Just because Valentine's Day is over, doesn't mean we stop enjoying the sweet treats that come with the holiday!
Baking with elderly loved ones can be both fun and therapeutic. Activities that combine fine-motor movement, step-by-step directions and memories of the past can have many benefits to seniors. Baking is an example of an activity that can benefit functional abilities (i.e. coordination, hand and finger movement), cognitive abilities, such as memory recognition and following direction, to socialization opportunities.
Getting your loved one involved in baking or cooking can promote wellness both mentally and physically. Try today with this sugar cookie recipe!
Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*Optional Tools: heart-shaped cookie-cutters, rolling pin
Directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
Step 2
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
**If using cookie cutters, after combining ingredients and forming a large ball, use the rolling pin to flatten to just under 1/4-inch thickness. Press the cookie cutter into the dough, gently lifting each shape and placing it on your cookie sheet until all dough is finished.
Step 3
Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.
Enjoy making cookies and sharing memories!
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