Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookie Twists

I have this delusion that I can draw.  I look at something and think, “I can totally draw that”.  But any time I actually attempt to draw something it looks like I used my feet with my left hand behind my back and my eyes closed.  There’s definitely some disconnect between what my brain thinks I am capable of and what my hand can actually produce.  I have the same issue with cookie decorating.  In my head, I can totally do it.  I wish I could decorate gorgeous sugar cookies like some of the amazingly talented cookie decorators out there (Sweet Sugar Belle, The Baked Equation, Bake at 350… just to name a few), but I’ve come to accept that it is just not one of my talents. 

I do still love sugar cookies though, especially when they’re soft with just a little crisp around the edges.  I made these sugar cookies last Christmas as wreaths (you can find them in my FREE Holiday Cookies eBook here) and decided to try them as hearts.  I think they turned out super cute- and best part, no icing needed!  Sometimes simple is best.

These Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookie Twists would be perfect for Valentine’s Day!  If you’re able to send homemade treats to your kid’s school, these would be a great option.  I know my daughter’s teacher would appreciate that they are less mess and less sugar without icing or sprinkles.  🙂

Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookie Twists

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 18

Calories: 189kcal

Author: Emily Grace

Ingredients

• ▢ 3/4 cup shortening
• ▢ 1 cup sugar
• ▢ 2 eggs
• ▢ 2 1/2 cups flour
• ▢ 1 tsp baking powder
• ▢ 1/4 tsp salt
• ▢ 1 tsp vanilla
• ▢ 1/8 tsp red gel food coloring

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Instructions

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla at medium speed until creamy.
• In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, and slowly blend together.
• Beat until well combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.
• Divide the dough in half.
• Add the red food coloring to one half.
• Shape each color of dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to chill at least one hour.
• Preheat over to 400 degrees.
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
• Shape 1/2 tbsp - 1 tbsp of red dough into a 6- inch rope.
• Repeat with the plain dough.
• Place ropes side by side and twist together about six times.
• Form twisted ropes into a heart, gently pinching where the two meet.
• Bake for 8-9 minutes, until just golden brown on the bottoms.
• Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 53mg | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.9mg

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