Chocolate and flowers are nice for Valentine’s day, but what is better than something that is homemade and from the heart? This year, these butter cookies from Taste of Home will make the perfect gift for someone close, or for yourself. These easily customizable treats can be shaped and decorated any way you want, but are enjoyed nonetheless. As always, follow my business account @sweetsandsuchbakery on Instagram to view recipe ideas and make custom orders.

Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

-Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, extra for working with dough
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

-Icing:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-4 tablespoons milk
• food coloring and sprinkles, optional

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk 2-1/2 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually beat into creamed mixture*.
• Roll out dough and cut into shapes using a cookie cutter. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, and place cookies on the cookies sheet one inch apart. Bake until set but not brown, about 6-8 minutes. Let cool on wire racks.
• Beat butter, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla and enough milk to reach a spreading consistency. If desired, tint with food coloring and decorate.

*Note: Mixture will be sticky and difficult to work with. Add more flour in the bowl, using a spoon to slowly and gently mix in flour instead of the electric mixer. When dough is workable, transfer onto a floured surface and knead in 1/4 cup extra flour.