Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts

Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts @themerrythought
As a kid, I loved conversation heart candy! Now, I’m not so much a fan of the candy (I do like the sweet tart version), but I think the sayings on the hearts are so fun…and bizarre sometimes!  I thought I’d make some of my own conversation hearts using one of my favorite recipes – homemade graham crackers. You can consider it a healthier version of conversation hearts – or a more grown-up version!
Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts @themerrythought
These crackers are a delicious treat all on their own – or you can get fancy and make heart sandwiches – filled with buttercream, ice cream, cool whip, peanut butter, Nutella…or whatever it is that you like with your grahams! Or use them to make Valentine s’mores! I think I might have to save a few of these to try that with!
Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts @themerrythought
Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts @themerrythought
Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts @themerrythought
Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts @themerrythought
Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts @themerrythought
Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for working
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup untoasted wheat germ
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey

Preheat oven to 350º. Whisk flours, wheat germ, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon in a medium bowl; set aside.

Put butter, brown sugar, and honey into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Reduce speed to low. Add the flour mixture, and mix until combined. (If it’s too dry and not sticking together, add water, a little at a time, until the dough can stick together – but don’t get it too wet).

Turn out dough onto a well-floured surface, and divide in half. Roll out one half of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Save your scraps to re-roll.

To write on the crackers, I found that it showed up the best by first using the sharp end of a wooden skewer to lightly draw out the letters. Then using the same sharp end, poke small holes over the letters you traced (see photos below). Transfer hearts to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper {the crackers do not expand much, they can be close together, but not touching}.

Bake, rotating halfway through, until dark golden brown, 9-12 minutes (they will be crispier if baked a little longer). Let cool on sheet 5 minutes; transfer crackers to wire racks to cool completely.

Repeat with remaining dough and your scraps.

If desired, make heart sandwiches – use buttercream (recipe below), ice cream, cool whip or Nutella!

Adapted from Martha Stewart

Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts @themerrythought
Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts @themerrythought
Buttercream Filling
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
food coloring, if desired

Beat together the butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy (if it’s too firm/thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time to reach desired consistency; or if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar). Add a few drops of food coloring, if desired, and mix well. Spread a bit of cream filling on a cracker and top with another cracker to make sandwiches.
Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts @themerrythought
Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts @themerrythought
The boys were excited to have crackers with their names on them! If your child is in a small class, or you’re having a Valentine’s party, I think these would make cute personalized Valentine’s to give out! (If you’re allowed to make homemade treats to hand out – we’re not at our school – boo!) And parents will be glad to see a treat that isn’t pure sugar!!
Or you can make some fun hearts, like the ones below, for a good laugh! 🙂
Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts @themerrythought
Graham Cracker Conversation Hearts @themerrythought
What are your favorite sayings from conversation hearts?  And what would you write on your personalized hearts??

-Manda

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