Valentine Cut Out Cookies

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

5. Divide the dough in half. If you want colored cookies, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to one half of the dough and knead until the color is fully incorporated.

6. Shape each half of the dough into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

8. On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies.

9. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate with sprinkles and royal icing if desired.

13. Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the remaining dough until it is all used up.

14. Allow the icing to set before stacking or packaging the cookies for gifting.