Viennese Lemon Valentines Cookies

Step 1

For a detailed tutorial on how to make rolling cookies between waxed paper and why I prefer the paper as well as glazing the cookies, please see my posts Cut Out Cookies Using the Waxed Paper Technique and Painted Cookies.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 3

Zest the lemon using a microplaner for best results. Set aside.

Step 4

Place the almond flour in the processor and pulse several times to make sure there are no lumps.

Step 5

Add the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Process briefly to mix.

Step 6

Add the egg yolks and almond extract. Process until thoroughly mixed. The dough will not ball up.

Step 7

Remove it from the processor and shape it into a flat round.

Step 8

Place it between two large pieces of waxed paper. Indent the dough several times with a rolling pin to make it easier to roll out,. Roll out about 1/4" thick. Turn the waxed paper with the dough over several times to straighten the paper if it wrinkled. Cut the cookies out and place them on parchment lined baking sheets. Re-roll the scraps as necessary.

Step 9

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes just until barely browned on the edges. Cool completely before glazing.

Step 10

Sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine. Stir somewhat gently to reduce the air bubbles. Divide the mixture in half.

Step 11

Add the food coloring around the edges of the bowl and in the middle. Swirl the food coloring around until it looks marbelized. See the photos.

Step 12

Hold a cookie by the edges and dip the top only into the glaze. Hold it above the bowl and let the most of the excess drip back into the bowl. Place on parchment paper to dry. Move around the bowl from time to time for the most interesting finishes.

Step 13

When the bowl of glaze you are using becomes one color or the swirling is no longer evident, repeat with the second bowl of glaze.

Step 14

Dry the cookies until the glaze is completely set. This can take several or more hours. Do not rush it.

Step 15

When the glaze is dry and set, they can be stored in an airtight container almost indefinitely.