Sugar Star Cookies

Sugar Star Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for holidays, parties, or just a fun baking day. These beautifully shaped cookies are as tasty as they are visually stunning, featuring a soft and buttery texture with a light sugar sweetness. They are easy to make and can be customized with colorful sprinkles, icing, or edible glitter for added charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: A simple dough recipe that’s great for bakers of all levels.
• Customizable: Add your own decorative flair with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter.
• Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or a weekend baking session.
• Kid-friendly: A great activity to enjoy with kids, from mixing the dough to cutting out star shapes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps with easier rolling and cutting.
4. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Cut the cookies: Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
7. Decorate: Once completely cool, decorate the cookies as desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of your star cutters.
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Chilling time: 1 hour
• Cook time: 8-10 minutes

Variations

• Add color: Mix a few drops of food coloring into the dough for festive-colored cookies.
• Flavored icing: Use lemon or almond extract in the icing for a zesty or nutty twist.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
• Reheating: If desired, warm the cookies slightly in a microwave for a few seconds, though they are best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator.

2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

3. How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the rolling pin?

Use a lightly floured rolling pin or roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper.

4. What type of icing works best for decorating?

Royal icing is great for detailed decorations, while buttercream icing is perfect for a softer finish.

5. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can, but the cookies may turn out denser and have a slightly nutty flavor.

6. What’s the best way to get crisp edges on my cookies?

Ensure the dough is well-chilled and the cookie cutters are sharp.

7. Can I bake these cookies without chilling the dough?

Chilling the dough is highly recommended for maintaining the shape during baking.

8. How do I store decorated cookies?

Once decorated, let the icing set completely before stacking or storing them in an airtight container.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure your mixing bowl is large enough to accommodate the increased quantities.

10. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for edges that are just starting to turn golden. Avoid overbaking for soft, tender cookies.

Conclusion

Sugar Star Cookies are a charming, versatile, and delicious treat that will brighten any occasion. With a buttery base and endless decoration possibilities, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration or a simple family dessert, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles all around.

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