Description
Delight in these classic Star Cookies featuring a buttery, tender texture and a subtle vanilla flavor. Perfectly crisp on the edges and soft in the center, these festive treats are easy to make and ideal for holiday celebrations or whenever you crave a sweet, homemade cookie.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tbsp milk (if the dough is too stiff)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine all the dry ingredients evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until fully combined, adding flavor and richness to the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. If the dough feels too stiff, incorporate one tablespoon of milk to improve its workability.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, which will make it easier to roll out and cut.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and carefully place them on the baking sheet, spacing each about 1 inch apart to allow even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown, signaling they are perfectly baked.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage and ensuring even cooling.
- Decorate (Optional): After the cookies are fully cooled, decorate them as desired with icing, sprinkles, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
- Serve: Enjoy your buttery, vanilla-scented star-shaped cookies as a delightful treat for any occasion or celebration.
Notes
- For a softer cookie, avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added.
- If the dough seems sticky, chilling it longer can help make it easier to work with.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to add food coloring to the dough or icing for holiday variations.
- These cookies can be frozen unbaked; thaw before rolling and cutting.
