Sugar Heart Sandwich Cookies

1. 1

   Start with Alton's Sugar Cookie dough recipe.

2. 2

   Prepare dough as directed and chill for 2 hours.

3. 3

   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

4. 4

   Sprinkle a work surface and rolling pin with confectioner's sugar and roll out dough to 1/8-inch thick.

5. 5

   Move dough frequently to prevent it from sticking and add more confectioner's sugar to the work surface and rolling pin as needed.

6. 6

   With a 2 1/4-inch round cookie cutter, cut 72 dough rounds, re-rolling dough as needed.

7. 7

   With a small heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 1 1/2-by-1-inch), cut hearts from the center of half the dough rounds.

8. 8

   Place the rounds and cutouts about 1 inch apart on parchment -lined baking sheets.

9. 9

   Bake until just set but not brown, about 6-8 minutes.

10. 10

    Let cool on the pan slightly before transferring to a rack to cool completely.

11. 11

    Meanwhile, make the filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, butter, confectioner's sugar, and pomegranate juice until smooth and fluffy.

12. 12

    Spread about 1 teaspoon filling on each round cookie and top with a cut-out cookie.

13. 13

    Place a red candy heart in the center of each.

14. 14

    Leftover filling can be used to sandwich the small hearts together.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.