Description
These Star Cookies are classic American-style sugar cookies that are perfect for holiday celebrations. Lightly crisp at the edges and tender inside, they are easy to make with a simple dough that chills and bakes quickly. Decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Decoration (Optional)
- Decorative sugar
- Icing
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) into the butter mixture. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently just until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a flat disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll and Cut Out Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one chilled disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once completely cooled, decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar as desired for a festive appearance.
Notes
- For clean, crisp edges, chill the cut-out cookies for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before placing in the oven.
- These cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations and can be made ahead of time.
- You can freeze the dough discs before baking or freeze baked cookies to enjoy later.
