Cinnamon Heart Cookies

Valentines day is just around the corner and if your in need of a little something extra for your girl/boyfriend then don’t go down the road of a box of store bought chocolates (unless it’s a special kind you know they love), why not bake them some special cookies instead. It’s so much more personal and shows that time and effort has been put into baking something especially for them. And if they are anything like me, they may still have plenty of half eaten boxes of chocolates lingering over from Christmas and not in need of any more!

These cookies and wonderfully crisp and packed full of wonderful cinnamon flavour to add a bit of tongue tingling spice. They are very easy to bake and when simply topped with a thin layer of icing and a scattering of sprinkles they produce a cookie that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. I found some adorable heart shaped napkins in my local supermarket – never seen these before and couldn’t resist getting them.

So if you want to give that special someone a homemade gift then give these a go. You can flavour and decorate them any way you wish. Why not have some fun and write little messages on them ‘I love you’ or ‘Kiss me’ come to mind. Also, if you are harboring a secret crush for someone and haven’t the courage to ask them out why not write it on a cookie instead ‘Fancy a date?’ Whatever you get up to this Valentines day, I hope you get to share it with someone you love, be it with friends, family, that special someone (or even George the goldfish).

Cinnamon Heart Cookies
Ingredients
45g butter
60g caster sugar
85g plain flour
½ tsp cinnamon
3 tsp vegetable oil

Method
Beat the butter until soft. Add the sugar and beat in until all incorporated and the butter has lightened in colour.
Add the cinnamon, oil and flour and mix into a crumbly dough.
Use your hands to bring the mixture together, add a drop of water if needed.
Wrap the dough in clingfilm and place in the fridge for an hour to firm up.
Preheat the even to 180C and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
Lightly dust a work surface and roll out the dough until 3-4mm thick. Cut out hearts or other shapes and place on the baking tray.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until crisp and golden brown.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
When cool, top with royal icing and decorate with the sprinkles of your choice.
Store in an airtight container until needed.
Makes 12 cookies.