Sweetheart Cookies

Sweetheart Cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, or perhaps a bridal shower or wedding reception. These cookies are filled with a sweet cherry filling, though you could change the filling to strawberry if you prefer. Your sweetheart is sure to love these cookies!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Filling Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 24 maraschino cherries, chopped
• 2 tbsp. butter

Note: Both dough and filling need to chill before using.  I usually make the filling first.

Filling Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients together in a saucepan.
2. Add remaining ingredients.
3. Bring to a rolling boil.
4. Allow to boil 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Chill in fridge.

Makes 2 2/3 cups filling
Cookie Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together shortening, sugar, and eggs. Blend thoroughly.
2. In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Stir dry ingredients into sugar mixture, blending well.
4. Allow dough to chill in fridge for at least one hour.
5. Heat oven to 400.
6. Roll dough out to approximately 1/16″ thick on lightly floured board (or use confectioners’ sugar to dust surface).
7. Using 2″ heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies. You will use two shapes to make each cookie.
8. Using a very small cookie cutter, or a knife, cut out a small heart shape in the center of half the cookies (this will be top cookie).
9. Place bottom cookies onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.
10. Spread a teaspoon full of filling onto each cookie.
11. Carefully place top cookies onto each cookie base.
12. Press edges together with fork. Dip fork in confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking.
13. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly golden.

Makes 4 1/2 dozen 2″ cookies.