Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie shaped like a heart, generously topped with luscious, tangy raspberry preserves and a silky, sweet raspberry buttercream frosting. This Raspberry Buttercream Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake Recipe is the ultimate showstopper for any occasion where you want to impress and delight. It combines the best textures and flavors into one festive, fun, and utterly irresistible treat that feels both homemade and special — perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all by yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Raspberry Buttercream Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake Recipe plays a crucial role in building rich flavor, satisfying texture, and that stunning visual appeal. From the creamy butter to the bright raspberry preserves, each component is simple yet essential.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and softness to the cookie dough for a tender crumb.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cookie moist and adds a delicate chewiness.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and balances the tangy raspberry elements.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Contributes to tenderness and smoothness in both cookie and frosting.
- 1 egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds structure with just enough moisture.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the cookie’s texture and stability.
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar: Helps the cookie rise slightly, giving a soft yet structured bite.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Ensures even baking and a light crumb.
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie dough.
- ½ cup seedless raspberry preserves: Bursts of sweet-tart flavor, perfectly smooth for spreading.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) for frosting: Creates a creamy base for the buttercream.
- ½ Tablespoon vanilla extract (frosting): Adds aromatic complexity.
- 1 Tablespoon seedless raspberry preserves (frosting): Infuses the frosting with fresh raspberry flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon whole milk: Adjusts consistency for spreadable, pipeable frosting.
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the buttercream to luscious perfection.
- Red food coloring (optional): Adds a pop of festive color to the frosting.
How to Make Raspberry Buttercream Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and the egg until smooth and fluffy. While this is happening, sift your flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This step helps avoid clumps and ensures even mixing. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture along with the vanilla extract, stirring until everything is perfectly combined. Then chill your dough for about 10 to 15 minutes — this resting time makes it easier to shape and helps produce an even texture once baked.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookie Cake
Lightly grease your heart-shaped pan with vegetable oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Press the chilled cookie dough evenly into the pan, gently forming a slight edge or “crust” to give a finished look and structure. Bake in the oven for 16 to 18 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a beautiful golden brown. After baking, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period helps the cookie set so it doesn’t break when you remove it.
Step 3: Remove and Cool
Carefully flip the pan upside down to gently loosen the cookie cake. Place it on a wire rack and let it cool completely before adding any frosting. This part is optional but highly recommended to make serving easier and to avoid melting your buttercream topping.
Step 4: Make the Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
Using a stand mixer, cream the room temperature butter until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, raspberry preserves, and milk, mixing slowly at first to avoid splashes. Then begin to incorporate the powdered sugar, adding it gradually in stages until your frosting is smooth, thick, and spreadable. If you love a pop of color, this is the perfect time to stir in a few drops of red food coloring for an extra festive appeal.
Step 5: Assemble and Frost Your Cookie Cake
Spread a generous layer of raspberry preserves evenly across the cooled cookie surface, leaving the “crust” edge like a pizza border for that classic look. Then, pipe or spread the raspberry buttercream frosting beautifully over the top. The contrast between the glossy preserves and creamy frosting creates show-stopping visual and flavor layers.
Step 6: Cut and Enjoy
Slice your heart-shaped cookie cake into 10 generous servings and watch everyone’s faces light up. For best results, enjoy within 24 hours of assembly, whether kept at room temperature or chilled briefly in the fridge.
How to Serve Raspberry Buttercream Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh raspberries or edible rose petals can elevate this cookie cake from delightful to unforgettable. A dusting of powdered sugar gives it a soft, snowy look perfect for celebrations or cozy afternoons with friends. Lightly crushed freeze-dried raspberries also add a pop of tang and crunch to the top of the buttercream.
Side Dishes
This cookie cake pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte, as the coffee’s bitterness balances sweetness perfectly. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a small bowl of mixed berries also complements the raspberry notes brilliantly, turning your dessert into a decadent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Raspberry Buttercream Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake Recipe on a pretty cake stand surrounded by rose petals or fairy lights to make it the centerpiece of any party or intimate gathering. Cut the cookie cake into smaller heart-shaped bite-sized pieces for a charming cookie board, perfect for sharing. Wrapping individual slices in parchment and tying with a ribbon can transform leftover portions into sweet gifts that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Raspberry Buttercream Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. After that, refrigeration helps maintain freshness for an extra day. Keep in mind the frosting is best enjoyed fresh, so plan to consume within two days for optimal taste.
Freezing
You can freeze uncut portions of the cookie cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it inside a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting or serving to retain texture and flavor. Avoid freezing after frosting has been applied, as the buttercream’s texture may change.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked softness, warm slices gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, but be careful not to melt the frosting. For the best eating experience, allow the cookie to come to room temperature naturally after microwaving. This warmth brings out the buttery richness and makes the raspberry notes even more vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of raspberry preserves?
Frozen raspberries could work, but the preserves add sweetness and a smooth consistency that fresh or frozen raspberries alone can’t provide. If you want to use frozen berries, cook them down with some sugar to create a jam-like texture for the best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with your favorite dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk in the buttercream. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary slightly but remain delicious.
Do I need a heart-shaped pan or can I use a cookie sheet?
A heart-shaped pan gives the cookie cake its perfect form and helps with even baking. If you don’t have one, a rimmed cookie sheet works too — just bake a thicker cookie and cut a heart shape afterward.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
The current recipe uses egg and dairy, but vegan versions are possible by using egg replacers like flaxseed or chia and dairy-free butter alternatives. Adjust the mixing and baking times slightly for best results.
How long will the cookie cake stay fresh after frosting?
This Raspberry Buttercream Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake Recipe tastes best within 24 hours of frosting due to the moisture in the buttercream and preserves. If refrigerated, it can last up to 2 days but may lose a bit of that fresh-baked charm.
Final Thoughts
You honestly can’t go wrong with this Raspberry Buttercream Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake Recipe — it brings together flavors and textures that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for a special someone or just indulging yourself, it’s guaranteed to make any moment sweeter and more memorable. Give it a try and watch your loved ones’ eyes light up with every bite!
Print
Raspberry Buttercream Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
This delightful Raspberry Buttercream Sugar Cookie Cake combines a soft, buttery sugar cookie base with a luscious raspberry buttercream frosting. Featuring a tender, slightly golden edge crust and a sweet-tart raspberry preserve layer, this dessert is perfect for sharing at celebrations or as a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients
Cookie
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup seedless raspberry preserves
Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon seedless raspberry preserves
- 1 Tablespoon whole milk
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- Red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a stand mixer bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and egg until smooth and fluffy. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shape and Bake the Cookie: Lightly grease a heart-shaped pan with vegetable oil or cooking spray. Gently press the chilled cookie dough evenly across the pan, creating a slightly raised edge or crust around the perimeter to hold the frosting later. Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cookie to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
- Cool the Cookie: Carefully turn the pan upside down and gently remove the cookie. Transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the frosting.
- Make the Raspberry Buttercream Frosting: In the stand mixer bowl, cream the room temperature butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract, raspberry preserves, whole milk, and ½ cup of powdered sugar. Mix slowly at first to combine, then gradually incorporate the remaining powdered sugar, mixing well between each addition until a smooth, spreadable buttercream forms. Add red food coloring if desired to enhance the aesthetic.
- Assemble the Cookie Cake: Once the cookie base has fully cooled, spread a layer of seedless raspberry preserves evenly over the surface, leaving the crust edge clear like a pizza crust. Then, either pipe or spread the raspberry buttercream frosting over the preserves, covering the cookie cake completely.
- Serve and Store: Cut the cookie cake into slices and serve. Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 2 days. For best flavor and texture, consume within 24 hours of assembly.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients ensure better mixing and smoother dough and frosting.
- Chilling the dough helps maintain shape when baking and eases handling.
- The heart-shaped pan creates a neat crust edge perfect for holding the frosting.
- Removing the cookie from the pan before frosting is optional but recommended for ease of serving.
- Red food coloring in the frosting is optional and adds a festive touch.
- Best enjoyed within 24 hours as the cookie and frosting texture are optimal then.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
