Valentine's Day

 I am still swooning over these heart shaped sugar cookies with Magnolia Bakery buttercream frosting that I've made for Valentine's day for several years. It is the only buttercream recipe I ever use. Even though I think making these cookies is a big accomplishment (ha ha), you must check out this Gal-entines Day Dessert Party. Major swoon!!!

My husband is drawn to hearts when we shop at antique stores and second hand stores, and sneaks a heart purchase while I am still wandering through the store. I use several of the cookie cutters making a variety of heart cookies. I use he mini one for my grandson Xavier now that he can eat cookies. 

I like to start my baking early, so here is the recipe if you'd like to try it. I was shopping for Easter bunnies yesterday. I guess in blogland we are thinking a holiday ahead :-)

World Famous Paradise Bakery Sugar Cookies with Magnolia Bakery Buttercream Frosting

Cookie Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup powdered sugar

2 cups vegetable shortening

3/4 teaspoon vanilla

1 large egg, beaten

3 1/3 cups cake flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

  

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 375°.

2) In a medium bowl, cream together the sugars and shortening using an electric mixer.

 3) Mix on slow speed 30 seconds, then scrape down the bowl with a spatula.

4) Increase speed to medium and mix for 3 minutes.

5) Slowly add vanilla and beaten egg while mixing.

6) In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the mixing bowl, mixing on slow speed until just blended. Do not overmix.

 7) Scoop with an ice-cream scoop if decorating with sugar only

8) Place directly on cookie sheet.

9) Bake at 375° for 9-10 minutes. Cookies are done when small cracks appear and are pale golden. Ideally, the edges do not brown.

If making cut out cookies form dough in to two balls, chill dough in refrigerator for at least two hours covered.

Roll out dough on floured surface and cut out cookies with desired shaped cookie cutters.

Place directly on cookie sheet. Bake at 375° for 9-10 minutes. Cookies are done when small cracks appear and are pale golden. Ideally, the edges do not brown.

Decorate with Buttercream Frosting or Sugar (See recipe below).

Magnolia Bakery Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

6 to 8 cups confectioners' sugar

1/2 cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Place the butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk and vanilla. On the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition (about 2 minutes), until the icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency. You may not need to add all of the sugar. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly. (Use and store the icing at room temperature because icing will set if chilled.) Icing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.