Heartthrob Cookies

Name: Heartthrob Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: about 5-1/2 dozen (depending on size).
Ingredients: 2 cups butter-flavored shortening; 2 cups sugar; 2 eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 15 drops red food coloring; Red decorating gel

I've made these peppermint-flavored cookies for Valentine's Day as well as wedding receptions. I especially like that they don't require frosting.

Ingredients

2 cups butter-flavored shortening
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
15 drops red food coloring
Red decorating gel

Directions

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extracts. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Divide dough in half. Tint one portion pink; leave remaining dough white. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.
On a floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut out hearts with a small heart-shaped cookie cutter dipped in flour.
For Heart-to-Heart Cookies: On an ungreased baking sheet, arrange hearts in groups of three in a straight line with sides of hearts touching. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Pipe Valentine phrases on cookies.
For Valentine Wreaths: On an ungreased baking sheet, arrange alternating colors of six small hearts in a circle with sides of hearts touching. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Pipe Valentine phrases on cookies.