Add butter, sugar and vanilla to a large mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed until light and fluffy, ~3 minutes.

Add in eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 3-4 batches, until the dough comes together.

Remove about ½-⅔ of the dough and set aside. Add several drops of food coloring to the remaining dough and mix until combined. Add more food coloring to reach desired hue.

Place the pink dough in the freezer for 5 minutes, then roll out into a rectangle about ½-inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Return to the freezer for 15-20 minutes. This will make it much easier to cut out the hearts without ruining their shape.

Use a small heart cookie cutter to cut out hearts. Dip a finger in a little bit of water and lightly rub on the floured side of the cookie before adhering another heart. This helps them stick together, but don't overdo the water, you only need a tiny amount. Repeat with all hearts until you have a log about 10-inches long.

Return the log to the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until frozen solid. Remove from freezer and press the plain cookie dough directly onto and around the hearts. Make sure to really press it in so you don't end up with any gaps. Roll into a smooth log.

Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.