Heart Shaped Cookies
Delight in these heart-shaped cookies adorned with royal icing and fondant flowers, perfect for celebrating love and friendship.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Adds tender texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter Must be at room temperature.
- 1 cup powdered sugar For sweetness.
- 1 large egg Binds the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Provides fragrance.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Leavening agent.
- 1 pinch salt Balances sweetness.
For the Royal Icing
- 1 large egg white Alternatively, use meringue powder.
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar For a smooth finish.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice Cuts through sweetness.
For Decoration
- Fondant flowers Store-bought or homemade.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a cohesive dough.
Shaping and Baking
- Roll the dough out to a ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Icing and Decorating
- In a clean bowl, mix the egg whites, powdered sugar, and lemon juice, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe the royal icing onto each cooled cookie, covering the surface.
- Decorate with fondant flowers as desired.
Notes
Let cookies cool completely before icing to maintain the design. Variations include using whole wheat flour or adding chocolate chips. Can be frozen for up to three months.