By JASMINE ROSALES

Baking, in general, is always proven to be a good time whether it’s solo, with friends or with your loved ones. From countless sweets, the choices are unlimited. Valentine’s day, referred to as the day of love, these heart shaped sugar cookies are the perfect treat to share with that special someone. 

Servings: 25 cookies

Ingredients: 

2 and ¼ cups of all purpose flour

½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

¾ cup white sugar

1 large egg

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Optional: ¼-½ tsp almond extract

Instructions:

1. Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the butter on medium speed-high speed until smooth for about one minute. Add the granulated sugar and beat on medium-high speed until creamed, about two minutes. Add the egg, vanilla and almond extract (if used) and beat on high speed until combined, about one minute. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed.

3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low until combined. If the dough seems too soft, you can add 1 tbsp of flour for better consistency to roll.

4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, then roll each portion out onto a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured silicone baking mat to about ¼ inch thickness. The rolled out dough can be any shape, as long as it is evenly ¼ inch thick.

5. Stack the pieces, with parchment paper between the two, onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least one to two hours, or even up to two days.

6. Once chilled, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment papers. Remove one of the dough pieces from the fridge and using a heart shaped cookie cutter, cut the dough into heart shapes. If needed, re-roll the remaining dough until all dough is used.

7. Bake for 10-11 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Recommended to rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time for even browning.

8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for five minutes, transfer to a cooling rack to fully cool the cookies. 

Once cooled, it can be decorated. Take a glass of milk and enjoy!