Star Cookies

These Star Cookies are not just any cookies—they’re a celebration of all things festive and fun! With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful burst of sweetness, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet. And the best part? You get to shape them into adorable star shapes, making them a real crowd-pleaser that’s as cute as it is tasty. Trust me, these cookies are so simple to make, yet they always steal the show. You’ll be making them again and again, and I promise you, they’ll never get old!

Why You’ll Love Star Cookies

Fun to Make

The process of cutting these cookies into stars and decorating them is like a mini holiday craft project, but edible! It’s a great way to involve the kids or to just let your inner baker have some fun.

Buttery and Delicious

These cookies have a rich, buttery flavor that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness. They’re not too sugary, but just the right amount of indulgence with each bite.

Simple to Customize

Feeling festive? Add some colorful sprinkles or edible glitter. Want to make them extra special? Drizzle some melted chocolate on top. The sky’s the limit when it comes to decorating!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re baking for a party, a celebration, or just a little treat for yourself, these Star Cookies are perfect for all occasions. Their shape makes them ideal for any themed event, and they’re always a hit.

Ingredients in Star Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to create these star-shaped wonders:

Butter

The base of these cookies is rich, creamy butter. It gives the cookies that melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s impossible to resist.

Sugar

Granulated sugar sweetens the dough just enough, creating that perfect balance of sweetness without overwhelming the buttery flavor.

Flour

All-purpose flour forms the structure of the dough. It helps hold the cookies together while keeping them light and tender.

Egg

Eggs help bind the dough together and give the cookies their delicate texture.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla extract adds a warm, fragrant depth to the dough. It brings everything together so beautifully!

Salt

A little pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavor profile.

Sprinkles or Decorations (Optional)

For a festive touch, top your cookies with colorful sprinkles, powdered sugar, or drizzle with chocolate. The choice is yours!

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make some starry treats? Let’s dive in!

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want the mixture to be smooth and pale in color.

3. Add the Egg and Vanilla

Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. The egg will help bind everything together, while the vanilla adds a lovely fragrance.

4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Stir until the dough comes together and everything is fully combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

5. Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your countertop and rolling pin. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. If the dough is too soft and sticky, you can chill it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

6. Cut into Star Shapes

Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies. You can make them as large or small as you like! Re-roll the dough as needed and continue cutting until all the dough is used up.

7. Bake the Cookies

Place the star-shaped cookies onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—these cookies bake quickly!

8. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage.

9. Decorate!

Once the cookies are completely cool, feel free to get creative with your decorations! Add some colorful sprinkles, drizzle with melted chocolate, or dust with powdered sugar. Make them as festive as you want!

10. Serve and Enjoy

Once your cookies are decorated and beautiful, serve them up with a warm cup of tea or coffee. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, and they always disappear quickly!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 180
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve Star Cookies

With a Glass of Milk

You can’t go wrong with a classic! These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk. It’s the perfect combo for a cozy treat.

At a Party or Gathering

Serve these cookies on a platter at your next event or holiday gathering. They’re easy to make ahead, and they’ll brighten up any table!

With a Cup of Hot Cocoa

On a chilly day, these cookies are even better when paired with a rich cup of hot cocoa. It’s a comforting way to enjoy a sweet treat.

Gift Them!

If you’re looking for a sweet gift idea, pack these cookies in a cute box or tin and give them away to family, friends, or neighbors. They make a thoughtful homemade gift!

Additional Tips

Make Ahead

The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just roll it out and cut the shapes when you’re ready to bake!

Chill the Dough

If you find the dough too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before rolling it out. This makes it much easier to work with.

Add Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with adding citrus zest, almond extract, or even a little cocoa powder to the dough for different flavor variations!

Freeze the Dough

You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then roll and cut it as usual.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies without a star-shaped cutter?

A1: Absolutely! Use any cookie cutter shape you like, or simply cut them into squares or circles with a knife.

Q2: Can I freeze the baked cookies?

A2: Yes! Once baked and completely cooled, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Q3: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A3: Yes, margarine can be used, but the flavor may not be quite as rich as when you use butter. For the best taste, stick with real butter if you can!

Q4: How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

A4: To make these cookies dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute and ensure the egg is the only non-vegan ingredient.

Q5: How long can I store these cookies?

A5: You can store these cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!

Q6: Can I add frosting to these cookies?

A6: Yes! If you prefer, you can frost these cookies with buttercream or royal icing for an extra sweet touch.

Q7: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A7: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q8: What other decorations can I use for these cookies?

A8: You can use colored sprinkles, nonpareils, edible glitter, or even drizzle them with melted chocolate for a special touch!

Q9: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

A9: You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version, but the texture may be a bit different.

Q10: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

A10: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

Conclusion

These Star Cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the freedom to decorate them however you like, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are the perfect way to spread a little joy. Happy baking!

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