Valentine’s Day Cookies with the Kids

Yesterday the kids and I spent the day making Valentine’s Day cookies. Which I must say turned our really well. They tasted great and they look great! I have never been successful with both before, so I am including this recipe that is was in this month’s issue of Southern Living (see below).

Lemon Butter Cookies:
Yield: Makes about 4 dozen (2 1/4-inch) or 2 dozen (3 1/4-inch) cookies
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Parchment paper

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 325°. Beat butter and zest at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating well.

2. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Shape dough into a disc.

3. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with a 2 1/4- or 3 1/4-inch heart-shaped cutter; place 1/2 inch apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. If desired, cut 1 or 2 holes at top of each cookie (to hang or thread ribbon through after baking).

4. Bake at 325° for 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 5 minutes. Transfer to wire racks; cool completely (about 20 minutes). Decorate as desired with Royal Icing and Colorful Glaze.

Royal Icing:
3 Cups powdered sugar
¼ cup water
food coloring

Mix together