The very talented Meaghan from The Decorated Cookie is sharing this adorable idea mixing traditional Conversation Hearts and a Cookie! Here are the details…

From Meaghan….

The idea of using crushed hearts to decorate cookies might be viewed as somehow contrary to the sentiment of Valentine’s day, but I see it differently. Why not benefit from the wonderful array of pretty colors inside a box of conversation hearts? Just be sure to leave at least one chosen heart safe and sound and unbroken one each cookie.

you will need:*

cut-out cookie dough

royal icing

food coloring

cookie sticks

small heart cookie cutter

conversation hearts

decorating bag

coupler

size “4” decorating tip

rubberband

Ziploc bag

hammer or mallet

*For food coloring, I use Americolor Soft Gel Paste (Electric Pink), available in specialty cake decorating stores or online. Find the cookie sticks, cookie cutter, decorating bag, coupler and tip in the craft store. Because the candy makes these cookies top-heavy, choose a smaller heart cutter (about 2-inches).  For chocolate cookie dough and royal icing recipe, click here:  

step one: bake your cookies

Roll out chilled cookie dough 3/8-inch thick and cut out your hearts. Insert a cookie stick in the base of the cookie, about halfway into the heart. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake according to the recipe. Let cool completely.

step two: prepare your icing

Prepare royal icing according to the recipe. Tint any color you like. Prepare a decorating bag with coupler and size “4” decorating tip, fill with the icing, and close tightly with a rubberband.

step three: crush your hearts

Place a handful of conversation hearts in a Ziploc bag. Place on the counter over a dishtowel or cutting board and crush the hearts with the hammer or mallet. Be sure to reserve some whole hearts for decorating!

step four: decorate your cookies

Pipe an outline on the heart cookies and let set about 15 minutes. Pipe back and forth to completely fill the heart with icing. Place a whole conversation heart on the icing, then take a handful of crushed hearts and sprinkle over the heart to completely cover. Turn over the cookie to remove excess and let the cookies dry well, preferably overnight.

Look at how cute these are!!

So fun! Thank you Meaghan for sharing!!

We are super excited for the debut of Meaghan’s book Sugarlicious! Watch for a fun giveaway in the next few weeks!