Step 1

Preheat the oven 350 F.

Step 2

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the butter and 1 cup of sugar until they are just combined.

Step 3

Add the vanilla.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt, then add them to the butter-and-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together.

Step 5

Dump onto a surface dusted with flour and shape into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 6

Roll the dough 1/2-inch thick and cut with a 3-inch heart-shaped cutter.

Step 7

Place the hearts on an ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle with sugar.

Step 8

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges begin to brown.

Step 9

Allow to cool to room temperature.

Step 10

Recipe courtesy of The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. Copyright © 1999 by Ina Garten. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Step 11

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