I don’t think that I was a particularly ugly child or teenager. I’d probably rate myself a three or four out of ten perhaps taking off some points for the fact that I grew up in the 80s and points must inevitably be deducted for bad hair choices and suspect clothing selections.
Still, I never got a single Valentines Day card.
In my albeit weak defence I went to an all girl’s school but I think that defence can only work so far. I’d hear of girls at school that would receive cards and I would go home and check the letterbox to find that nothing arrived for me. Come to think of it my friends didn’t get any either (and before you ask, I wasn’t good enough at Maths to be in the nerdy/geeky group, we were strictly middle of the range) but I did feel like I was missing out on things a bit.
Fast forward to a decade later when I was in my 20s and I also felt the same slight twinge at missing out on pick up lines. You always hear of appalling pick up lines issued forth from randy, drunken men but I have to say that I’ve never actually had a really bad one delivered to me. In fact if I sift through my memory I can’t remember hearing many colourful or memorable ones at all. Men bragging about their assets seems comparatively boring in comparison (or perhaps I am just hanging out with the wrong crowd?). I mean surely I’m not that pickup line unworthy am I? Perhaps I am! The truth hurts…
The original inspiration for these cookies was when I saw this letter set at Swedish stationery store Kikki K while Christmas shopping. I promptly put it onto my Christmas shopping list and my secret santa (aka Mr NQN’s aunt Sisko) bought it for me for Christmas. I knew immediately that I wanted to bake some love letter cookies. To make up for my utter lack of love letters you do see. They were terribly easy to make and all of the work is in the stamps themselves. I should think you could even make a mini version with some stamps and those square morning coffee biscuits should you want to send your beloved a last minute love letter. The cookies are my usual cut out cookie recipe that rolls and rerolls easily and I’ve flavoured these with the heart warming aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. I gave mine to Mr NQN who was actually lucky enough to have received a Valentines day card in his teenage years. *sigh*Looks like it might just be me that missed out!
So tell me Dear Reader, what is the worst pick up line you’ve ever heard? And did you ever get Valentines Day cards?
Love Letter Cookies
An Original Recipe by Not Quite Nigella
Makes 4-5 cookies. You can halve or even quarter the recipe if you beat the egg and use a scale to weigh 1/4 of the egg but I figure you may as well bake a big lot and you can just eat the rest!
- 85 g/3ozs butter, softened
- 140g/5ozs white caster superfine sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 180g/6ozs all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Food colouring gels or liquids in various colours
- Royal icing mixture (see below)
For decoration
- White fondant icing
- Red fondant icing
- Cornflour/cornstarch for dusting
- Assorted stamps (these were from Kikki K.)
- Kopykake edible writing pens (from Little Betsy Baker)
- Small edible heart decorations
DIRECTIONS
1. Make cookies. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in the flour and cinnamon. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
Cut out large rectangles (mine were 14 x 8cms)
2. Preheat oven to200C/ 400F. Roll out dough on between two sheets of cling wrap until 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into rectangular shapes with a knife trying not to drag the knife along the edge. Place cookies 1 inch apart on parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.
3. Sprinkle some cornflour (cornstarch) on a clean surface and roll out the white fondant. Cut it to the cookie size and adhere it with a light brush of water onto the base of the cookie if the surface is a little lumpy. Stamp the cookie firmly with the stamps ensuring to flour then beforehand and write your paramour’s name on them in the edible pen! Tada!
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102 Comments | Add your own
So cute! I really like that idea.
Cheers,
Rosa
Wow this looks sensational – trust you to discover edible pens!
I spent yesterday baking and icing dozens of heart-shaped biscuits with my eldest girl who is in her second year of highschool.
We wrapped them up in little cellophane bags with a pink ribbon attached and voila! gifts for her sweet girlfriends – not sure if any boys will be partaking.
Like you I was devoid of pick-up lines in my youth, but you might like to take a peak at a little snippet of my love story which I’ve shared today.
Here’s to letters, songs, biscuits and love!
Felicity x
Those larger post card cookies look so appetizing!! Lucky, Mr. NQN!!
I did recieve a few Valentine’s cards when I was younger but since I got married, we both don’t celebrate Valentine because we love each other all day, all year round & we think it is too comercial!! But on Monday, he will cook for me again though
These are so cute Lorraine! I most certainly sent and received many Valentine’s Day cards! In Finland today we celebrate friends, so we always send cards to all our friends thanking them for their friendship
I find it hard to believe you didn’t get a single Valentine’s Day card. They didn’t know what they were missing. Guys must he kicking themselves now knowing who you are!
lovely cookies. Mr. nQN is a lucky guy.
These are adorable! Lorraine I don’t think it’s possible for you to have a bad idea, you’re clearly a genius!
Lovely Valentine cookies. I remember spying that set in some earlier photos of your Linzer Heart and adoring them then.
Those are just beautiful, they look like they were made with lots of love, and I am sure Mr NQN will be thrilled to gobble those up. Can’t say I’ve been the recipient of many Valentine cards. I think men are intimidated by my beauty
*kisses* HH
my oh my Lorraine – you are so talented! I love these!
What a great idea! Happy V Day to you and yours!
Super cute!
How adorable!!!!! Happy valentine’s, Lorraine and mr NQN!
What an adorable cookie Lorraine! Mr NQN is a lucky guy. I didn’t get Valentines cards or pick up lines either.
Such a fantastic use for stamps! You are very clever Lorraine
This is such a cool idea!
You are simply amazing!!! I now have a new use for all my old stamps!!! These little bickies are just so cute!!!
I got valentines cards, even some “surprise” ones
Adorable!! These are so cute…love them!
I don’t think you were missing out. I think I only ever got 2 but they were so cringeworthy and embarrassing – accompanied by fluffy white teddy with red satin bow – I was mortified. It may be different if you are sweet on the person who sends it to you!
The cookie looks too beautiful to eat. Lucky Mr NQN. I think I’d prefer an edible card like this than the usual card!
What a creative way to use these stamps! I simply adore Kikki K. In fact, I’m surrounded by their stationery right now -I can’t wait till uni starts so I can use it =)
ahhhhh very clever Lorraine!
These look gorgeous! I never got a valentines until I left school, and worst pick up line was probably the one I used on my now husband- “how did you go in Chemistry?”- it was schoolies!
Here you go again! Just when I posted that I’m not really really into being “cute” you post something so adorable–who could resist? Lucky Mr. NQN! Very cute–and I think I now love “cute.”
Dear Lorraine – hope you and Mr NQN enjoy a superbly romantic Valentine’s Day – those beautiful special cookies should create magic!
Yes, I have been very lucky with cards and flowers from teenage years to now – oft the senders have decided to be anonymous tho’! Frustrating but fun to guess! And, somehow, can’t remember one bad pickup line! Nor a witty one either!
So cute Lorraine! I love kikki.k too.
These are adorable! And how clever to use rubber stamps like that. I’m waiting for the day you open your own bakery — AND ship worldwide.
Oh don’t feel bad! I’m 21 and have yet to receive a Valentine’s card, letter or flower! And as for pick up lines, they can be quite unappealing, especially when accompanied by beer breath (and goggles)!
Those are so cool. I never received anything for Valentines until about 4 years ago when I was going out with my current boyfriend. That’s why he is still my current boyfriend!
Very cool cookies! I love Kikki K too.
I received one solitary Valentines Day card with a sentiment-loaded letter and a $5 lottery scratchie back in my youth. Very weird choice of Valentines Day gift!
SO so adorable!!! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentine’s Day, Lorraine!
Love this cookies…so sweet.
I don’t think I ever got a V Day card until I went on a year’s exchange to a high school in Canada where they are just mad for it. And remember love isn’t about one day of the year…it should be the way you treat each other every day (I know, it’s a bit too deep for a Monday morning).
It’d be REALLY versatile if they were post-able! imagine receiving love letter cookie in the mail!
I would have to say I can relate, never was at the receiving end of a love letter! Happy Valetine’s day, like or like some will say “why celebrate ONE day when everyday can be like Valentine’s”!
Wow – these are amazing as are the edible pens. What an idea! Next dinner party I’m drawing the meal right onto the plate!! * Happiest Valentines Day *
Absolutly adorable! I just love innovative cookie designs, and the use of stamps just means more items for me to collect! I only ever got one Valentines Day card- I found out it was from my Mum. Very sweet, but a bit depressing at the same time! It must be like HH said in her comment, the boys MUST have been intimidated by our beauty Lorraine.
Happy valentines for you too Lorraine, thank you for sharing all these precious moments with us, xoxo!
So cute!! Love them! A memorable pick up line I’ve heard is him: ‘Did it hurt?’ me: ‘When?’ him: ‘When you fell from heaven’. Totally cheesy. Makes me sick! But I’m still with him … hmmm …
So cute!!! I love kikki k for all their wonderful stamps and things but have never thought of using them in baking. Great idea!
I love it – what a great idea, an edible letter! Then you don’t feel you need to treasure it forever in a shoebox in the bottom of your cupboard
Beautiful cookies! Except if I made them Stephen probably wouldn’t notice the decorations and just devour them.
Never recieved a V-day card, but I heard a cheesy pick-up line a couple of weeks ago: I was getting an MRI for my shoulder, and as I was being extracted from the machine one of the tech guys goes “You look like a fairy-tale princess that you never believe is real. Would you like to go out sometime?” I giggled and declined politely, but afterwards as I was changing, I looked in the mirror and burst out laughing – my hair had turned afro, and my hospital gown was NAVY, a colour that makes me look dead. Not attractive at all!
Oh, Lorraine, this post hits a little to close to home! I’ve still never received anything for Valentine’s Day or any bad pick up lines, and I’m 23. Normally I don’t feel sad about this, but sometimes…
Cookies are gorgeous though! You make it sound/look so easy to create such beautiful treats!
Great cookie idea, Lorraine!
They look gorgeous.
I was not one of the girls at school who got Valentines Day anythings.
As an adult, I avoid restaurants in the lead up to the day. It just all feels so forced.
I won’t say no to chocolate or heart shaped baked good though…
SSG xxx
Love this cookie!!! so cute …
Great idea with the Stamp.
LOVE IT! Its gorgeous.
Never received a V-Day card either. However, I will say, that I’ve had many terrible pick up lines… Most of them disgusting and inappropriate.
Happy Valentines to you Ms NQN. Hope you are having a wonderful day.
I WANT edible ink pens in the full range of colours! Such an adorable biscuit, lucky Mr NQN!
These cookies are just so perfect Lorraine! Another beautiful idea!
I cant even suffer the indignity of sharing the worse pick up line used on me because ebarassingly so, it was from a member of the jersey shore cast! haha!
Awwww, these r sooo sweet!!! I’m sooo making these n the morning!! U know, iv always gotten v.day cards etc since I was little and the stupid pick up lines and never thot about it til now, I guess it was nice even if it’s always cheesy. Glad u have a mr. Nqn now!!!!
I’ve never been given a bad, courageous or memorable pick up line either! Double sigh! But one of these letters would sure make me feel better about it
Happy Valentines Day
xxx
These are gorgeous
I love kikki.K products.
I never got cards in high school! I remember there’d be girls who walked around on V-Day with roses, cards etc
Another fab idea! This is definitely the most unique one so far this year for me. Genius!
lovely cookies! and surely you couldn’t have been ugly as a little girl!
How cute is that! I’d have never thought of using stampers for cookies. What a great idea! Have a happy Valentine’s Day!
I never received a Valentines card – although I did receive a love letter from the boy I had a crush on in primary school. The only problem was he put it in my school bag and I didn’t find it until years later! I’ve always been a little messy!
Worst pick up line “you’re trouble with a capital T”… what?!
Cookies look great!
Oh L…you are such an inspiration…love the stamps…fantastic idea.
Lovely stuff – as usual. Though had to mention that Kikki-K is an Aussie store. Kikki is Swedish-born, hence her design influence, but her business started in Melbourne.
Not just you… I never got one either and I put myself on the rather cute side of 5/10
Never did me any harm though, am happy in my own skin and don’t need a card for that.
Okay Lorraine, I’ve tried to block it out of my memory but since its Valentines day..lets just do this haha!
THiS “situation” happened before the first ep of Jersey Shore aired so we thought they were just a bunch of shirtless blokes, my cousin who worked for a gossip mag had to take them out and interview them in new york!
The line from mike “the situation” was :
I have a jersey shore nickname for you.. you are “the equation” because you are the solution to my situation.
All together now…LOL!
Oh how pretty! Very inventive!
I’m not much one for Valentines Day but Mr Kitty always makes me the funniest cards… He’s very clever.
MPS doesn’t even remember BIRTHDAY cards, let alone Valentines.
*sigh*
But I did get a couple when I was younger. From boys I DIDN’T like. Dammit.
Lovely work as usual Lorraine , Mr.NQN is one lucky man because the cookies are pure love. Happy Valentine’s day.
You’ll be pleased to know that my boycott worked, I came home to a beautiful bunch of Red roses today
oh just too cute – I hope it was appreciated – and I hope you have a happy valentines day – maybe you are making up with love letters with lovely comments from those who love your work
I remember checking my bag in junior high and being bitterly disappointed. One girl seemed to get a lot but we later found out she had sent them to herself! LOL. When I was in my early 20s, the man who became my first husband was really romantic. At one stage we we apart geographically and he sent me a card everyday for two weeks leading up to Valentines Day, often with a little chocolate or trinket or something in it. That was before email and I remember how special they made me feel. Happy Valentines Day. xo
Well, I find it very hard to believe that YOU never received a Valentine! I never did either, truth be told, never had a Valentine until my husband who only reluctantly and out of undying love does anything for me on V Day (he hates it). These cookies are simply the prettiest things I have seen for V Day! So perfect!
Valentine’s day wasn’t a big deal in the 60s when I was a teenager. I have heard too many bad pick up lines to remember anything significant.
Oh, but those are just so sweet – both figuratively and literally!
aww *mushy*
I love these cookies! So inventive and so many possibilities.
I never received any cards either, but today we got a picture of our healthy bub at our 20 week scan, so that was the best Valentine’s Day for me.
Hi I love love love your blog. It brightens up my long commute to work. I can’t complain. Have received a fair share of cards and cheesy pick up lines. My favourite pick up line courtesy of an iPhone app read out by my husband last night is still making me laugh. Wait for it- “you’re so hot, you give me a tan”. Hope you had a nice day.
These are so precious! Never got a Valentine- but ended up hitched to a pretty sterling lad, so am philosophising that good things come to those who wait….
Worst pickup line.
“So you don’t usually study outside? (referring to the uni library) Let’s bring it inside (referring to sender’s house)”
0_0
worst nightmare. not only worst pickup line.
I woke up to a Valentine’s day card from my bf who left early for work. So sweet! These cookies are adorable!!
I never got any cards either… until I met my husband
I can’t actually think of a pick up line that anyone used on me. Don’t worry I never got a Valentine’s card either! I don’t think I got one until my man and I got together.
I love the stamp idea. I’m going to have a go at it myself. Lucky Mr NQN!
They’re adorable!
They are so cute! I would love to receive one (or a few) of those cookies!
I have never received a Valentine card. I was (and I guess still am?) a bit of a loser… so much so that, in year 8, I was the only person who didn’t get a Valentine! (Even the Special Ed class got chocolates from their teacher!)
So Valentine’s Day gets the big ‘bah humbug’ from me every year!
These are so cute!! A great way to make up for the past
that’s such a cute love letter biscuits! not to mention that i’m a huge fan of kikki.k and so that’s absolutely gorgeous! i’m lucky to receive valentine’s cards from my bf previous years when we were long distance! not now though..
I can definitely see where your inspiration came from – these are gorgeous – they could be sold in Kiki K alongside their pretty stationary.
Ps. I never recieved a V card either – it must be the all girls school thing..
Such a fun idea, way better than an ordinary Valentine. Hope you had a wonderful day! xoxo Mum
Sooooo cuteeee!!!! I want you to be my wife!!! XD Too bad it’s usually the girl making Valentines goodies…
I once made chocolate truffles for Valentines, but it was SO hot that day it all melted on the way to my bf’s place
These are absolutely adorable, Lorraine! The stamps are really such a cute touch. In elementary school we made Valentine’s Day cards in art class…and we all had to make one for everyone in our class. Not very spontaneous was it? Lol!
aw, sweetness! this is an adorable and altogether fantastic idea.
These are so impressively beautiful, Lorraine! I wish I could go back in time to send a younger you a V day card – things like that can seem so big back then. I was lucky enough to get quite a few. I think I was just lucky enough to know very expressive young guys hehe. Worst pick up line? Hmmm, I can’t recall many at all. You are totally pick-up line worthy!
Mr NQN is very lucky.
Once again, I love the look of this cookie! So sweet
Heidi xo
Aww how sweet hehe =D Don’t worry, I never got Valentine’s cards or love letters either =(
Those are soo adorable! Love the idea! I bet Mr NQN loved ‘em
These are just darling. Love the creative use of stamps.
Awesome idea!
Worst pick up line = ‘Hi do you want me to keep talking or f**k off?’
I said f**k off =/ lol
Oh no no , ur v pretty actually
And babe, these cookies are totally gorgeous , super cute , i dont think i will be able to make these pretty cookies!
are those stamps available online ?please gimme the link if yes
and i love all those Paris props there , i SO WANT TOO:-))
Wishing ya a Happy V week filled with happy sunshine and love ,always….
OH lovee is so in the air * 365….
Those are very original, so neat!
This is so cute!! I love the idea, I think I’ll do it for my friend who’s off travelling soon.
And don’t worry about the Valentine’s card, I always got one when I was single but when I had a boyfriend he never gave me one! But I definitely think the boy would prefer some homemade cookies to a card
Happy Valentine’s Day sweetie!
The cookies are so elegant and perfect!
Sorry I’m a day late, I ate so much chocolate yesterday that I got myself a little woozy…
xxoo,
RMW
Oooh Lorraine, these are simply the cutest cookies I have ever seen! I never would have thought to use rubber stamps as cookie imprints!
Sending you lots of love. Thank you for all the foodie joy you bring me and all your readers every day!
Love, Briony xx
I LOVE these cookies; they’re beautiful! Lorraine, you are too humble, I’m sure you have always been beautiful:)
Before my husband, the only valentines I received were from family, or the ones handed out in grade school:(
Nup, never got any! Veggie Dad more than makes up for it now though
Edible pen?? How cool is that, we don’t get those here…I never really got a Valentine’s card either, except maybe from my Mom. Those cookies are adorable
Very awesome – totally love it
I never got any either! Like you I went to an all girls school till I was 17.
These are so cute. When I saw the title I was expecting those rolled up love letters, but these are WAY more adorable.
I would rather these than an actual letter any day!
sooooooooo cute! love this!
Oh how cute! I also missed out on valentines cards growing up (other than if I had a boyfriend who was obligated
) Such a cruel world 
Dear NQN, I share your valentines pain as I never got a single card or pick up line either! I also went to an all girls school so maybe that’s why?? These days due to my valentines day ignore-ville history, I lavish my man with valentines treats. I loved your letter cookies, this year I made Linzer sable hearts- I blogged them here: http://dr-cupcake.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-linzer-sables.html
Thank you for sharing your valentines story at least I know I am not the only card-less valentinee
This is the cutiest idea and I have been looking for something special to do.
I already own the cute stamps and just knew I would find the perfect project for them – I didn’t image icing would be involved.
Thanks for the inspiration.
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