Heart-Shaped Sinless Sugar Cookies

This recipe is one of our all-time favorite cookie recipes. As opposed to traditional sugar cookies, this recipe is made with whole-wheat flour, egg whites, and other light ingredients. Even though Valentine’s Day is usually filled with sweets and tempting treats, this recipe will allow you to enjoy a sweet dessert without over doing it!

Ingredients:

Cookies:

• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 egg white
• 1 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. almond extract

Icing:

• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar, sifted
• 1 large egg white
• 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Directions:

1. In a medium mixing bowl mix flour, whole-wheat flour, baking soda, and salt. Once combined, set aside.
2. In a separate large bowl, mix butter, sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add in the egg white, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until completely combined.
3. Add the flour mixture into the sugar mixture and combine completely. The dough should become light and fluffy.
4. Roll the dough into a ball, and place in a clean bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Dust your counter or work area with flour and turn out the chilled dough.
6. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it reaches about 1/4 inch thickness. Be sure not to make the dough too thin, otherwise they will burn in the oven.
7. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Use cookie cutters to cut heart shapes in the dough. Carefully transfer the cookies to the baking sheets.
8. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to brown lightly. Remove from oven and cool for at least 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. Whisk the icing ingredients together and place in a pastry bag. If you don’t have a pastry bag, just use a plastic zippered bag and cut off a small part of the corner.
10. Decorate the cookies as you wish. Feel free to add sprinkles and any other candies to decorate your Valentine’s Day cookies!