Valentine Message Cookies

Photo from Williams-Sonoma.com

I recently bought these Message in a Cookie cookie cutters from Williams-Sonoma. I was very excited to use these, and I was pretty excited with the way mine turned out. The cookie on the right is supposed to say "sweetheart" but unfortunately you can't really read it. Next time I make them I will make sure to press a little harder and also not let my cookies puff up too much. Other than that, these were a lot of fun to make and you can write pretty much whatever you want! The set also comes with a scalloped rectangle and a star. You can purchase the Message in a Cookie set in the store or at Williams-Sonoma.com


No-Fail Sugar Cookies
Adapted from CakeCentral

• 6 cups flour
• 3 tsp. baking powder
• 2 cups unsalted butter
• 2 cups sugar
  
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  
• 1 tsp. salt

1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Mix dry ingredients and add a little at a time to butter mixture. Mix until flour is completely incorporated and the dough comes together.
2. Chill for about an hour
   
3. Roll to desired thickness and cut into desired shapes. Bake on baking sheet with parchment at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until just beginning to turn brown around the edges.

Royal Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 egg white
• 1 tsp cream of tarter

Combine powdered sugar and cream of tarter in mixing bowl. Gradually add the egg whites and mix on medium speed for 4 minutes. Add a little bit of water to make icing more runny, or a little powdered sugar to stiffen the icing.

Tip: If you plan to flood your cookies you will probably need to double the icing recipe.

-amanda