So, what does one do when there are three feet of snow outside, the roads are completely impassible, the cupboard is getting bare, and your bored kids are about to go crazy from watching too many back-to-back episodes of I Carly and Hannah Montana? Why, you make sugar hearts of course!
The great thing about these sugar hearts is that they require only three or four ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry - sugar, water, food coloring and powdered egg whites (optional).
To begin, mix two cups of granulated sugar with some food coloring of your choice. You can use liquid or powdered, but just be sure to mix it in very well. Next, mix in 4 teaspoons of water or 4 teaspoons of reconstituted powdered egg whites into your sugar. Water works just fine, but your sugar hearts will be much stronger if you use the egg whites.
The mixture should resemble wet sand.
Now you are ready to make your sugar hearts. If you have a candy mold, feel free to use it. None of my heart molds happened to be deep enough, so I just used regular cookie cutters. Pour your sugar mixture out onto a smooth, non-stick surface (I used parchment paper on my counter top) and press it down firmly with your hands, a rolling pin, or the bottom of a plate. The idea is to get the sugar as compacted as possible. The thickness is somewhat determined by the depth of your cookie cutters, but I think about 1/2 an inch works quite well. Now, press the cutters straight down into the sugar and carefully release the shapes onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. If you find that the sugar isn't holding it's shape well, try adding a bit more water or egg white - but just don't over-do it or you'll get sugar mush! Now, you can obviously make these in any shape you like - we decided to make some flower shapes in addition to our hearts.
These need to harden before you use them. You can either allow them to air dry for a day or two or you can speed up the process by placing them in a 200 degree oven for about ten minutes. Once they cool, they will become super hard - just like sugar cubes.
We had LOTS of time on our hands, so we made a whole bunch...
My girls love to eat these just like pieces candy...
...and they look really pretty packaged up in little cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Perfect for a last minute Valentine's Day gift.
I also like to use them as decorations for cakes and cupcakes...
This is such a fun project and so simple and easy. Ya really gotta try it!
Happy Thursday!
:-)
Jessica
this is such a fun idea! I've never ever seen it before! I thik I am going to start looking for cookie cutters that would work for my little sisters baby shower -maybe little stars! Thanks for the idea dn the step by step... I don't get what the egg thing is - i'll try to research it!
Posted by: Chelsea Ann | February 11, 2010 at 11:25 AM
So cute! I may have to try this. We're going to a party with friends Saturday night. This would be a fun little gift! And, I have all the stuff!!!! Yippee.
Posted by: Karen B | February 11, 2010 at 11:54 AM
They are so pretty, I love how you packaged them!
Great minds... :)
http://cozyhomechronicles.blogspot.com/2010/02/pink-sugar-hearts.html
Posted by: Mrs. Cozy Home | February 11, 2010 at 12:06 PM
Jessica, these sugar hearts (and flowers) are wonderful! I never even knew you could make these. Thanks for showing us how!
xo
jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | February 11, 2010 at 12:07 PM
You really do create "such pretty things". I have to check you out immediately when I get to my desk eaching morning -- before any work can get done!!! Lovely!!!
Posted by: Shells and Jewels | February 11, 2010 at 01:54 PM
such a sweet idea - literally - and I love your choice of colours.
:o)
Posted by: sadie | February 11, 2010 at 02:18 PM
You are so dang smart!
Posted by: Myke Holt | February 11, 2010 at 03:20 PM
Love these. This has perfect Easter idea written all over it!
Posted by: Cheryl | February 11, 2010 at 03:55 PM
Oh those are fun! I will have to give this a swing. Thank you for always having such wonderful posts. You are one of my favorites for sure!
Posted by: Cherie | February 11, 2010 at 04:05 PM
Very cute! If they were at my house my kids would be bouncing off the walls with all of that sugar. I could hide them, but they would be bound and determined to find them!
Posted by: Barbara @ Southern Lady's Vintage | February 11, 2010 at 04:21 PM
I love love love these... how creative and adorable. I am part of a mommy coffee meet and I think I will be making these tonight to give out tomorrow for fun!
Thanks for the fantastic idea...... and sorry to hear that your part of the US got hit with such a wicked blizzard/snow storm!
Posted by: Angie | February 11, 2010 at 09:14 PM
jessica,
you know how to have a snow day!
sometimes after watching too many i carly episodes, i start thinking that spencer is very cute. :)
xo
Posted by: elyse | February 11, 2010 at 11:12 PM
Ooh lovely idea! Might try this one day! :)
Posted by: Sarah | February 12, 2010 at 12:01 PM
How neat! So glad you told us how to do this! This would be great for a ladies tea party, too- not just little girls...
Posted by: Cecilia Kelly | February 12, 2010 at 09:07 PM
I just love every one of your posts! You do the most creative & pretty things. Thank you for brightening my day.
Posted by: Kim | February 13, 2010 at 10:48 AM
What a great idea! You always have such goo ideas, thanks for sharing them.
Posted by: DreamGirlLisa | February 13, 2010 at 11:05 AM
How cute are those? Small ones would be great for a tea party instead of regular sugar cubes. After seeing your doily punches I had to go get one...I vowed not to buy anymore crafting stuff until I start working on what I have, but who can resist? I've been using it for making valentines & I love it. But, now I see that I got the one side doily punch and not the double sided...hmmm...might have to get that one, too.
Posted by: tammyCA | February 13, 2010 at 11:51 AM
These are so cute thanks for the recipe. I'll be making them for a birthday party I'm hosting in March.
Posted by: ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~ | February 13, 2010 at 05:44 PM
Your blog name is sooooo correct....... you have such pretty things. I absolutely adore your blog and will return frequently. Love the sugar cubes so much.
Hope you will visit me. Happy Valentines Day
Ginger
glitter and roses
Posted by: ginger | February 14, 2010 at 09:00 AM
hi!happy valentine's day! your sweets are so lovely! please post me your recipe!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: eleni | February 14, 2010 at 03:32 PM
exciting, what a pretty, easy project :-)
Posted by: Jen Kim | February 14, 2010 at 06:30 PM
How wonderful! I'm so happy I stumbled across your blog. I made these as Valentine's day gifts and subbed a teaspoon of raspberry syrup for one teaspoon of water. They are simply beautiful and look like tiny jewels, plus my son had a wonderful time stirring and helping with the cookie cutter!
Posted by: Michelle | February 15, 2010 at 11:48 AM
Thanks for sharing how to make these. I adore them, I have been thinking about them all weekend. Beautiful!
Kate
Posted by: kate | February 16, 2010 at 10:17 PM
Hi, I just came over from Paris Boutique Hotel and am so excited to be here!! It's so nice when someone discovers a wonderful blog and shares it with the rest of us!!!
What an unbelievably creative lady you are!!!
I look forward to following your beautiful and tasty adventures!!
Now I'm totally inspired to make some sugar cubes for Easter!!
I'm putting you on my blogroll immediately!!
Have a lovely day!
(Are you familiar with the blog Tory Jayne?
You must check it out asap. You two are kindred spirits!!
~xo
Posted by: Therese Long | February 17, 2010 at 10:45 AM
Love these Jessica! I am thinking they just may be perfect for an upcoming event. . .
Hope you are doing well!
Hugs, Kim
Posted by: Kim Caldwell | February 19, 2010 at 10:01 AM
Absolutely cute!
Posted by: claire | March 02, 2010 at 09:51 AM
I love these so much! I'm sharing a link on http://www.crescendoh.com today! I hope it brings lots of hearts to your wonderful blog!
xo,
Carmen
Posted by: Carmen Torbus | March 08, 2010 at 09:21 AM
Brilliant!!! I LOVE them and plan to do some for Easter...maybe the flowers. Thank you!
Deborah
GlistenintheSunshine.blogspot.com
Posted by: Deborah Downing | March 10, 2010 at 09:11 PM
Love your tutorial, this is a wonderful project!
Posted by: Dognbird | May 25, 2010 at 12:41 AM
How very adorable! I just blogged about it and can't wait to try it out.
Kristen
One Florida Bride
http://onefloridabride.blogspot.com/2010/06/diy-sugar-hearts.html
Posted by: Kristen | June 02, 2010 at 12:04 AM
lOVE YOUR TUTORIAL... YOUR SUGAR HAERTS WILL BE ON A BRAZILIAN BRIDE SHOWER FOR SURE =)
Posted by: Roberta | July 02, 2010 at 09:19 AM
They look so cute and tasty!
It looks like something that came out in a sweet dream~
Posted by: Ankoku Flare | August 17, 2010 at 06:27 PM
OMG! My daughter is always looking for a project and she loves being in the kitchen. This can be used for any holiday or celebration or just because. Really good idea.
Posted by: Judi | August 21, 2010 at 06:09 PM
These are so pretty. I didn't know you could make them yourself!
Taylor
Posted by: Taylor | September 02, 2010 at 10:13 PM
OH! This should be perfect =] I'm planning my daughter's first birthday (she's 5 months tomorrow LOL) and it's going to be 1UP (Super Mario) themed. I've been trying to figure out what to use as spots for the mushroom cake! Yay thank you
Posted by: Ashley | September 12, 2010 at 09:10 AM
I really adore these! WOW! they are so pretty!
Posted by: SweetSugarBelle | January 31, 2011 at 04:33 PM
Oh my, what a wonderful thing to run across!
Posted by: Susie | February 02, 2011 at 10:07 PM
So cute. And so pretty. I love these. And my daughter would eat them like candy too.
Posted by: Sophistimom | February 24, 2011 at 12:38 AM
Very cute but way too much sugar for my family. They are adorable, though.
Posted by: Storm | June 25, 2011 at 08:29 PM
Have you ever added any flavoring to them? Like almond, peppermint, lemon, or vanilla etc... Just curious if that would work or not? Can't wait to try this with my daughter, she'll love this one.
Posted by: Cori Bailey | June 27, 2011 at 10:20 AM
brilliant! I love the soft pink and baby blue
Posted by: Caca | July 08, 2011 at 02:50 AM
Aren't these the prettiest things? And so simple!
Posted by: Kristen | August 02, 2011 at 09:44 AM
These are very Cute!
Posted by: sonia garcia | November 02, 2011 at 01:45 AM
Great!!!
Posted by: isismateus | March 19, 2012 at 01:55 PM
Can I use them for coffee even if they contain egg?
Posted by: Marcy | July 13, 2012 at 01:32 AM
These are so cute and I've never seen anything like it before. I'm hosting a tea party for charity in a couple of weeks time and these are just perfecr. Hope mine turn out as good!
Posted by: Jill | October 06, 2012 at 03:41 AM
They are so cute. I love how you bagged them up and gave them as gifts too. :)
Posted by: Christy Garrett Parenting Tips | August 12, 2014 at 01:53 PM
can not wait to try this in the morning
Posted by: sammy | November 14, 2014 at 04:55 PM
Thank you so much for this recipe. I will be having a party this summer, and this would be the most perfect treat for me to serve my guests. I will take pictures and put them up for you and others to see.
Sincerely,
Dawn E. Hayes
Posted by: Dawn | January 27, 2015 at 07:46 PM