Sweetheart Slices Food

SWEETHEART COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg yolk; mix well. Stir in the flour by hand. On a lightly floured surface, gently knead dough for 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly combined. , Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make an indention in the center of each. Fill each with 1/4 teaspoon preserves. , Bake for 13-15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks. Dust warm cookies with confectioners' sugar if desired. Cool.

SIMPLY SESAMES

Steps:

• In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add flour; mix just until combined. Stir in coconut, sesame seeds and almonds. Chill for 15 minutes. , Divide dough in half. Shape each portion into a 2-in.-diameter roll. Wrap each roll in waxed paper, twisting ends to seal. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight. , Remove waxed paper. Cut dough into 1/4-in. slices; place on ungreased baking sheets. , Bake at 300° for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

TWO-TONE BUTTER COOKIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add flour and mix well. Divide dough in half; with food coloring, tint half red and half green. Shape each portion into a rough log, then place logs on sheets of parchment. , Roll dough in paper into an even, smooth 8-in. log, using a ruler to compact log and to squeeze out air as you go. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until slightly firm. , Cut each log in half lengthwise. Press red and green halves together. Tightly wrap each roll in plastic wrap; freeze for 30 minutes or until firm., To prepare cookies: Cut into 1/4-in. slices; place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle with colored sugar if desired. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until set. Cool on wire racks.