Valentines Day Sugar Cookies

My sister works as a teacher and every year I make Valentines Day cookies for her students. This is what was made for this year. Looking back they look a lot like last years… I think I need some new inspiration!

Miss Moon's Masterpiece

I love it when kids help me cook. It’s fun to watch as they lick the frosting off their little fingers and to see their eyes light up as they pour sprinkles on.

I had the joy of watching Miss Moon create these masterpieces!

Pink is the new red.

Pink is the new red.

Ask anyone.

I <3 cupcakes

Simple, elegant and oh so delicious.

I <3 cupcakes!

Hot Lips

I am going to let you in on a little secret.

Listen carefully.

The day after every major holiday I go to target at 9am and shop the clearance isle. Let me tell you there are deals to be had! Last year I stocked up on all my decorations for this Valentines Day.

I like to call this cupcake Hot Lips in honor of Major. Houlihan from M.A.S.H.

Little known fact about me. I LOVE Alan Alda. I used to watch Scientific American Frontier every Tuesday along with Nova and Frontline. I am a nerd.

Valentines Day Count Down

Let the bake fest begin!

You can see other Valentines Day treats here and here.

Sugar Cookies

Is there really any better way to show someone how much you love them? Well maybe but for now this will have to do! Lets be honest, the quickest way to my family’s heart is through their stomachs. Up until I discovered how much fun cupcakes could be I always made sugar cookies when I needed something special. I remember the first boy I baked for. I was all of 14 he was 19. For Valentines Day I made him a plate full of big red hearts. I knew for sure he would fall in love with me. Although I got a heartfelt hug, fall in love he did not. I actually think he was a bit embarrassed.

Sugar Cookies
3 c. flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ c. butter at room temperature
1 ½ c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla mix to incorporate well. Add dry ingredients and mix.
Form into 2 balls and wrap in cling wrap or wax paper. Refrigerate until firm.

Preheat oven to 375 Roll out to desired thickness. Cut into shapes.

Bake at 375 until golden brown at edges.
Cool on wire rack or paper bag

Frosting
1 lb powder sugar
1 stick butter at room temperature
1 tsp almond extract
½ - ¼ c. milk

In a mixer place powdered sugar, butter and almond. Add in milk one tablespoon at a time to reach the consistency you are looking for. I like my frosting like I like my wallet… thick!