2.11.2010

Sweet Hearts.

This one is a Martha recipe, and getting to color my own sugars with Petal dust is really what sold me. Rightfully so, it was my most favorite part. The batter is simple, the actual cutting and sugaring is a bit more time consuming. I love them in their Gladware homes though, turned like puzzle pieces to fit in. I still don't even know where they're all going ! Who to send to ?

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

2 cups sugar

2 large eggs

4 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup pale-pink or white sanding sugar (optional)

Petal dust in pink, orange, and violet tones (optional)

2/3 cup apricot or strawberry jam, slightly warmed (optional)

1. In bowl of electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt into large bowl. On low speed, gradually add flour mixture to mixer bowl, alternating with buttermilk, until combined. Wrap dough in plastic; chill until firm, 1 hour or overnight. 2. To color white sanding sugar, if using: Place a few tablespoons in a small bowl. Mix in petal dust with a toothpick, a bit at a time, until desired shade is reached. Colored sanding sugar will last indefinitely. 3. Heat oven with two racks centered to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut out hearts using any 1- to 3 1/2-inch heart cookie cutters. If desired, cut centers out of some hearts. Transfer with spatula to baking sheets. Chill for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with sanding sugar, if using. Bake until just golden but not too brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer cookies to rack. Continue with dough; reroll scraps. 4. To make sandwich hearts: Brush bottom heart lightly with jam; cover with a second heart with center cut out; jam will adhere hearts. Fill cut-out area with more jam. Cookies will keep, in an airtight container, at room temperature for 1 week.





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