Description
These heart-shaped treats are not only delicious but also a fantastic way to utilize your sourdough starter discard. Let’s dive into the recipe and make this Valentine’s Day extra special!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (120g) sourdough starter (discard or active)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for natural food coloring)
- 1/4 cup beet juice (for natural pink coloring)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, sourdough starter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Roll and Cut: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, beet juice, lemon juice, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Decorate: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread the pink frosting over each cookie. Add sprinkles if desired. Allow frosting to set before serving.
- Prep Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 6.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg