Happy Valentine's (Cookies)!

{printable recipe here}

Happy Valentine's! It's amazing to me how fast time flies. Last year we sent Valentine's cards to our families announcing Baby Strawberry's coming arrival in September. Now she's smiling, begging to try real food, and getting to be more fun every day. She's also pretty insistent on having my undivided attention so we've been keeping things pretty simple around here. You can't get much better than sugar cookies (especially since my Valentine can't eat chocolate!) I'm hoping to frost a bunch for the kids at Church on Sunday but for me I really love a yummy, light orange glaze. I cut the centers out with a small heart cutter and was surprised that everyone wanted the tiny hearts the most. I'll probably make just those next time! Thanks for reading along with my little blog. I'd give you each a cookie if I could!

Don't forget- the $50 Safeway gift card giveaway ends tomorrow night. Enter here.

Grandma's All Occasion Sugar Cookie Dough
from Dorie Greenspan- see the full recipe on page 146 here

{printable recipe here}

1 stick plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg plus 1 yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat thoroughly. Add in dry ingredients slowly mix until just combined, being careful not to over mix. Divide dough into two disks, wrap in saran wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until nice and chilled (sometimes I use frozen flour to speed the process up!)

Preheat the over to 350. Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment. Roll out dough onto lightly floured surface to about 3/8 or 1/2 inch thickness and cut cookies out with cutters. Bake for 8 minutes for soft cookies (my favorite), 10 for crisp. Remove from oven, place onto cooling racks, and frost after cooled.

Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
Zest and juice of one orange
1 teaspoon meringue powder (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl until even and shiny. Dip cookies in glaze and set on a cooling rack to harden. Enjoy!