Shortbread Hearts

Total Time: 36 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 16 mins

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 chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon shortening
• heart candy sprinkles, if desired (optional)

Recipe

• 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.