A Sweet Valentine’s Tradition

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we thought we’d share a fun Brock family tradition we started when our children were little. On Valentine’s Eve, we’d bake giant heart-shaped sugar cookies after the kids went to bed. Then, early the next morning, we’d sneak outside, place the cookies on the doorstep, ring the doorbell, and rush back inside before anyone saw us.

The excitement on our kids' faces as they opened the door to find surprise Valentine treats was priceless. For years, they wondered who left the cookies!

Now that our kids are grown and we have grandchildren, the tradition has evolved. Cookie baking starts a few days earlier now, and Valentine’s Eve involves sneaky cookie deliveries to several households, sometimes even mailing cookies to family far away. Though our stealth isn’t what it used to be—we’ve been caught mid-run a few times—the tradition remains a cherished part of our family.

We’d love to share our cookie recipe so you can start this tradition with your loved ones.

Giant Heart Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour adding ¼ cup more at a time if needed until dough is not sticky
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (Mexican vanilla is my favorite)

For decoration:

• Royal icing or your favorite frosting
• Sprinkles, food coloring, and other decorations

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
3. Add dry, sifted ingredients alternately with milk and vanilla. (I put the vanilla right in the measuring cup with the milk.)
4. Chill the dough for 1 hour (at least).
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut out heart shapes using a large cookie cutter.  (I use the lid of a box of chocolates.)
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them.
7. Bake for 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before decorating.
8. Decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired.

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