Heart-Shaped Black Cacao &Prickly Pear Cookies

Ingredients

For the Black Cacao Cookie Dough:

• 150g all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
• 50g Organic Labs Black Cacao Powder
• 100g unsalted butter (softened)
• 75g powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• Pinch of salt

For the Prickly Pear Icing:

• 150g powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp Organic Labs Prickly Pear Powder
• 2-3 tbsp milk or water (adjust for consistency)
• Optional: Additional black cacao powder for decoration

Instructions

1. Prepare the Black Cacao Cookie Dough:

   • In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, black cacao powder, and a pinch of salt.
   • In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.

2. Shape and Bake:

   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
   • Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
   • Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking tray.
   • Bake for 8-10 minutes, then allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Prepare the Prickly Pear Icing:

   • In a bowl, mix powdered sugar and prickly pear powder.
   • Gradually add milk or water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
   • Divide the icing if needed, leaving some plain or combining it with additional black cacao powder for color contrast.

4. Decorate the Cookies:

   • Dip or spread the prickly pear icing over the cooled cookies, leaving part of the black cacao cookie visible for contrast.
   • Optionally, sprinkle a touch of black cacao powder or extra prickly pear powder over the icing for decoration.
   • Let the icing set at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or place in the refrigerator for faster setting.

5. Serve:

   • Arrange the cookies on a plate and enjoy their vibrant look and rich flavors!