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There is something utterly magical about the sparkle and charm of freshly baked sugar cookies cut into perfect star shapes, and the Sparkling Sugar Cookie Stars Recipe captures that joy beautifully. These delightful cookies combine a tender, buttery base with a crisp edge, enhanced by the joy of sparkling sugar that shines like morning frost on every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration, a special treat, or just because, this recipe brings cheer and warmth straight from your oven to your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the foundation for any great cookie, and this recipe keeps things wonderfully simple. Each item plays an essential role in creating that ideal blend of soft yet sturdy cookies with a hint of vanilla and the dazzling sparkle on top.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy texture and buttery flavor that defines these cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while contributing to the classic sugar cookie crispness.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Offers a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional): Gives a subtle nutty note that enhances the cookie’s complexity.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that shapes the cookie and ensures the right texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light, tender bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
- Sparkling sugar or coarse sanding sugar, for decorating: Adds that irresistible glittery finish that makes these stars literally sparkle.
How to Make Sparkling Sugar Cookie Stars Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, helping the cookies to be tender with a slight lift.
Step 2: Mix in the Egg and Extracts
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and if you’re using it, almond extract. Blend these ingredients well so the dough gets that rich, aromatic touch that makes each bite memorable.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until the dough starts coming together. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so keep it light.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut precise star shapes without the dough sticking or tearing.
Step 5: Cut Out the Stars
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Using star-shaped cookie cutters, cut out as many stars as you can and place them about 1 inch apart on the lined baking sheets.
Step 6: Decorate with Sparkling Sugar
Generously sprinkle sparkling sugar over each cookie star. For an extra-glossy finish, you can brush the cookies lightly with egg white before adding the sugar. This adds a touch of shimmer that will catch everyone’s eye!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges start to turn a soft golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they set perfectly without breaking.
How to Serve Sparkling Sugar Cookie Stars Recipe
Garnishes
While the sparkling sugar provides a dazzling finish, you can amplify the look with edible silver or gold leaf flakes, or tiny crystal sugar pearls for an elegant touch. Fresh sprigs of rosemary or holly make a beautiful plate garnish if serving during festive times.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a creamy hot chocolate or a cup of spiced chai tea. A glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes a nostalgic and delicious accompaniment that brings out the cookie’s buttery goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookie stars in overlapping layers on a decorative platter or stack them inside a clear jar tied with festive ribbons for a charming gift idea. You can also use toothpicks to transform some cookies into star-shaped cookie pops, perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your sparkling sugar cookie stars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crisp for about 5 days, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for busy schedules or special occasions.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked cut-out dough discs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with rolling and cutting. Baked cookies also freeze well in a sealed container for up to 3 months; just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This gently refreshes their texture without drying them out, bringing back that just-baked sensation perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly to avoid over-seasoning. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the final saltiness of your cookies.
What can I use if I don’t have almond extract?
Almond extract is optional and intended to add a subtle nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, just omit or add a tiny pinch of ground almond or vanilla bean to maintain the rich aroma.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Rolling the dough to about ¼ inch thickness is ideal for these sugar cookies. It helps them bake evenly and hold the star shapes beautifully while staying tender.
Why chill the dough before baking?
Chilling firms the fats, which helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. It also prevents spreading, resulting in crisp edges and the perfect star outlines.
Can I decorate these cookies with icing instead of sparkling sugar?
Absolutely! Once cooled, you can decorate with royal icing or a simple glaze. However, the sparkling sugar gives them a charming, festive sparkle that’s hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
Ready to bring a little sparkle to your baking adventures? This Sparkling Sugar Cookie Stars Recipe is a joyful and straightforward way to create cookies that look as good as they taste. From cozy family gatherings to dazzling holiday treats, these starry delights will surely become a favorite to bake and share. So grab your apron, roll out that dough, and let these sparkling sugar stars light up your kitchen!
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Print
Sparkling Sugar Cookie Stars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 30–36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sparkling Sugar Cookie Stars are delightful, buttery cut-out cookies perfect for holidays and special occasions. These classic American sugar cookies are soft with slightly crisp edges and decorated with sparkling sugar for an extra festive touch. Easy to prepare and fun to decorate, they make excellent treats for gifting or sharing.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Decoration
- Sparkling sugar or coarse sanding sugar, for decorating
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the dough for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Mix in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until everything is fully combined. This adds flavor and moisture to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until the dough comes together, avoiding overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll and Cut Cookies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies, then place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for slight spreading.
- Decorate: Generously sprinkle sparkling sugar over the top of each star-shaped cookie to create a festive, glittering effect.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent overbaking.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and ensures crisp edges.
Notes
- For extra sparkle and a slight sheen, brush the tops of the cookies lightly with egg white before sprinkling with sparkling sugar.
- These cookies hold their shape well during baking, making them ideal for decorating with icing or other embellishments if desired.
- Perfect treats for holiday gifting or festive parties.
