Conversation Heart Cookies

Love is in the air.  With Valentines Day around the corner, you can’t help think about love - whether you are in love or seeking the love of you life.  You may love this holiday or despise it.  Hopefully it is the first.

Hubby and I joke that it is a Hallmark Holiday.  We certainly don’t go overboard by going out to a super expensive dinner.  Hubby always says to me, I have my own personal executive chef at home, so why dine out.  I am always flattered.  I do like to balance eating at home and dining out.  However, for Valentines Day, a delicious dinner at home by the fire is at the top of my list.  We exchange small gifts, a mushy card and simply enjoy each others company for the evening.

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I understand that this holiday can bring on different emotions depending on your personal situation.  Since I am internal optimist, I hope that each of you celebrate in a way that makes you happy.  Whether it is with your loved one, friends or with family, it is a day to enjoy some sweets and good wishes.  If you need some ideas, I did a bit of scouring the internet for ideas and thought I would share:

• Need ideas to celebrate Valentine's Day with your loved one that are both unique and romantic, then check out 100 ideas here.
• Do you want to make your own Valentine's Day gifts, then click here to gain some cleaver and cute ideas.
• Need some new ideas for Valentine's Day - here are 8 great gift ideas for married couples.
• Trying to save money, here are numerous ideas that are inexpensive or free.
• Are you crafty?  If so, here are several cute ideas that you can make this week.
• If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, here is a list of restaurants with Valentine's Day specials
• Though I have not been single for quite sometime, I know there are fabulous single ladies and wanted to share 20 ideas you can choose from to celebrate the holiday
• A couple years I made Jam Filled Heart Cookies and shared 40 ideas for celebrating Valentine's Day and thought I would re-share.

I wanted to make some special cookies for hubby to put a smile on his face and came up with these conversation heart cookies.  I found some edible color markers that made writing on each cookie a breeze.  You can certainly be creative and personal with your little messages.  Happy Valentines Day1

Sugar Cookies

Makes about 3 dozen cookies

1 cup butter, room temperature

¾ cup sugar

1 egg

3 cup flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. almond extract

Preheat oven to 375.

In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add the egg and salt and mix together until incorporated.  Add the almond extract and vanilla extract in the mixture and combine.  Slowly add the flour one cup at a time until all flour is incorporated. 

Take the dough out of the bowl and put onto a cutting board.  Knead together any extra bits.  Divide dough into two balls and flatten into a 1 inch disk.  Wrap each one individually and chill for 30 minutes.

Use a large board and sprinkle with flour.  Unwrap one of the balls and flour lightly the top.  Use a rolling pin to roll out until ¼ inch thick.  Use a 2 inch heart shaped cookie cutter for cookies.  Repeat until all dough is used.

Bake at 375 for 8 to 9 minutes until bottom edges are slightly golden brown.  Remove to cool onto a wire rack. 

Royal Icing

3 t. meringue powder

4 cups powdered sugar

6 T. water

Food paste coloring

Add the meringue powder and sugar to a stand mixer along with the 6 tablespoons of water.  Slowly beat until combined.  Mix for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly fluffy.

Divide evening the number of colors you want to make into small bowls.  Add a touch of the food paste and mix.  Add water (about 1 to 2 teaspoons) to make it more spreadable and it should have a glossy look.

Use a knife to spread evenly all over cookie.  Let dry completely on a wire rack.  Use edible color marker to write on each cookie.