These mini heart shaped pizzas are so fun, totally adorable, and surprisingly easy to make. You can shape them by hand or use a cookie cutter, and they come out looking just like the cute ones you’ve seen all over Pinterest. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, parties, or just making someone smile.
Each one is just a few bites — like a love letter in pizza form 💌🍕
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made these for a cozy Valentine’s night at home — and now I make them anytime I want something festive but still super simple. They’re the kind of thing people remember because they’re personal and playful.
- You can make 6–8 little pizzas from one dough
- Great for customizing with different toppings
- The size is perfect for snacks or appetizers
- Bakes quickly, looks amazing, and tastes even better
What You’ll Need
- 1 ball (10 oz / ~280g) pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup mini pepperoni (or chopped regular pepperoni)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)
- Optional toppings: red onion slices, basil leaves, olives, bell peppers
Pro Tips
- Use a heart shaped cookie cutter for perfect shapes, or shape by hand for a rustic look
- Keep the dough about 1/4 inch thick — too thin and they’ll crisp up too fast
- Don’t overload the toppings — they’re mini, so a little goes a long way
- Chill the dough a bit before cutting if it’s too sticky
- Bake on parchment to make cleanup easy
Tools You’ll Need
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Cookie cutter (heart shaped) or hands
- Spoon for sauce
- Pastry brush
- Oven mitts
Substitutions and Variations
- Use pesto or BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce
- Try dairy-free mozzarella or goat cheese
- Add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, corn, or bell peppers
- Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or meat-free crumbles
Make Ahead Tips
You can shape the mini pizzas ahead of time and store them on a tray in the fridge (covered) for up to 12 hours. Add sauce and toppings just before baking so the dough doesn’t get soggy.
Servings and Time
Makes: 6–8 mini heart shaped pizzas
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7–9 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Let’s Make It
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornmeal over a sheet of parchment paper. Roll out the 10 oz dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a heart shaped cutter (about 3 inches wide) to cut out 6–8 mini pizza hearts. Gather scraps and re-roll as needed.
Step 2: Add Olive Oil and Garlic
Brush each dough heart with olive oil (about 1 tablespoon total for all) and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder evenly across the tops.
Step 3: Spread the Sauce
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce onto each mini heart, spreading it gently but leaving a little border around the edges.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Toppings
Top each mini pizza with 1–2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella. Add 2–3 mini pepperoni slices and a few thin slices of red onion.
Step 5: Bake
Place the parchment on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 475°F oven for 7–9 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let cool for 2 minutes, then transfer to a plate or tray. Add fresh basil if you like. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!
Leftovers and Storage
Let pizzas cool completely. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to keep them crispy.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Small pizzas bake faster and more evenly. Brushing the dough with olive oil helps with browning and flavor. Cornmeal under the dough keeps it from sticking and adds crunch.
Common Mistakes
- Too much sauce or cheese: These are small pizzas — keep toppings light
- Cutting dough too thick: They may puff up too much or stay doughy
- Skipping preheating: A hot oven gives you that crisp bottom crust
- Letting dough dry out: Keep unused dough covered while working
What to Serve With
- Sparkling juice, lemonade, or soda
- A fresh salad with vinaigrette
- Chocolate covered strawberries
- Garlic knots or roasted veggies
FAQ
Can I freeze them before baking?
Yes! Freeze the shaped, untopped dough hearts on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add toppings and bake directly from frozen (add 2–3 minutes to bake time).
Can I make these gluten free?
Absolutely. Just use a gluten free pizza dough that holds shape when cut.
Do I need a cookie cutter?
Not at all! You can shape them by hand — it adds a personal touch.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! Store-bought fresh pizza dough works great and saves time.
These mini heart shaped pizzas are perfect when you want something fun, festive, and totally delicious. Whether you’re making them for a party or a special night in, they’ll definitely steal the spotlight. Try them and let me know how yours turned out! 💖🍕
