Homemade cookies make Valentine's Day special

Celebrating Valentine's Day usually involves something sweet, but edible gifts don't have to be loaded with sugar, or expensive either. When children are involved, making gifts can also be a fun, family activity, especially if those presents are cookies. The cookies that can be the most fun to make are ones the kids can help decorate. A shortbread cookie provides a nice smooth surface and a mild taste that pairs well with sweet toppings.

After making cookies with the recipe below, consider these ideas for decorating them. People who don't like icing may like a dusting of powdered sugar, which...