Are you team coffee or team tea? Turns out - I'm both! During the week, I have a mocha in the mornings and a hot tea in the afternoons. Really I opt for tea to limit my caffeine and sugar intake, but I've grown to genuinely love tea! I especially enjoy it alongside a pastry of some sort.
When I found out I was scheduled for a post on Valentine's Day, I knew I wanted to share a dessert you could make with or for your loved ones. I wanted something simple and easy - as it is a weeknight after all. I few years back I made shortbread cookies in the shape of tea bags and today I'm doing the same but with hearts!
How sweet would these be for your gal pals, family members, even co-workers or neighbors? They are easy to make and personalize with melting chocolate, sprinkles, nuts and more!
Ingredients: (recipe from SimplyRecipes.com)
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups flour
Instructions:
Using the paddle attachment on a stand mixer (or handheld mixer) beat the butter, sugar, vanilla and salt until light and fluffy.
Add the flour and mix on low until a dough begins forms. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed but stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together.
Turn the dough out onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Completely wrap and chill for a minimum of 30 minutes. When time is nearly up - preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Generously flour your work surface and rolling pin and roll 1/2 - 1/4 inches thick. Add flour as needed, it's easy for the dough to get warm and sticky. Use heart shaped cookie cutters (or cutters of your choice) and use a toothpick to create a tea bag hole in one of the corners.
Place the cookies on parchment paper and bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden and dry to the touch.
Transfer the cookies to allow them to cool. Before they cool completely, I would recommend using a toothpick to widen the hole for the tea string as it's likely closed up a bit while baking.
Once cool, dip in melting chocolate and garnish if desired. Add a homemade tea bag string to complete the look and enjoy!
If you make these - we would love to know! Tag us in your Valentine's treat photos on social media! Happy Valentine's Day!
