Iced heart biscuits recipe

These iced heart biscuits are the perfect way to show someone you love them on a special occasion, such as Valentine's Day, Mother’s Day or a birthday.

Let the children help to decorate these delicious heart-shaped biscuits or whip them up for special occasions. It's pretty simple for a child to help with the mixing but, as the dough is quite buttery, the rolling out and cutting is probably best left to a grown-up. Kids can help finish off these rich and buttery biscuits with colourful decoration and then present them to the lucky recipient. Try wrapping these iced heart biscuits up as a homemade food gift. Pop them in a box lined with tissue or paper and tie with a ribbon for the ultimate sweet surprise.

Ingredients

• 100g butter, softened
• 50g caster sugar
• 170g plain flour
• Ready made coloured icing tubes and edible decorations (optional)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/160°C Fan/Gas Mark 4 and line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper.
2. Beat the butter and sugar until pale and creamy, and work in the flour to make a stiff dough. You may find it easier to do this with your hands.
3. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Roll out to the thickness of a pound coin, and using well-floured heart shape cutters, stamp out a dozen hearts.
4. Carefully transfer to the baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
5. Leave to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
6. Once they are completely cool, decorate with the ready made icing. You could pipe alternating dots or your own pattern or sprinkle with some edible decorations.