Scandinavian Heart Basket Cookies - Bakers Brigade

Delectable Scandinavian heart basket cookies, ideal for sharing and gifting. These adorable cookies have a tender texture and can be personalized with colorful accents.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Red food coloring optional
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt

In a separate bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms

If using, add a few drops of red food coloring to the dough and mix until desired color is achieved

Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes

Preheat the oven to 350F 175C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness

Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes from the dough

For each heart shape, cut out a smaller heart from the center, leaving a border

Carefully transfer the heart shapes to the prepared baking sheet

Roll out the second portion of the dough and repeat the process of cutting out heart shapes with the center removed

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely

Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust the tops with powdered sugar

Optional: To create heart baskets, gently heat the edges of the heart shapes and press them together to form a basket shape

Fill the heart baskets with your favorite treats and enjoy!