Vanilla Sugar Valentine Cookies with Lemon Icing

Vanilla Sugar Valentine Cookies with Lemon Icing Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 12

Introduction

These Vanilla Sugar Valentine Cookies with Lemon Icing are a delightful treat perfect for Valentine's Day or any special occasion. The combination of sweet vanilla sugar cookies with tangy lemon icing creates a delicious flavor profile that is sure to impress your loved ones.

History

The recipe for these Vanilla Sugar Valentine Cookies with Lemon Icing has been passed down through generations in my family. It originated from a traditional sugar cookie recipe that has been adapted and perfected over the years to create a unique and flavorful cookie that is perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

1 cup butter (at room temperature)
0.75 cup white sugar
0.5 cup light corn syrup
1 tbsp real vanilla extract or (vanilla sugar)
0.25 tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
3 large eggs
about 1 tsp xanthan gum
2.5 cup regular rice flour mix #1 (see below for ingredient mixes for Trina's gluten-free flour mixes)
1 cup glutinous rice flour mix #2

Rice flour mix #1

1.75 cup of white rice flour
1.25 cup of potato starch (not the same as potato flour)
1 cup of corn starch (or tapioca starch)
0.25 cup of potato flour

Glutinous rice flour mix #2

1.75 cup sweet rice flour/glutinous rice flour
1.25 cup of potato starch (not the same as potato flour)
1 cup of corn starch (or tapioca starch)
0.25 cup of potato flour

Ornamental lemon Icing

1 egg white (beat slightly first) or 3 tbsp meringue powder
4 cup icing sugar
juice from 1 lemon
1 tbsp warm water

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine the first 3 ingredients.
Using a mixer on low speed, beat the ingredients until well blended. Then add the next 4 ingredients and occasionally scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight or for at least 3 hours (or freeze for 1 hour) before rolling and cutting shapes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
On a well-floured surface (using regular rice flour), shape the dough into a ball. With a floured rolling pin, roll out one-fourth of the dough to a thickness of 0.25 inch, while keeping the remaining dough refrigerated.
Using floured cookie cutters, cut the dough into any shape you like.
Place the cookies, about 0.5 inch apart, on a slightly greased cookie sheet.
Bake the cookies at 350°F (177°C) for 7 to 10 minutes, or until golden at the edges.
Using a metal pancake turner or a thin knife blade, remove the cookies to wire racks to cool.
Repeat the process with the remaining dough.

Ornamental Lemon Icing

Beat together all the icing ingredients.
The liquid should be approximately 0.33 cup. Experiment with the consistency you like.
Divide the icing into small bowls and tint each bowl of frosting with food coloring as desired.
Keep all the bowls covered to prevent the icing from drying out.

Decorating the Cookies

Place the cookies on waxed-paper-lined cookie sheets.
Decorate the cookies as desired.
Using a small metal spatula or knife, spread a layer of icing over the entire surface of each cookie.
For additional decoration, fill a decorator tube with icing and force it through the nozzle (if the icing is too stiff, dilute it with a little water).
Set the cookies aside to allow the frosting to dry completely, about 2 hours.
Store the cookies in a tightly covered container.
They are best eaten within a few days or a week, but I have mailed these and they've arrived unbroken and still delicious after a couple of weeks.

Rice Flour Mix #1

Blend together the ingredients to make about 4 cups of mix. Place the ingredients in a large bowl and mix until well blended.
I use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients, without sifting ahead of time, which results in a lovely smooth and airy texture.

Glutinous Rice Flour Mix #2

Blend together the ingredients to make about 4 cups of mix.
Note: Sweet rice flour/glutinous rice flour is named after the kind of rice it is made from. It does not contain gluten, so it is safe for celiacs.

Variations

Add sprinkles or edible glitter to the icing for a festive touch.
Use different flavored extracts, such as almond or orange, to change the flavor of the cookies.
Experiment with different shapes and sizes of cookie cutters for a unique presentation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the cookie dough before rolling and cutting shapes to ensure the cookies hold their shape while baking.

- Use a well-floured surface when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking.

- Experiment with different food coloring to create a variety of colorful icing for decorating the cookies.

- Allow the icing to dry completely before storing the cookies to prevent smudging.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for serving at a Valentine's Day party or as a special treat for your loved ones. Pair them with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Refrigerate the dough before rolling and cutting shapes to ensure the cookies hold their shape.

- Use a well-floured surface when rolling out the dough to prevent sticking.

- Allow the icing to dry completely before storing the cookies to prevent smudging.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the vanilla sugar with regular granulated sugar if needed.

- If you don't have corn syrup, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute.

- You can use any type of food coloring for the icing, or leave it plain for a classic look.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 1 month.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or cookie tray for a beautiful presentation. You can also package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a lovely gift.

Pairing Recommendations

These Vanilla Sugar Valentine Cookies with Lemon Icing pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They also go well with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage. To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these Vanilla Sugar Valentine Cookies with Lemon Icing contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these Vanilla Sugar Valentine Cookies with Lemon Icing contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these Vanilla Sugar Valentine Cookies with Lemon Icing contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these Vanilla Sugar Valentine Cookies with Lemon Icing contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

These cookies contain dairy (butter) and eggs.

Summary

These Vanilla Sugar Valentine Cookies with Lemon Icing are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a small amount of protein and fat.

Summary

These Vanilla Sugar Valentine Cookies with Lemon Icing are a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for special occasions. The sweet vanilla sugar cookies paired with tangy lemon icing create a delightful flavor combination that is sure to impress your loved ones. Enjoy these cookies as a snack or dessert, and share them with your family and friends for a sweet and memorable treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Vanilla Sugar Valentine Cookies with Lemon Icing. It was a sunny afternoon in the early spring, and I had just finished baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies for my grandchildren. As they happily munched on their treats, I found myself flipping through an old recipe book that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother.

As I turned the pages, my eyes fell upon a handwritten recipe for Vanilla Sugar Valentine Cookies with Lemon Icing. The delicate script and faded ink spoke of a time long past, when handwritten recipes were treasured and shared among friends and family. I was immediately intrigued by the combination of flavors and the promise of a sweet and tangy treat.

I knew that I had to try making these cookies for myself, so I set about gathering the ingredients and preparing the dough. The scent of vanilla and sugar filled my kitchen as I mixed and rolled out the dough, cutting out heart-shaped cookies with a small cookie cutter that had belonged to my own mother.

As the cookies baked in the oven, I began to prepare the lemon icing, using fresh-squeezed lemon juice and powdered sugar to create a smooth and tangy glaze. The aroma of citrus mingled with the sweet scent of baking cookies, creating a tantalizing fragrance that wafted through the house.

When the cookies had cooled, I carefully spread a thin layer of lemon icing over each one, decorating them with delicate swirls and patterns. The result was a tray of beautiful and delicious Valentine cookies that I knew would delight my grandchildren and bring a smile to their faces.

I couldn't wait to share the cookies with my family, and as they gathered around the table to sample my creation, their eyes lit up with delight. The cookies were a hit, with their buttery vanilla flavor and zesty lemon icing creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

As my grandchildren clamored for more cookies and asked for the recipe, I realized that this simple yet delicious treat had the power to bring joy and happiness to those around me. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, passed down through the generations just like the old recipe book that had inspired me.

In the years that followed, I made Vanilla Sugar Valentine Cookies with Lemon Icing for countless family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. Each time I baked a batch of these cookies, I felt a connection to the past and to the women who had come before me, sharing their love and their recipes with those they held dear.

And as I watched my own grandchildren grow up and start families of their own, I knew that this simple recipe would continue to bring us together, creating memories and traditions that would endure for years to come. The Vanilla Sugar Valentine Cookies with Lemon Icing had become more than just a recipe – they were a symbol of love, family, and the joy of sharing good food with those we hold dear.