Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water
  • Gel food coloring (various colors, for decorating)

Instructions:

  1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Divide dough, flatten into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out heart shapes.
  7. Place cookies on baking sheets. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
  8. Let cookies cool on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Whisk together powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add warm water and beat until stiff peaks form.
  10. Divide icing and tint with gel food coloring.
  11. Transfer icing to squeeze bottles or piping bags. Outline and flood cookies. Smooth with a toothpick.
  12. Let decorated cookies sit at room temperature for several hours, or overnight, until the icing is completely set. Enjoy these valentines day cookies!