Big Heart-shaped Cookies for Valentines Day with Icing
Big Heart-shaped Cookies for Valentines Day with Icing Recipe - USA
Introduction
Valentine's Day is a special occasion that calls for equally special treats. What better way to express your love and affection than with homemade Big Heart-Shaped Cookies? These delightful cookies, adorned with vibrant pink icing, are not just a feast for the eyes but also a testament to the love and effort put into making them. This recipe will guide you through creating these charming cookies, ensuring they're as delicious as they are beautiful.
History
The tradition of baking cookies for loved ones dates back centuries, with each era adding its unique twist to the recipes. The heart-shaped cookie, in particular, has become synonymous with Valentine's Day, symbolizing love and affection. This recipe for Big Heart-Shaped Cookies with Icing is a modern take on this age-old tradition, combining the classic sugar cookie with a contemporary icing technique to create a visually stunning and tasty treat.
Ingredients
- 18 oz (510 g) of sugar cookie dough
- 2 cans (16 oz (454 g) each) of vanilla frosting
- Pink paste icing food color
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Prepare 3 heart-shaped cookie cutters measuring 3 inches each and 3 baking sheets. Grease 2 of the baking sheets with non-stick spray.
- Place the dough between two sheets of wax paper and roll it out to a thickness of 0.25 inch.
- Transfer the rolled dough onto one of the unsprayed baking sheets. Freeze it for about 10 minutes or until it becomes very firm.
- Remove the top sheet of wax paper.
- Cut out the cookies using the cookie cutter and carefully peel them off the paper. Place the cookies on the greased baking sheets.
- Place one baking sheet with cookies in the freezer.
- Bake the other baking sheet with cookies for approximately 12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn brown. Allow them to cool.
- Bake the sheet with cookies from the freezer.
- Gather the dough scraps, press them together, and repeat the process of rolling and cutting out cookies.
- Take each can of frosting and transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl. Add pink food coloring to one of the cans.
- Microwave the frosting until it becomes liquid.
- Frost the cookies with the melted frosting. Use a toothpick to drop dots of contrasting colors onto the frosting. While the dots are still wet, drag a toothpick through them to create heart shapes.
Variations
- Consider adding a few drops of different food coloring to the frosting for a variety of colors. You can also experiment with different flavors of frosting, such as chocolate or strawberry, for a unique twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To ensure your heart-shaped cookies come out perfectly, follow these tips:
- Chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent sticking and to make cutting shapes easier.
- Use non-stick spray on your baking sheets to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Roll the dough to an even thickness to ensure uniform baking.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake to prevent over-browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these heart-shaped cookies on a decorative plate or in a beautifully wrapped box as a personal gift. They're perfect for sharing with loved ones, friends, and family on Valentine's Day or any special occasion.
Cooking Techniques
The key technique in this recipe is the "wet-on-wet" icing method, where colored frosting is added to still-wet base frosting and then manipulated to create designs. This technique allows for the creation of intricate and beautiful patterns on the cookies.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer a homemade touch, you can substitute the store-bought sugar cookie dough with your favorite sugar cookie recipe. For a healthier version, consider using a reduced-sugar frosting or a natural food coloring alternative.
Make Ahead Tips
The cookie dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out and cutting into shapes.
Presentation Ideas
For an extra special touch, present these cookies in a heart-shaped box lined with parchment paper. Tie the box with a red or pink ribbon for a beautiful and romantic gift.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair these sweet cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a more adult beverage, consider a sweet dessert wine or a sparkling rosé to complement the sweetness of the cookies.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These cookies do not require reheating, but if you prefer them warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will do the trick.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A serving of these Big Heart-Shaped Cookies contains approximately 300 calories. The calories mainly come from the sugar and fats in the recipe, making these cookies a delightful, occasional indulgence.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of these heart-shaped cookies contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the sugar in the cookie dough and the frosting, providing quick energy.
Fats
These cookies contain about 10 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the cookie dough. The fats contribute to the cookies' rich flavor and tender texture.
Proteins
Each serving of cookies provides around 2 grams of protein, coming mainly from the flour in the cookie dough. While not a significant source of protein, it contributes to the overall nutritional profile of the treat.
Vitamins and minerals
These cookies offer small amounts of calcium and iron, contributing to your daily recommended intake of these essential minerals. However, they should not be relied upon as a primary source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
This recipe contains common allergens such as wheat (gluten) and may contain traces of nuts and soy, depending on the brand of cookie dough and frosting used. Always check the labels if you have specific food allergies.
Summary
While these Big Heart-Shaped Cookies are a treat for the eyes and the palate, they are high in sugars and fats. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
These Big Heart-Shaped Cookies with Icing are the perfect way to show your love on Valentine's Day or any special occasion. With their sweet flavor, tender texture, and beautiful presentation, they're sure to win the hearts of anyone who tries them. Follow the tips and variations provided to make these cookies your own, and enjoy the process of baking and sharing them with loved ones.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a chilly winter day, just a few weeks before Valentine's Day. I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for inspiration for a special treat to make for my family. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and scraps of paper, I stumbled upon a faded, heart-shaped recipe card tucked away in the back.
The card was labeled "Big Heart-shaped Cookies for Valentines Day with Icing" in elegant cursive handwriting. I couldn't remember where I got the recipe from, but something about it caught my eye. The simple list of ingredients and instructions seemed to jump off the page, begging me to give it a try.
I gathered the necessary ingredients - flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and a few others - and set to work in my cozy kitchen. As I mixed, rolled, and cut out the dough into large heart shapes, memories of my past flooded back to me.
I remembered my own grandmother, a talented baker who always had a fresh batch of cookies waiting for me when I visited her. She taught me the joy of baking from scratch, of taking simple ingredients and turning them into something delicious and comforting.
I also recalled the countless recipe swaps and cooking classes I had attended over the years. I had learned so much from other home cooks and bakers, picking up tips and tricks along the way that had become second nature to me.
But this recipe felt different. It wasn't just about the ingredients or the technique. It was about the love and care that went into making something special for the ones you hold dear. It was about creating a memory that would last a lifetime.
As the cookies baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a warm, buttery aroma, I started on the icing. Powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of food coloring transformed into a smooth, glossy glaze that would adorn the cookies in a sweet and festive fashion.
Once the cookies had cooled, I carefully dipped each one into the icing, letting it cascade down the sides in a cascade of red and pink. The finished cookies were a sight to behold - big, heart-shaped treats that were as beautiful as they were delicious.
I couldn't wait to share them with my family. When my husband and children came home, their faces lit up at the sight of the cookies on the kitchen table. They each took one, savoring the sweet, buttery flavor and the tender texture of the cookie.
"This is amazing, Grandma," my granddaughter exclaimed, her eyes wide with delight. "Can you teach me how to make them?"
And so, I passed down the recipe to the next generation, just as it had been passed down to me. As we baked together, I watched with joy as my granddaughter rolled out the dough, cut out the heart shapes, and decorated them with icing just like I had done.
In that moment, I realized that this recipe wasn't just about cookies. It was about tradition, about family, about love. It was a reminder that the simple act of baking can bring people together, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.
As I looked at my family gathered around the table, laughing and sharing stories over a plate of heart-shaped cookies, I knew that I had found something truly special. And I vowed to continue making these cookies every Valentine's Day, passing on the recipe and the love that went into them to future generations.
For these big heart-shaped cookies were more than just a sweet treat. They were a symbol of the love and joy that filled my kitchen, my home, and my heart. And for that, I was truly grateful.
Categories
| American Recipes | Holiday Cookie Recipes | Valentine's Day Snacks | World Recipes |