Delicious Vanilla Shortbread Hearts Coated in Chocolate, Carrying Messages of Affection - Chocolate-Covered Vanilla Hearts Poised to Express Love
For a scrumptious and festive Mother's Day treat, why not try making buttery shortbread heart cookies dipped in chocolate? This simple recipe, inspired by classic shortbread and chocolate-dipped cookie ideas, is perfect for a special Mother's Day gift or gathering.
### Ingredients: - 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract - 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour - 1/4 tsp salt (if using unsalted butter) - 6 oz (170g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, melted for dipping
### Instructions:
1. **Make the shortbread dough:** - Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. - Mix in the vanilla extract. - Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together and looks like wet sand. Avoid overmixing, as this will keep the shortbread tender.
2. **Shape the cookies:** - Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for about 30-45 minutes to firm up. - Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. - Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. - Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill again for 15 minutes to help them keep their shape during baking.
3. **Bake:** - Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). - Bake the cookies for 15-17 minutes until they are just starting to turn golden at the edges. - Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
4. **Dip in chocolate:** - Melt the chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. - Dip one half or the edge of each cookie in the melted chocolate. - Place dipped cookies on parchment paper and let the chocolate set at room temperature or in the fridge until firm.
This method ensures rich, tender, buttery shortbread with the lovely contrast of dark chocolate, making it a perfect Mother's Day treat. Optionally, you could decorate the chocolate with sprinkles or drizzle white chocolate over the top for extra flair.
The recipe makes 16 shortbread heart cookies and takes approximately 40-43 minutes to prepare and bake. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Enjoy!
This food-and-drink recipe for buttery shortbread heart cookies dipped in chocolate aligns with a home-and-garden lifestyle, making it an ideal choice for a festive Mother's Day treat or gathering. Following the given instructions, you can whip up these delicious cookies in about 40-43 minutes, with ingredients such as unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and semi-sweet or dark chocolate.
