Love Letters
Delicate love letter cookies with a hint of citrus, crisp edges, and a tender center. Perfect for romantic occasions or when craving a sweet, buttery treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Sift flour to measure accurately.
- Blend flour, sugar, and salt together.
- Cut in butter and citrus rinds until mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Add sour cream and blend until the dough is smooth.
- Gather dough into a firm ball.
- Divide dough in half.
- Roll each portion on a well-floured board to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut into 3 x 2-inch rectangles.
- Fold ends towards the center, overlapping slightly.
- Seal with a tiny piece of candied cherry.
- Place on ungreased baking sheets.
- Brush tops with water and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the butter is cold when cutting it into the flour mixture. You can substitute half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt for added tanginess. Experiment by adding different citrus zests like lime or grapefruit for unique flavors. If you want a sweeter treat, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving. These Love Letters are delightful paired with a dollop of Never Fail Whipped Cream Frosting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Love Letters as a charming dessert at tea parties or special occasions. They pair wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. For an elegant touch, consider serving alongside a scoop of Cherry Sherbet or a slice of M.G.'S Shortbread for a delightful dessert platter that guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Love Letters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To maintain their crisp texture, avoid refrigerating them. If you prefer them warm, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help restore their freshness and crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Love Letters contains roughly 29 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to bake, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it easier to handle and shape.
What if I don't have sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or buttermilk in equal amounts. Both will provide similar moisture and tanginess, ensuring your Love Letters still turn out delicious. Just be aware that yogurt may slightly alter the flavor.
How do I know when they're done baking?
Love Letters are done when they turn a lovely golden color, typically after 6 to 8 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. If they start to brown too quickly, you can rotate the baking sheet or lower the temperature slightly for even baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).