We recently moved and had to leave behind family and a lot of friends. I refused to let the distance separate us. So when it came time to share sweet greetings on Valentine’s Day, the U.S. Post Office became my best friend. I made my favorite brown-butter cutout cookies and decorated them with love and not a small amount of yearning to connect in whatever way was now possible. Baking and decorating these beautiful heart-shaped cookies was almost as comforting as having a visit with the family and friends who were now far away. Sharing sweet greetings is a wonderful way to span the distance. Hugs and kisses to family and friends, new and old, near and far.
“I exist in two places...
Here, and where you are.” Margaret Atwood
P.S. Eating a cookie or two myself provided a welcome amount of sweet consolation!
Special Note
Someone once said that “Distance is just a test to see how far love will travel.” These cookies met the challenge by traveling hundreds of miles in just a few days. Lots of bubble wrap and Priority Mail helped me bridge the distance.
Cookie specifics
Brown-Butter Cookies. Made with brown butter, which gives them a deep, rich caramelized flavor, these cookies are unique and delicious. They were covered with a mixture of homemade fondant, embossed with a quilted pattern. The small heart in the middle was a reminder of my love for each recipient.
“Sentimental” symbols of love & devotion
Heart shaped cookie cutter with a fluted edge
Sizes
These hearts are 2½ inches at the widest part... my favorite size for decorating and eating!
Cookie Recipe from This Talented Cookie Artist
Brown-Butter Cookies. Original recipe from Sugar Hero.
My Recipe for Marshmallow Fondant
Homemade marshmallow fondant has become my favorite way to decorate cutout cookies. It allows me to add a design by embossing the dough and then embellishing it with royal icing, if I want to take the look over the top. And homemade fondant is so much tastier than the commercial version.
Cookies
Brown-Butter: flour, brown butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, cornstarch, vanilla, salt
Icing & Decorative Embellishments
White Chocolate: sugar, cocoa butter, nonfat milk, vanilla. (The white chocolate is mixed 50-50 with the homemade fondant to create a white chocolate dough that is delicious and easy to work with.)
Homemade Fondant: Marshmallows containing sugar, corn syrup, cornstarch, gelatin, water, vanilla extract; I sometimes use Marshmallow Fluff when I'm pressed for time. Mix this 50-50 with white chocolate dough and you have the perfect ”dough” for decorating cutout cookies.
Small red sugar hearts: sugar, water, food coloring
Tray, Box or Bag?
Tray. I made these for a potluck so I arranged them on a decorative tray and wrapped the whole thing in clear plastic wrap. This was a safe way to get them from my house to my friend’s house.
Box. I also made several dozen to give away as gifts. My favorite way to box cookies is to package them in a cardboard bakery box with a clear window on top that makes the contents visible to anyone who wants to peek. I was able to fit 18 of these 2½-inch cookies in a box.
I like these 6x6x3" bakery boxes from amazon.com.
Bags. I wanted to give some of the cookies as individual gifts, so I wrapped each one in a clear, food-safe bag, secured with a twist tie. This helped keep the decorations intact.
I like these 4x6" treat bags from amazon.com.
Mailing. I mailed several dozen cookies to my family and friends throughout the U.S. I always send them Priority Mail through the U.S. Post Office. I use the boxes provided by the Post Office and lots of bubble wrap! In almost all cases, the cookies arrive undamaged. I know the packages are appreciated when they arrive because of the texts I get with all those smiling faces.
What I’ve learned...
Homemade cookies are better than store-bought...even if they’re a few days old! Don’t let distance prevent you from sharing your creations with those you love. Remember to use the best ingredients you can find. I’ve experimented with less expensive ingredients, but have come to the conclusion that flavor is best when I use the best. Decorating the cookies takes time, but it is an opportunity to slow down and think of those you love. It’s an enjoyable process for me and I know that those who receive my cookies appreciate them. Life is just better when you can share something you love with someone you love, no matter how near or far they may be.
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