Shortbread Hearts {For Your Valentine}

This simple three-ingredient shortbread cookie recipe makes wonderfully tender, buttery cookies.

Today I have an easy cookie that's perfect for your Valentine, Shortbread Hearts! Shortbread cookies are simply a thick, rich butter cookie that melts in your mouth. Since shortbread cookies are my husband's favorite I try to make them for his birthday and Valentine's Day. 
 
I usually make a batch just for him that he hides so no one else can get their hands on them. I have to say I don't blame him, because they're quite tasty.  The best part about this recipe is that it only requires 3 ingredients!!!

I prefer just plain shortbread cookies, but if you want to get all fancy for the holidays you can dip one side into melted chocolate and then holiday sprinkles. I usually save this for Christmas because they look really pretty on a holiday cookie tray with festive sprinkles. For an added touch place the shortbread hearts into a valentine themed or heart shaped box. Enjoy!

Shortbread Hearts

Ingredients:

1 - stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened 

1 - cup all-purpose flour

1/3 - cup confectioners' sugar (powdered sugar)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In mixing bowl, cream butter. Add flour and sugar; mix to combine or just until it forms a soft dough (chill 10 - 15 minutes if dough is too soft).

Gently roll shortbread dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut with a heart shaped cookie cutter (dipped in flour). 

Using a fork  that has been dipped into flour lightly poke a few holes on top of each heart (see photo).

Place on a parchment lined baking sheet or a baking sheet that has been sprayed with baking spray.

Bake until firm and slightly golden brown (30 to 35 minutes). Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.  Makes 8-10 cookies.

Cook's Note: I always double the recipe, so there's plenty to go around. 

Recipe Source: Martha Stewart Everyday

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