Almond Sugar Valentine Cookies

 

I want to talk about something serious today, people.

Animal Prejudice.

So, okay. I have an affinity with raccoons, right? I love them. I think their little striped faces and teeny hands are just SOFREAKINGCUTEICOULDDIE.

But anytime I bring this up, people scold me. “Raccoons are so mean” they say. “Raccoons will claw your eyes out and murder your family and then set your house on fire. That is the evil that roots itself within every raccoons soul.”

But like .. how can people say that? How can EVERY raccoon be some devilish creature that has homicidal tendencies? I’m pretty positive that not every single raccoon in the world is evil. I’m sure there’s a nice raccoon family out there teaching their young to be tolerant, sweet raccoons, just trying to make ends meet every day and be a good citizen of the bountiful sewers in this beautiful country.

Or coyotes. They lurk around here sometimes (or so I’m told.. as far as I’m concerned, I think it’s an urban legend or something), and everyone says they’re “soooo mean” and “little beastly savages” but oh my god, you guys. You’re calling homeless dogs savages. That’s a really low blow. Coyotes have feelings too, ya know. And calling them a savage is like, super rude.

I’m sure the coyote moms come home after a long night of just trying to hunt food for their sweet babies and the mom coyotes start crying because everyone is so rude to them, and all they’re trying to do is get food, and omg this is 2013, why can’t people be tolerant?!? It’s just a travesty.

So in conclusion, just bear in mind that when you generalize that all animals are evil or mean or savages, you’re hurting their feelings. Sure, some raccoons out there are douchebags and I’m sure there are plenty of A-hole coyotes, but there’s also sweet ones.. ones I want to own as pets and stroke their fur and snuggle with them and feed them little peanuts because that’d be so freaking cute.

Anyway. This has absolutely nothing to do with Valentine’s Day. But whatever. And holy cow, Valentine’s Day is like, right around the corner. How did that happen?!!?

These cookies would be perfect for the 14th. They’re easy to make, bright and fun, and taste great! Jazzed up with a generous splash of almond extract, these sugary, butter cookies have a sweet flavor to them which is contrasted nicely with the chocolate Valentine’s Sixlets candies stuffed inside each bite.

Make them!!

Almond Sugar Valentine Cookies

1 box white cake mix
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 & 1/4 tsp almond extract
1/3 cup Valentine’s non-pareils
1/3 cup Valentine’s micro heart sprinkles
1/2 cup Valentine’s Sixlets candy

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two cookie sheets with silicone baking mats or mist lightly with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, eggs and almond extract with a rubber spatula until blended. Stir in the different sprinkles and the Sixlets candies to combine.
3. Portion heaping Tablespoonfuls of dough evenly on the baking sheets, about 1″ apart. Bake for approx. 8-10 minutes, rotating pans halfway through baking time, or until centers are set and edges are lightly golden. Cool on the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Almond extract is underused in my house, but only because my mom is allergic to almonds (I know! So lame!) But I absolutely love that sweet brightness it gives frostings, cakes, and especially these delicate cookies. You’ll never guess they were made with cake mix because they’re SO chewy, super soft, and have that nice almond flavor. Plus, they’re too cute for Valentine’s Day!! And it makes about 2 dozen, so there’s plenty to give to coworkers or your kiddo’s classmates.

I have a special post for you tomorrow! Have a great Wednesday!

xo, Hayley

 

Tagged: cookies, valentine's day