Sugar Cookie Stars: Classic Recipe and Decorating Guide
Custom royal icing, sanding sugar, and freezable dough make festive baking easy.
Sugar Cookie Stars: Perfect Recipe & Decorating Guide
Sugar cookies are a timeless treat, celebrated for their soft centers, crisp edges, and delightful versatility. Star-shaped sugar cookies elevate this classic, offering not just outstanding flavor but a festive shape perfect for holidays and celebrations. With a simple roll-out dough, customizable royal icing, and a step-by-step approach, this guide will help both beginners and seasoned bakers create picture-perfect cookies for any occasion.
Why Sugar Cookie Stars Are a Family Favorite
These sugar cookie stars have all the hallmarks of a bakery classic: lightly sweet flavor, a buttery soft center, and a slightly crisp edge. The magic is in their simplicity and the endless creative possibilities when it comes to decorating. Whether you’re preparing them for a cookie exchange, festive holiday spread, or a family baking day, these cookies deliver both joy and deliciousness.
- Fun and easy to decorate, making them ideal for kids and adults alike.
- Customizable with various icing colors and sprinkles for any season.
- Perfect balance of crisp and soft textures.
- Ingredients found in most home pantries.
- Dough can be made ahead, chilled, and even frozen for stress-free planning.
Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Stars
To achieve classic, flavorful sugar cookies with a soft bite and clean cut edges, gather the following:
For the Cookies:
- 2/3 cup vegetable shortening
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 4 teaspoons milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Glaze:
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon water
- 2-3 drops red food coloring
- Royal icing, for decorating (see below)
- Sanding sugar, for decorating
Royal Icing:
- 2 pounds powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 pasteurized egg whites
Yields about 4 cups of icing, enough for detailed decorations.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Cream Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat vegetable shortening, granulated sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be light and creamy.
- Add Egg and Milk: Beat in the egg until the mixture is fluffy, then add milk and beat just until incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture to creamed mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half. Flatten each half between two sheets of parchment or wax paper, wrap well, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or freeze for 20 minutes) to make rolling easier and prevent spreading during baking.
2. Make the Glaze
- Whisk together egg yolk, water, and red food coloring in a small bowl until evenly blended. Set aside for brushing before baking.
3. Roll and Cut Cookies
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough at a time to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut into Shapes: Use 2- to 3-inch star-shaped cookie cutters (or your preferred shapes) to cut cookies.
- Arrange on Sheets: Place cookies at least 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Gather and reroll scraps as needed.
- Brush with Glaze: Lightly brush tops with the egg yolk glaze for a subtle sheen.
4. Bake & Cool
- Bake: Bake the cookies for about 6 minutes, just until set but not browned.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the pan for 3 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool fully. Allow to cool completely before decorating.
5. Make & Use Royal Icing
- In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and pasteurized egg whites. Whisk until stiff enough to pipe (adjust with more sugar for stiffness, more milk if thinner consistency is needed).
- Transfer icing to a piping bag (or a resealable bag with the corner snipped) and decorate cooled cookies as desired.
- Sprinkle with sanding sugar for sparkle if desired. Let icing set for about 1 hour before stacking or serving.
Decorating Ideas for Sugar Cookie Stars
Part of the fun of sugar cookie stars comes with decorating—it’s a chance for creative expression and a wonderful group activity, especially with children. Here are a few ways to make your cookies shine:
- Colorful Royal Icing: Divide icing into bowls and use food coloring to achieve a rainbow of hues.
- Piping Designs: Pipe detailed outlines, fill with flood icing, and add dots, swirls, or zigzags for visual interest.
- Sanding Sugar: While royal icing is still wet, sprinkle with colored sanding sugar for instant sparkle and crunch.
- Edible Decorations: Use tiny edible pearls, gold leaf, or shaped sprinkles for a luxurious finish.
- DIY Icing Bags: If you don’t have piping bags, fill a zip-top plastic bag with icing and snip off a tiny corner.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Chill the Dough: Cold dough cuts cleaner shapes and minimizes spreading during baking.
- Rotate Baking Sheets: For even baking, rotate sheets halfway through baking time.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when set but not browned for a soft, tender texture.
- Consistency is Key: When rolling dough, keep thickness as uniform as possible for even baking and consistent shapes.
- Plan Ahead: Dough and royal icing can be refrigerated or frozen in advance for streamlined baking.
- Flavor Variations: Add almond extract, lemon zest, or a pinch of cinnamon for a customized flavor profile.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Baked Cookies: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Decorated Cookies: Once icing is set, layer cookies between sheets of wax paper and store in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze Dough: Dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
- Freeze Baked Cookies: Wrap cookies well and freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Decorate after thawing for best results.
Quick Reference Table: Recipe At a Glance
| Step | Main Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Prep Dough | Cream, combine, chill | Cream wet ingredients, add dry, chill 1 hr |
| Roll & Cut | Roll dough, cut stars | Roll 1/4 inch thick, cut with cookie cutter |
| Bake | Bake at 375°F | 6 minutes, until just set |
| Decorate | Pipe royal icing, add sprinkles | Let icing set 1 hour before serving |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use butter instead of shortening?
A: Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter for vegetable shortening, but the cookies may spread slightly more and develop a richer, buttery flavor.
Q: Can the dough be made ahead?
A: Absolutely. The cookie dough can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to 2 months.
Q: How do I ensure clean-cut star shapes?
A: Chill the dough thoroughly and dust your cutters with flour between cuts. If the dough softens, place it back in the fridge for a few minutes before continuing.
Q: Is the royal icing safe for kids?
A: Use pasteurized egg whites (or meringue powder following package directions) to ensure the icing is safe for all ages.
Q: How do I get a glossy, smooth finish on my royal icing?
A: Make sure your icing consistency is slightly runny but still thick enough to hold its shape. Let cookies dry uncovered at room temperature for a smooth, shiny finish.
Q: Can I double or halve the recipe?
A: Yes, the recipe can easily be doubled for large gatherings or halved for smaller batches. Adjust chilling and baking times as needed.
Fun Variations and Themed Ideas
- Holiday Stars: Use festive colors for Christmas, Hanukkah, or Fourth of July celebrations.
- Birthday Parties: Customize with favorite colors or themed sprinkles for a memorable treat table.
- Gift Giving: Stack star cookies inside clear cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for homemade gifts.
- Cookie Decorating Parties: Set out bowls of different colored icing and toppings so guests can decorate their own creations.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1g
For more precise values, calculate based on specific sizes and decorations used.
Final Tips for Baking Success
- Always measure ingredients accurately for best results.
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
- Store decorated cookies in a single layer or with parchment between layers to avoid smudging.
- Have fun and get creative! Each cookie is a canvas for delicious art.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a34147244/sugar-cookie-stars-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a62909913/cut-out-sugar-cookies-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9471/my-favorite-sugar-cookies/
- https://uncustomaryhousewife.com/2017/04/19/rolled-sugar-cookies-with-buttercream-frosting-a-pioneer-woman-treat/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g63009292/pioneer-woman-cut-out-cookie-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g63148903/sugar-cookie-inspired-recipes/
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