February 8, 2023

share the love: sweet gestures for valentine’s day

The Roost is coming out of hibernation! After what seemed like a never-ending holiday, we’re back with a little Valentine’s Day inspiration including an easy recipe for shortbread sweethearts. These buttery delights are perfect gifts for your loved ones. (They also make great Valentines for classmates and teachers.)

Valentine’s Day isn’t exclusively for couples! It’s fun to indulge all those who hold a special place in our hearts…spouses/significant others, family, friends and especially our children. You never know whose day you might make by sending a little love note or by baking up a batch of heart-shaped cookies. Simple gestures like these are what Valentine’s Day is all about, and we’re thrilled to have any excuse to spread a bit of love and joy.

Last weekend we celebrated with a casual, heart-themed baking party for our daughters Ella and Eden. Spending a cheerful afternoon together in the kitchen was just the thing to warm our hearts and make our girls feel special. Of course we included lots of pink and red, sparkling lemonade and plenty of chocolate!

Let us know if you make their shortbread sweethearts (recipe below). May we suggest whipping up a double batch? These simple treats don’t last long! How are you sharing the love this month?

Shortbread Sweethearts (adapted from the Bride and Groom First and Forever cookbook)

Ingredients:

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar for dusting

Directions:

Beat butter on medium-low speed until light and fluffy.
Add the powdered sugar and mix until well incorporated.
Add the vanilla and salt and mix well.
Add the flour one heaping spoonful at a time until just incorporated.
Shape the dough into a bowl and then flatten into a disk before wrapping in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate dough until chilled (at least 1 hour).
Let dough soften at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling out to 1/4 inch thickness and using heart-shaped cookie cutters.
Place cookies 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet and dust with granulated sugar.
Bake for 15 -20 minutes at 325 degrees F until the edges of the cookies are slightly golden brown.