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Loaded Sweetheart Sugar Cookies

loaded sweetheart sugar cookies - featured image

These loaded sweetheart sugar cookies combine classic sugar cookie flavors with delightful add-ins like sprinkles, chocolate chips, and nuts for a festive, crowd-pleasing treat that’s easy to make and perfect for holidays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 2 3/4 cups (340 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (85 g) rainbow sprinkles
  • 1/2 cup (90 g) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup (40 g) chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup (227 g) of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup (200 g) of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add 1 large, room-temperature egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional). Mix until combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups (340 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  5. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, about half a cup at a time, blending well after each addition until dough is soft and pliable.
  6. Gently fold in 1/2 cup (85 g) rainbow sprinkles, 1/2 cup (90 g) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1/3 cup (40 g) chopped nuts if using. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  8. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and just starting to turn golden while centers remain soft.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use room-temperature ingredients for best results. Chill dough to prevent spreading and maintain shape. Avoid overmixing after adding flour to keep cookies tender. If cookies brown too quickly on edges but are raw in center, lower oven temperature by 10-15°F and bake longer. Store cookies in airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookies, sweetheart cookies, festive cookies, holiday cookies, loaded cookies, sprinkles, chocolate chip cookies, easy cookies, homemade cookies