Spicy Red Hot Heart Cookies

Preparation Time: 

30 minutes 

Difficulty: 

Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour  
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup crushed red hot candies
• Red food coloring (optional)

Kitchen Tools Needed:

• Large bowl
• Mixing spoons
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (heart-shaped)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.  
4. Add red hot candies: Stir in the crushed red hot candies. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring for a deeper red hue.
5. Roll and cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes.  
6. Bake: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
7. Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Macros (Approximate per cookie):

• Note: Macros can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. For a more accurate estimate, use a nutrition calculator.

Tips:

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you want a milder cookie, reduce the amount of crushed red hot candies. For a spicier cookie, increase the amount or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.
• Decorate: You can decorate the cookies with royal icing or additional sprinkles for a festive touch.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Enjoy these spicy and sweet treats!