Sugar Cookies and Decorator's Icing

Sugar Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
  
• 2 sticks butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• zest of 1 lemon (optional)
  
• Heart-shaped cookie cutters

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the sugar and butter until smooth. Add the egg and the vanilla extract. Mix in the flour and lemon zest. Remove the dough from the mixer and press into a rectangular shape. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Remove from the refrigerator and cut dough into 1/3. Roll out dough, 1 piece at a time to a 3/16-inch thickness. Cut out as many large hearts as possible. Repeat with all of the dough. Cut a small heart out each of them.

Bake in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Optional: Use adornments such as sprinkles and frosting or different color dough to send that “special message” to your loved one.

Decorator's Icing

Ingredients

• 3 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup shortening (at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tablespoons water

Directions

In a standing mixer fitted with a paddle, mix together sugar and butter. Mix on low speed until well blended and then increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes.

Add vanilla and water and continue to beat on medium speed for 1 minute more, adding more water if needed for spreading consistency.