Festive Star-Shaped Cookies: A Holiday Favorite

As the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to get in the kitchen and bake something that will bring joy to both family and friends. Festive Star-Shaped Cookies are the ideal treat to add a touch of sweetness and fun to any celebration. These simple yet delicious cookies, with their soft texture and bright, festive sprinkles, are sure to delight everyone from kids to adults. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a holiday gathering, or just looking for a quick and easy baking project, these cookies are a go-to recipe that will never disappoint.

These cookies are not only delightful to eat but also offer endless decorating opportunities. You can choose to keep them simple with colorful sprinkles, or go all out with icing and other festive decorations. The star shape gives them a holiday flair, making them perfect for Christmas or New Year’s celebrations. And the best part? They come together in just under 30 minutes, making them a perfect treat for when you’re pressed for time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Star-Shaped Cookies are easy to make, even for novice bakers. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a batch of soft, buttery cookies that everyone will love. The dough comes together quickly, and there’s no chilling required, so you can go from mixing the dough to enjoying freshly baked cookies in no time.

The star-shaped cutter gives these cookies a holiday feel, and decorating with sprinkles adds a fun, colorful element. These cookies are not just for eating—they’re a fun activity for kids and adults alike. The best part is that you can customize them with your favorite sprinkles or icing to make them your own. This recipe is also versatile, so feel free to add your favorite flavorings or toppings.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Sprinkles for decoration

Variations

While these star-shaped cookies are perfect as is, you can easily customize them with a few variations:

• Add Icing: After baking, drizzle royal icing or buttercream on top for extra sweetness and a festive touch.
• Different Cookie Shapes: Use different cookie cutters to create other fun shapes such as hearts, circles, or snowflakes.
• Chocolate Chips: Mix chocolate chips into the dough for added flavor and texture.
• Flavored Dough: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or citrus zest to the dough for a unique twist.
• Colored Sprinkles: Choose sprinkles that match your holiday theme, such as red, green, or gold for Christmas.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air into the dough and gives the cookies a soft, tender texture.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The egg adds structure to the dough, while the vanilla enhances the flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the shapes, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Add Sprinkles

Before baking, decorate the cookies with sprinkles. This adds a festive and colorful touch to the cookies.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

Step 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 will help them set and prevent them from breaking.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
• Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Flour Your Surface: When rolling out the dough, make sure to flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, chill it for about 15 minutes before rolling it out.
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies during baking. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

How to Serve

These cookies are perfect for serving at any holiday party, gathering, or cookie exchange. They also make an excellent gift when packaged in a cute box or tin. Pair them with a warm cup of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee for a cozy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They’ll stay soft and fresh, making them perfect for enjoying over several days.

Freezing

To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used, but butter gives the cookies a richer flavor and better texture.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

3. Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour works best, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version.

4. Can I add other flavors to the dough?

Yes, you can add almond extract, lemon zest, or even a dash of cinnamon to the dough for a different flavor.

5. How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much?

Chill the dough before rolling it out to help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

6. Can I decorate these cookies with icing?

Yes, you can use royal icing, buttercream, or chocolate icing to decorate the cookies after baking.

7. Can I make these cookies without sprinkles?

Absolutely! You can skip the sprinkles or use other toppings like chocolate chips or colored sugar.

8. How thick should I roll out the dough?

Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick for the perfect texture and thickness.

9. Can I use cookie cutters other than stars?

Yes, you can use any cookie cutter shape you like—hearts, circles, or holiday-themed shapes work great!

10. How can I make my cookies more festive?

You can add colored sprinkles, icing, or even edible glitter to make them extra festive for the holidays.

Conclusion

These Festive Star-Shaped Cookies are a delightful and simple treat for any occasion. Their buttery flavor, soft texture, and bright, colorful decorations make them a favorite for holiday gatherings, gift giving, or just as a special snack. With their easy preparation and endless decorating possibilities, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any celebration. Happy baking!

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