Heart Cookies Decorated with Royal Icing

Ingredients and Weight:

• All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g)
• Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup (227g)
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g)
• Large eggs: 2
• Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
• Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon

Royal Icing:

• Confectioners' sugar: 3 cups (360g)
• Meringue powder: 3 tablespoons
• Water: 4-6 tablespoons
• Food coloring (optional)

Preparation Time: * 20 minutes

Cooking Time: * 10-12 minutes

Difficulty Level: * 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.

6. Cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Royal Icing Preparation:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and meringue powder.

2. Gradually add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches a thick but pourable consistency.

3. Divide the icing into smaller bowls and add food coloring, if desired.

Cookie Decoration:

1. Once the cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag or a spoon to apply the royal icing. You can create different designs, such as swirls, dots, or lines.

2. Let the icing dry completely before serving.

Nutritional Information:

Per cookie (based on 8 cookies)

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 2g

Dish Characteristics:

• Buttery and crumbly cookies
• Sweet and colorful royal icing
• Perfect for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or any special occasion

User Comments:

• "These cookies are absolutely delicious! The royal icing is perfect for decorating and adds a touch of sweetness."
• "I love how easy these cookies are to make. They are perfect for a novice baker."
• "The heart shape makes these cookies perfect for a romantic dinner or party."
• "The cookies are so festive and colorful. They are sure to impress your guests."
• "I highly recommend trying these cookies. You won't be disappointed!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• To prevent the royal icing from being too runny, add more confectioners' sugar. If it is too thick, add more water.
• If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a plastic bag with the tip cut off to pipe the royal icing.
• To create different designs, use different piping tips or techniques.
• Let the royal icing dry completely before stacking or storing the cookies.