Honey heart cookies according to a family recipe: Long-lasting cookies that still taste good weeks later

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  • Easy to prepare
  • 25 portions
  • 40 minutes
Jan, 09. 01. 2026

There are recipes that are about more than just taste — they’re about memories. Honey hearts are exactly one of them. The scent of warmed honey, butter and spices spreads through the whole apartment while baking and immediately creates an atmosphere of calm, home and festive days. This recipe has been handed down in our family for generations, and one thing is always confirmed — if you bake just a single batch, you’ll regret it. They’re so good that they disappear faster than they can soften.

Thanks to their honey content, honey hearts are among the best long-lasting cookies. Properly baked, they remain soft inside, delicately crisp on the outside, and with each passing day they become even tastier.

For 25 portions

Ingredients

For the dough:

To finish (optional):

Preparation procedure

  • In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey, butter and brown sugar. Stir the mixture slowly until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Once it starts to bubble lightly, remove it from the heat and let it cool to lukewarm.
  • Stir the egg into the cooled mixture. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, salt and lemon zest. Mix everything so the spices are evenly distributed.
  • Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the honey mixture. Work into a soft, non-sticky dough. If it sticks, add a small amount of flour, but don't overdo it — too much flour will dry out the cookies.
  • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes. Resting is key for the right texture and flavor.
  • Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Roll the dough out to about 5 mm thickness and cut out hearts. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, the centers will remain soft.
  • After baking, let cool briefly on the tray, then transfer to a wire rack.

Quick information

Number of pieces: approx. 25–30 hearts

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Baking time: 10–12 minutes

Total time: approx. 40 minutes + dough chilling

Tips to ensure the hearts always turn out well

  • Don’t overbake them — they will firm up further as they cool

  • The longer they sit in a container, the better they become

  • Ideally bake them at least 2–3 days before serving

  • For a softer result you can add a slice of apple to the container

How I serve honey hearts

I prefer to serve them with afternoon coffee or tea, when they perfume the whole table and evoke a feeling of home comfort. At Christmas they are among the first cookies to disappear from the tray, and during the year they make a great edible gift. Just pack them into a box and you’re sure to please anyone.

Storage

Honey hearts will keep for up to 14 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Thanks to the honey they retain moisture and flavor.

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