Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Hearts

Name: Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Hearts
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter; 0.75 cup sifted confectioners' sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more, for dusting; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 3 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon canola oil or pure vegetable shortening

3.0

(158)

23 Reviews

By

Martha Stewart Editors

Updated on May 5, 2020

Yield:

Makes 4 dozen 2 1/2-inch heart cookies

These Valentine's treats make will make everyone feel special.

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
¾ cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more, for dusting
½ teaspoon salt
3 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 teaspoon canola oil or pure vegetable shortening

Directions

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until combined. On slow speed, beat in flour and salt until combined. Wrap dough in plastic wrap; chill until firm, at least 2 hours, or overnight.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until 1/16-to-1/8 inch thick. Cut out hearts with a 2-inch heart cookie cutter. Transfer cookies to an ungreased baking sheet; chill for 30 minutes.
Heat oven to 300 degrees with a rack in the center. Press the tines of a fork into each cookie to make designs. Bake until just beginning to brown around the edges, about 18 minutes. (Cookies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5 days.)
In the top of a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt the chocolate, stirring occasionally. Stir in the oil. Dip half or one third of each cookie into the chocolate mixture. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to dry, or place them on a piece of parchment paper in the freezer for 10 minutes. Serve.

Cook's Notes

For the most beautiful cookies, don't reroll the scraps.