A Classic Valentine

With Valentine's Day coming up tomorrow, I've been hard at work making my traditional treat for all my loved ones.  I've spent years perfecting the perfect sugar cookie recipe.  If you love soft and fluffy cookies, this is your recipe.  I've also included my special tips and tricks for getting the perfect cookie every time.  Be sure to follow the instructions carefully.  Each step is important for a great result.

Recipe (makes 24 thick 3" cookies)
1/4 c. softened butter
1/4 c. softened margarine
1/4 c. sour cream
1 c. sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
*Cream these ingredients together until well blended and fluffy
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
*mix these ingredients together and then mix into wet ingredients.
*blend until incorporated

At this point, dough will be quite sticky. Place dough in freezer bag and chill several hours or if possible overnight.

On a lightly floured board, roll out your dough to desired thickness.

 I like mine about 1/3" thick.

Use a cookie cutter to cut shapes into dough. 

If possible, do not re-roll scraps.  The more the dough is rolled, the harder the cookie will be.

Place cut dough on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Place sheet in freezer for 2 minutes before baking.

This will prevent the cookies from spreading out and losing their shape.

After a few minutes in the freezer, place the cookies in a

preheated 400 degree oven for 7-8 minutes.

Be careful not to overcook the cookies. When the cookies are done, they should have all of the following characteristics:

Full and puffy (not sunken in the middle)

Light cream color on tops-no brown on tops

Light golden color on bottoms

Remove cookies from sheet with a spatula and cool them on a wire cooling rack.

Buttercream Frosting Recipe:
1 cube of softened butter
1/2 c. cream cheese
2 T. cream or milk
1-2 t. vanilla
1 t. lemon juice
Powdered sugar to desired texture
*Cream together all ingredients except powdered sugar. Then add powdered sugar until it is a thick but spreadable consistency

Add food coloring as desired 

 My traditional Valentine cookie is a heart with pink frosting and a cinnamon jelly heart in the center.  Oooh! Delicious!