Heart-shaped vanilla cookies sandwiched together with jam are simple enough to make with the kids, but pretty enough to give as a gift.
Prep Time:25 minutes plus chilling
Cook Time:10 minutes
Makes: 15Ingredients:
85g butter, room temperature
100g caster sugar
1 egg, beaten
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
250g plain flour
Raspberry jam
Raspberry shoe lace sweets (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy then gradually stir in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Sieve the baking powder, salt and flour into the bowl and then gradually mix until a dough forms.
3. Bring the dough together with your hands and form into a disc and chill for one hour wrapped in cling film.
4. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Grease and line several baking sheets with baking parchment.
5. Cover your work surface with a large sheet of cling film, and roll out the disc of chilled dough until very thin - about 5mm.
6. Cut into shapes using a heart-shaped shaped cutter then, using a palette knife, transfer to the baking sheets about 3-4cm apart.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes until firm. Allow to cool on the sheet slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Spread half of the cookies with jam, and then place another cookie on top. To give as gifts package up in threes and tie with a raspberry shoe lace, or leave them loose and serve on a pretty plate.
Tip: This dough keeps well in the fridge or the freezer to keep for a rainy day activity with the children.