Nothing says “I love you” better than a homemade treat. And this year, with a little help from J.R. Watkins Naturals, baking for the month of love doesn’t have to be an enormous task. Two of our favorite sweet treats — Simple Shortbread and Cinnamon Spice Cookies — are perfect for any baker, from the seasoned to the newbie. 

Photo credit: The Upper Crust http://bit.ly/w8NX5Y 

Simple Shortbreads 

Ingredients
3/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 tsp. J.R. Watkins Vanilla Extract

1 tsp. J.R. Watkins Almond Extract, or extract of choice

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions
Using an electric mixer, whip butter until fluffy. Stir in powdered sugar, extracts, cornstarch and flour. Beat on low for one minute, then on high for 3-4 minutes.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 3/8-inch thickness. Cut out with favorite 2-inch cookie cutters. Place 2-inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges start to brown. Frost as desired. Makes 2 dozen.

Cinnamon and Spice Cookies

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. J.R. Watkins Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. J.R. Watkins Nutmeg

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 cups sugar

12 tbsp. butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened

1 egg

1/2 tsp. J.R. Watkins Vanilla Extract

1/4 cup molasses

Directions
Preheat over to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. In a shallow bowl, set aside 1/2 cup sugar.

With an electric mixer, beat butter, remaining sugar, egg, vanilla and molasses until well-blended. Combine with dry ingredients until dough forms. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and dip in 1/2 cup of reserved sugar.

Arrange on a baking sheet about 3-inches apart. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Makes 3 dozen.