This is one I'd been wanting to try for awhile. I think I first saw this idea in a Family Fun magazine, and I had to try it out! The kids were asking to make Valentine's cookies and they seemed a bit skeptical of my idea, but they absolutely loved these. They enjoyed peeling the candies for me and eating a few in between! I was telling my oldest son about them on his way home from school, and his reaction was "yuck. Jolly Ranchers and cookies don't mix!" But as soon as he saw them he had to have one, and yes... he loved it. He took them to a party they were having today to share with his friends. Here's how you do it... You can use your favoite sugar cookie recipe. I'll include the one I used below.
1 C. Butter (softened)
2 C. Sugar
2 eggs
2 T. Milk
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 tsp. Salt
2 tsp. Baking Powder
4 C. Flour
*Cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs, milk, vanilla, salt and baking powder. Mix until incorporated. Slowly add in the flour. Chill for 1 hour.
After your cookie dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface. Find a large and small heart shaped cookie cutter (or you can use a round one with a heart shape in the middle.) Cut out your large heart, and then cut the small heart from the center. (I used the small leftover hearts to make regular sugar cookies to frost later). VERY CAREFULLY transfer your cut out heart onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (the candy will stick, so I highly recommend the paper). Place a jolly rancher (or other hard candy) in the center. When your tray is full, bake at 350 for about 8-10 minutes. The candy doesn't melt until the end, so don't worry. Let them cool for awhile for the centers to firm up. I think I will try these again at St. Patricks Day. They were a big hit with the kids!
