Shortbread Hearts

Treat the sweethearts in your life by gifting them with these big red edible hearts. They'll love you for it! NOTE: This makes 2 large hearts, enough to serve 6-8 people.

• Ready In: 36 mins
• Serves: 6-8
• Yields: 2 hearts

Ingredients

• 1  cup butter or 1  cup margarine, softened
• 3⁄4 cup powdered sugar
• 1  teaspoon  almond extract
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  red food coloring
• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄4 cup  sliced almonds
• 1⁄4 cup white chocolate chips
• 1  teaspoon shortening
•  heart  candy sprinkles, if desired (optional)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F Beat butter, powdered sugar, almond extract and food color in medium bowl with electric mixer on medium speed 2 minutes. Stir in flour and almonds.
2. Divide dough in half; cover half and set aside. Place remaining half on ungreased cookie sheet; press into heart shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until edges just begin to brown. Cool on cookie sheet 25 minutes; carefully remove from cookie sheet to serving platter. Repeat with remaining dough.
4. Place baking chips and shortening in microwavable bowl. Microwave uncovered on Medium-High (70%) about 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until chips can be stirred smooth. Drizzle over shortbread. Sprinkle with heart sprinkles.