Heart-Glazed Cornmeal Cookies

Last week, I wrote about recipes with Nestlé goodies for the kids to bring to school on the 14th of February. Although these recipes are great for all ages, I opted to do something different to give to my friends. Since Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, I went online to search for ideas. Luckily, I immediately found an easy recipe for Heart-Glazed Cornmeal Cookies on the Martha Stewart site.

Among the many Valentine’s Day gift ideas on her site, this one caught my attention as it is different from what I usually make. It also takes less than an hour to prepare, which allows anyone to get back to their usual activities throughout the day like going to the mall, or staying at home and participating in a round of bingo at Cheekybingo.

You will need:
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 cup (about 2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
– 1 1/4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
– 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 to 2 drops red or pink food coloring

Instructions:

1. To start off, preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Whisk together flour, cornmeal, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Using an elective mixer and a larger bowl, beat butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar on medium-high for about three minutes or until creamy. Add egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla and beat until combined. Place the mixer on low, and gradually add flour mixture. Beat them to combine.
3. Place 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a small bowl; set aside. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat with sugar. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; transfer dough balls to baking sheets. Flatten the dough balls to 1 1/2 inches in diameter with the bottom of a glass. When done, press a 1-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter into each piece. Make sure you do not cut through.
4. Bake for about 10 minutes until cookies are golden at edges, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cookies cool on wire racks.

*This is a guest post.