Lovers' Cookies

I can share with you a recipe for delicious lovers’ cookies, which often come in the shape of hearts or are decorated in ways that reflect the affection and attention you wish to convey to your loved one. Here is the recipe for simple heart-shaped cookies that you can decorate as you like.

Ingredients

• 200 g of all-purpose flour
• 100 g of powdered sugar
• 100 g of cold butter, cut into cubes
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• (Optional) Chocolate chips or colored sprinkles for decoration
• (Optional) Apricot jam for brushing

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour and powdered sugar. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and work the dough with the fingertips until it has a sandy consistency.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough is smooth.
4. Form a ball with the dough, wrap it in cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 5 mm.
7. Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared tray.
8. If you want to add decorations, now is the time to place small chocolate chips or colored sprinkles on the cookies.
9. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies begin to brown slightly.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a rack.

If desired, you can brush the cooled cookies with some warmed apricot jam to give them shine and stickiness, which will allow you to attach any other decorations.

Curiosity

These cookies can become a personalized gift if decorated with royal icing or colored frosting. You could even add personalized messages or initials to make the gesture even more special. Remember, the most important thing is to put your heart into making them!