Valentine’s Day cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened at room temperature)
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 1 Large Egg
• 2.75 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 drops Red Food Coloring (gel or liquid)
• 2 drops Pink Food Coloring (mix red with a tiny amount of white or use pink gel)
• 1 Parchment Paper (cut to fit cookie sheet)
• 1 set Silicone Heart Molds (optional; can use a small heart cutter)

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar

   In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.

   Time: PT5M

2. Add Vanilla and Egg

   Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1 large egg to the creamed mixture and beat until just combined.

   Time: PT2M

3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

   Sift together 2 ¾ cups all‑purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Add to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.

   Time: PT3M

4. Divide and Color Dough

   Divide the dough into three equal portions. Leave one portion uncolored. To the second portion, add a few drops of red food coloring and knead until evenly pink‑red. To the third portion, add a few drops of pink food coloring and knead until a uniform pink hue is achieved.

   Time: PT5M

5. Chill the Dough

   Wrap each colored portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (you can chill for as little as 10 minutes if impatient).

   Time: PT30M

6. Form Hearts in Silicone Molds

   Place a piece of parchment paper on a work surface. Roll each chilled dough portion to about ¼‑inch thickness. Press the silicone heart molds into the dough, then lift the molds to leave heart impressions. Arrange the hearts on a parchment‑lined cookie sheet.

   Time: PT10M

7. Bake the Cookies

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cookies for 8‑9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.

   Time: PT9M

   Temperature: 400°F

8. Cool and Serve

   Remove the cookies from the oven, let them sit on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

   Time: PT5M

9. Cleanup

   Wash all bowls, mixer attachments, rolling pin, and utensils. Wipe down the countertop and store silicone molds.

   Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

120

Protein

1 g

Carbohydrates

15 g

Fat

6 g

Fiber

0.5 g