. . . almond flour shortbread valentines

With Valentine's day just a few days away. . .

. . . we thought we'd share this lovely recipe for quick. . .

. . . and easy cookies that are. . .

. . . low in sugar but packed with rich flavors. . .

. . . perfect to share with a sweetie or two this weekend.

 

Almond Flour Shortbread Valentines

Recipe adapted from here. Makes 18 heart cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup dark/semi sweet chocolate chips (reserve for decorating)

Mix all of the ingredients together (apart from the chocolate) in a bowl until well combined.  Turn the cookie dough out onto a sheet of wax paper and use the paper to help you roll it into a log about 1 1/2" in diameter. 

While the dough is in the paper, use a chopstick or something similar to make an indentation in the top of the roll.  This will be the top of your heart shape.

Roll the log over to one side of the soon to be heart and use your hands to flatten the other side that is facing you. The counter top will flatten the other side quite nicely. Flip the roll carefully to even out the two sides and place in the freezer to chill for one hour.

When the dough is chilled, preheat the oven to 350.

Slice the cookie dough into 1/4" slices carefully to maintain the heart shape. Place the cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet about 1 1/2" apart and return them to the freezer for a few minutes to chill a bit before baking.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the bottoms are golden. Allow to cool for three minutes before gently moving them to a wire wrack to cool completely (they are a bit fragile at this stage).

In a metal bowl over a pot of simmering water, melt your chocolate.  Use the melted chocolate to either decorate the top or bottom of the cookie and pace on a wax paper lined tray. Allow the chocolate to harden in the fridge before sharing the cookies.

 

With the Kids: Invite the kids to help you mix up the ingredients and form the dough into a heart shape. While the dough is chilling make a few Valentines for your sweethearts. You could even make some valentines for your favorite feathered friends. After you dip the cookies in chocolate, sprinkle on things like shredded coconut, sea salt, candied orange, dried cherry pieces etc. Wrap up the cookies and attach handmade cards to give them as gifts to the ones you love!

 

 ~ Sarah