Valentine Cookies

What You Need

• 2 cups white flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup butter
• Egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• Sifter
• Hand mixer
• 2 bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Cookie sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Pink decorating icing
• Oven mitt

What You Do

1. Show your child how to preheat thje oven to 375 degrees.
2. Let him place the sifter into one of the bowls.
3. Have him dump the flour, baking soda and salt into the sifter.
4. Help him use the sifter to mix all the ingredients togther.
5. Next, let him place the granulated sugar and butter in the second bowl.
6. Carefully show him how to use the hand mixer to combine the sugar and butter. Make sure the hand mixer is set at the lowest setting.
7. Help him crack the egg into the bowl with the butter and the sugar.
8. Let him add the vanilla to the same bowl.
9. Have him use the hand mixer again to mix all the butter, sugar, egg and vanilla.
10. Time to combine the bowls! Help your child pour the first bowl's ingredients into the second bowl.
11. Let him use the hand mixer to combine the dry and wet ingredients until a soft dough is produced.
12. Now have him place the parchment paper on the cookie sheet.
13. Help him form the dough into small balls, roughly two inches wide.
14. Have him drop each dough ball on the cookie sheet. The balls should be at least an inch or two away from each other.
15. Show him how to use the (clean!) palm of his hand to slightly flatten each dough ball.
16. Place the cookie sheet into the oven.
17. Bake for about 12-15 minutes. Check back frequently. When the edges of the cookies turn golden brown, they're ready to be taken out.
18. Use the oven mitt to take the cookie sheet out of the oven.
19. Allow the cookies to cool completely.
20. Show your child how to use the pink icing to draw Valentine messages, hearts and other designs on his cookies. He can even use the icing to write the name of a special friend or family member.
21. Save the cookies for later or enjoy your sugary treats as soon as they're decorated!