Introduction in Alex Guarnaschelli’s Style:

Some recipes just feel like a warm hug, and these Valentine Cinnamon Heart Cookies are exactly that. They’re sweet, lightly spiced with a cozy hit of cinnamon, and shaped into charming little hearts that scream, “I made this with love.” Imagine biting into a crisp, buttery cookie with just the right kick of cinnamon warmth—it’s like Valentine’s Day in every delicious bite.

I’ve always had a soft spot for cinnamon, especially in cookies. Growing up, my mom would bake cinnamon-laced treats all winter long, and the smell would fill every corner of the house. Now, I’ve taken that comforting spice and given it a Valentine’s Day twist. These cookies are buttery, crisp, and have just enough cinnamon to make them feel special without overpowering the sweetness.

Whether you’re baking these for a romantic date night, a school party, or just to treat yourself (because, hey, self-love counts too), these cookies bring that perfect mix of nostalgic warmth and festive charm. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them the ideal last-minute Valentine’s treat!

Recipe Resume in Todd Wilbur’s Style:

These Valentine Cinnamon Heart Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery shortbread and warm, spicy cinnamon. With a tender, crisp texture and just a hint of sweetness, they’re as delicious as they are adorable.

Shaped into hearts and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or topped with a sweet glaze, they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day gifting—or just treating yourself to a little love in cookie form. Simple ingredients, easy prep, and a whole lot of flavor!

Exciting Story:

Last Valentine’s Day, I decided to surprise my family with these Cinnamon Heart Cookies, and let me tell you—they didn’t last more than a day. My husband, who’s usually more of a chocolate guy, couldn’t stop sneaking them off the cooling rack. And my daughter? She decided these cookies were “too pretty to eat”… until she took one bite and promptly claimed the whole batch as hers.

They’ve since become a Valentine’s Day tradition in our house. We love decorating them with pink icing, little heart-shaped candies, or just a dusting of cinnamon sugar. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone together in the kitchen—and around the cookie jar!

Why These Valentine Cinnamon Heart Cookies Will Steal Your Heart ❤️

💘 Sweet, Spicy, and Irresistible 💘

✔ Warm Cinnamon Flavor – A perfect balance of sweet and spicy, thanks to a generous dash of ground cinnamon.
✔ Buttery & Crisp Texture – Like classic shortbread, but with a cinnamon twist.
✔ Festive & Fun – Shaped into hearts and decorated with icing, sprinkles, or cinnamon sugar.
✔ Simple Ingredients – Only 6 pantry staples needed for this recipe!
✔ Perfect for Gifting – Wrap them in a cute box for the perfect homemade Valentine’s treat.

Cuisine: American, Dessert

Tips for Perfect Valentine Cinnamon Heart Cookies

✔ Chill the Dough – This keeps the cookies from spreading and helps maintain that perfect heart shape.
✔ Don’t Overbake – Remove them from the oven when the edges are just golden for a crisp but tender bite.
✔ Mix Up the Decorations – Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking, or drizzle with icing afterward for a fun variety.
✔ Use Quality Cinnamon – The fresher the cinnamon, the bolder the flavor!

Substitutions and Variations

🔹 Gluten-Free Option – Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
🔹 Add a Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a spicy surprise!
🔹 Lemon Twist – Add a bit of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy note.
🔹 Chocolate Drizzle – After baking, drizzle with melted dark chocolate for an indulgent finish.

Make a Healthier Version:

✅ Use whole wheat flour for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
✅ Swap in coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
✅ Try vegan butter and a flax egg for a dairy-free, egg-free version.

Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style:

And there you have it—Valentine Cinnamon Heart Cookies that are buttery, spiced just right, and perfect for sharing (or not!). With simple ingredients and a whole lot of heart, these cookies are sure to become a Valentine’s Day favorite in your home.

If you loved these, don’t forget to check out our Valentine Shortbread Cookies or our Heart-Melting Chocolate Espresso Cookies for more sweet treats!

Relevant Categories:

Desserts
Holiday Recipes
Valentine’s Day Treats
Baking Recipes
Cookies

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Do I have to use heart-shaped cutters?
Nope! You can use any shape you like—or even make them into simple circles.
Can I adjust the cinnamon level?
Absolutely! Add more if you love that warm spice or reduce it for a milder flavor.
How should I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes! They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months—just thaw and enjoy.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for an easy swap.
What’s the best way to decorate these?
Try a simple powdered sugar glaze, a cinnamon sugar sprinkle, or even a chocolate drizzle.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Just swap in vegan butter and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.