The best part about these cookies was delivering them to our valentines around town. Love is grand. This recipe is direct from my Grandmother who I think got the recipe from Martha herself although I cannot imagine a real cookie ever looking like the perfect photos in her magazine cut outs. The jam filled ones were very tasty if a bit misshapen.
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 2 cups sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 4 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup buttermilk
* 1/2 cup pale-pink or white sanding sugar (optional)
* Petal dust in pink, orange, and violet tones (optional)
* 2/3 cup apricot or strawberry jam, slightly warmed (optional)
Directions
1. In bowl of electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt into large bowl. On low speed, gradually add flour mixture to mixer bowl, alternating with buttermilk, until combined. Wrap dough in plastic; chill until firm, 1 hour or overnight.
2. To color white sanding sugar, if using: Place a few tablespoons in a small bowl. Mix in petal dust with a toothpick, a bit at a time, until desired shade is reached. Colored sanding sugar will last indefinitely.
3. Heat oven with two racks centered to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut out hearts using any 1- to 3 1/2-inch heart cookie cutters. If desired, cut centers out of some hearts. Transfer with spatula to baking sheets. Chill for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with sanding sugar, if using. Bake until just golden but not too brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer cookies to rack. Continue with dough; reroll scraps.
4. To make sandwich hearts: Brush bottom heart lightly with jam; cover with a second heart with center cut out; jam will adhere hearts. Fill cut-out area with more jam. Cookies will keep, in an airtight container, at room temperature for 1 week.
