, toothpicks, and piping bags. Lay out parchment to place the cookies on for allowing the icing to dry.
- Cut the tip off the bag of icing or add a small tip if desired. Test to make sure it is working properly for you, then begin outlining the cookies.
- Create an outline around the outside edge of the cookie.
- Add additional icing into the center.
- Use a toothpick skewer, or offset spatula to spread the icing around on the cookie filling in the open space around the outline. The icing should be a puffy layer on the cookie, not flat.
- Place the iced cookies on prepared parchment to dry for 2-6 hours. A fan can assist in drying them faster, but humidity may play a part in how long these take to dry.
- When the cookie icing is dry, use the edible markers to write notes onto the cookies as desired.
- Store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.
Notes
These cookies are good for 3-4 days at room temperature and up to one week when refrigerated.
Recommended Products
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Valentines Hearts and Love Royal Icing Sugar Cookie Gift Set/ | Etsy -
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Valentine's Day Cookies Valentine's Gifts Royal | Etsy
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 12Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 7mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g
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