Description
Sparkling holiday star cookies bring festive cheer with their golden-edged, sugar-dusted shapes dancing across dessert tables. Guests will delight in these sweet, crisp treats that capture winter’s magical spirit while melting hearts with each delicate, buttery bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Baking Essentials:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Craft a delicate dough foundation by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing vessel. In a separate spacious bowl, whip butter and sugar until they transform into a cloud-like, airy texture.
- Incorporate egg, vanilla, and almond extract into the butter mixture, blending until silky and uniform. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet components, mixing just until a cohesive dough forms.
- Encase the dough in plastic wrap, allowing it to rest and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour, which helps develop richer flavors and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal. Dust a clean work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
- Roll out the chilled dough to a precise ¼-inch thickness, ensuring even baking and consistent cookie shape. Press star-shaped cookie cutter into the dough, creating festive holiday shapes.
- Arrange cookie stars on prepared baking sheets, maintaining slight separation between each piece. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges acquire a delicate golden hue.
- Transfer baked cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and firm up completely.
- Prepare royal icing by blending powdered sugar with milk, adjusting liquid to achieve desired consistency. Divide icing into separate bowls and tint with food coloring for vibrant decoration.
- Embellish cooled cookies with colored icing, applying with precision. While icing remains wet, sprinkle edible glitter or festive sprinkles to create a sparkling, celebratory finish.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and maintains the star shape during baking.
- Use room temperature butter and egg for smoother, more even cookie texture.
- Substitute almond extract with more vanilla if nut allergies are a concern or prefer pure vanilla flavor.
- Roll dough between parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even thickness without excess flour.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 122
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 58 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 23 mg