Pink Beetroot Hearts for Cookie Cutters

Introduction

Finely puréed beetroot gives this simple, sugar-free shortcrust pastry a fascinating pink color. Your child can wonderfully knead the dough, roll it out, and cut out their favorite shapes. Baking together playfully supports fine motor skills and sparks curiosity about vegetables.

Ingredients

• 100 g beetroot (pre-cooked and unsalted)
• 200 g spelt flour (light or whole grain)
• 80 g soft butter
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• A little flour for the work surface

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (top and bottom heat). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Purée the pre-cooked beetroot very finely in a tall container using a hand blender until a smooth paste forms.
3. Combine the spelt flour, soft butter, baking powder, honey, and beetroot purée in a bowl. Knead everything into a smooth dough.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about half a centimeter thick.
5. Together with your child, cut out hearts or other favorite shapes and place them on the baking sheet.
6. Bake the cookies in the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn slightly golden brown.
7. Let the hearts cool completely on a wire rack. Always check the temperature briefly before snacking.

Variations & Tips

• Swap the vegetables: Instead of beetroot, finely puréed carrots or pumpkin work beautifully for bright orange cookies.
• Storage: Kept in an airtight container, the cookies stay fresh at room temperature for about three to four days.
• Freezing: The raw dough freezes exceptionally well and can be thawed in the fridge when needed.
• For the whole family: Adults can enjoy these cookies with a dollop of cream cheese or a savory dip as a tasty snack.

Allergy & Safety Notes

• This recipe contains gluten (spelt flour) and dairy (butter). Always introduce new foods one at a time and in small amounts.
• The recipe includes honey. Honey is only suitable for children aged twelve months and older.
• If you have any uncertainties about toddler nutrition, please consult your pediatrician.

Nutritional Information

Beetroot provides valuable iron and B vitamins, which are important for growth during the toddler years. Spelt flour adds filling fiber, while butter offers energy for active days. This combination makes the cookies a nutritious afternoon companion.