Conversational hearts are the quintessential tool for telling that special someone how you feel. It’s a shame the candies taste like chalk… So instead, make them in the form of sugar cookies that are sweeter than sin!
And if you don’t have a Valentine to woo? Make them for yourself – because you deserve love too! XOXO
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking power
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter (cold, cut into cubes)
1 egg
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
2 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons milk
1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry cutter, cut in the butter cubes until flour mixture is crumbly.
2. In a small bowl, beat the egg, then add vanilla and lemon extracts. Gradually add the sugar, beat until light and frothy. Add to flour mixture and stir to combine, then knead by hand until dough just forms. Do not over-knead. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 375F. On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out cookies and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
4. Bake at 375F for 7-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden brown. Remove immediately from cookie sheets. Cool completely.
5. Prepare icing: In a bowl, stir milk (one tablespoon at a time) into powdered sugar to create a thick icing. Decorate cookies as desired. Allow icing to completely set before serving.
6. Wasn’t that easy? Now go eat!
* Keep cut dough chilled. Place any sheets of unbaked cookies in the refrigerator until ready to go into the oven.
* Icing tips: Be careful how much milk you add to the sugar. The powdered sugar will be dry and stiff at first, but will loosen up into a viscous consistency as you keep stirring.
I'm Not A Cook 