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Valentine's Day Cookies

We had a cookie swap at work the day before Valentine's Day, and it was one of the rare times I was in town to participate since I couldn't travel because of the twins. So, I took full advantage and invited one of my good friends over for dinner and a baking night - Tyler had to travel for work, so it was the perfect week night activity and a great way to catch up with a good friend.
I forgot to take a photo and this is the only crummy one I have from the evening :(

Sugar Cookie Recipe
Martha Stewart's sugar cookie recipe is my go-to when it comes to baking cookies to decorate.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar; mix until light and fluffy. With mixer running, add egg, brandy, and vanilla; mix until well combined. With the mixer on low, slowly add reserved flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  2. Transfer dough to a clean surface. Shape into 2 disks, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with nonstick baking mats or parchment paper; set aside.
  4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes and transfer to prepared sheets, spaced 1 inch apart. Leftover dough can be rolled and cut once more. Bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes; do not allow to brown. Transfer sheets to wire racks; let cool completely.
  5. Decorate with icing, if desired.
Ina Garten Frosting
I decided to try this cream cheese frosting recipe instead of doing royal icing. It makes a lot of frosting, so I would recommend doubling the cookie recipe at a minimum.

Ingredients
  • 1 pound cream cheese at room temperature
  • 3/4 pound unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
  • 1 1/2 pounds confectioners' sugar, sifted
Directions
  1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla and almond extracts. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.
  2. Mix in the food coloring if you want to tint the frosting.

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