Sugar Star Cookies are a delightful holiday treat, combining buttery sweetness with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. These beautiful, star-shaped cookies are perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm beverage. Decorated with sugar crystals, icing, or sprinkles, they add a festive touch to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet stunning cookies that are perfect for any celebration.
- Easy-to-make dough with pantry staples.
- Fun for kids to help cut out and decorate.
- Versatile recipe suitable for various shapes and decorations.
- Perfect for gifting or sharing during the holidays.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Decorative sugar or icing for topping
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies.
- Decorate: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with decorative sugar, if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with icing or additional toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Yields approximately 24 cookies, depending on size.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a zesty flavor.
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate for an elegant touch.
- Spiced Version: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Royal Icing: Decorate with intricate designs using royal icing.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Dough: Wrap the dough tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
- Freezing Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated.
How can I prevent the dough from sticking?
Chill the dough and use a lightly floured surface and rolling pin.
Can I use salted butter?
If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Sprinkles, colored sugar, and royal icing are all great options for decorating.
Can I make these cookies thicker?
Yes, roll the dough slightly thicker for softer cookies, but adjust baking time accordingly.
Do I need to use a stand mixer?
No, a hand mixer or even mixing by hand works well for this recipe.
Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
Yes, almond extract can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking.
Can I use cookie cutters other than stars?
Absolutely! Any shape will work, making this recipe versatile for any occasion.
How can I make these vegan?
Substitute butter with plant-based butter, and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) as a replacement for the egg.
Conclusion
Sugar Star Cookies are a holiday classic that never goes out of style. With their buttery texture, festive appearance, and customizable flavors, they’re a must-have for your holiday baking repertoire. Whether you’re sharing them as gifts, serving them at gatherings, or enjoying them yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a touch of sweetness to your season!
PrintSugar Star Cookies
These festive Sugar Star Cookies are buttery, crisp, and perfect for holidays or any celebration. Decorate them with colorful icing or sprinkles for a delightful treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp vanilla or almond extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough in half and flatten each into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
3. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
4. Cut Out the Stars:
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
5. Bake:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Decorate:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the icing. Divide into bowls and add food coloring if desired.
- Use a piping bag or a spoon to decorate the cookies with icing. Add sprinkles or edible glitter while the icing is still wet. Let the icing set before serving or storing.
Notes
- To prevent sticking, chill the cookie cutters in the freezer for 5 minutes before cutting the dough.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For a crispier cookie, roll the dough thinner and bake a minute longer.