VALENTINE SUGAR COOKIES

For years I have been making these scrumptous sugar cookies for Valentines Day. The only other time I make them is at Christmas because they are a bit of work! But, they are by far the very BEST SUGAR COOKIES EVER! Crisp and flavorful.

This morning I made a big batch for my Valentine.
 I thought I'd share the recipe with you. Compliments of Martha Stewart. (:
Enjoy!

4 sticks of butter at room temperature
3 cups os sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
5 cups of all purpose flour (plus some for dusting)

Royal Icing (recipe to follow)

In a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle, beat butter and sugar on medium until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, vanilla, and salt; mix on medium speed until combined. With mixer on low speed, add flour in two batches, mixing just until incorporated.

Turn out the dough onto a clean work surface. Divide in half, wrap each half in plastic. Refrigerate for a couple hours (or up to one week).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line large cookie sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out one of the halves of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes. Transfer shapes to prepared sheets, placing about 2 inches apart. Chill in refrigerator or freezer until firm, about 15 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough.

Bake, rotating sheets halfway through until cookies are golden around the edges and slightly firm to the touch, about 15 minutes.  Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely.  Decorate with Royal Icing.

Cookies can be kept in an airtight container, layered between sheets of waxed paper or parchment paper for up to three days.

Royal Icing:
1 pound of powered sugar
5 tablespoons meringue powder
Liquid or gel food coloring

Combine sugar, meringue powder, and about 1/2 cup of water. Mix together in mixing bowl with paddle attachment on low speed. Beat until mixture is fluffy, about 7-8 minutes.  To thin icing, add extra water, one teaspoon at a time. To add color, dip toothpick into food coloring and gradually mix into frosting until you get the desired shade.