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Star-Spangled Cookies

Delightful star-shaped cookies decorated in red, white, and blue, perfect for celebrating the Fourth of July and other festive occasions.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature for best results.
  • ¾ cup sugar Transforms the dough into a sweet treat.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances sweetness and flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1 large egg yolk Adds richness for a tender texture.
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour Provides structure to the cookies.
For the Icing
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted Gives the icing a fluffy texture.
  • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup Adds gloss to the icing.
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk Adjust to desired consistency.
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor.
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract Optional, adds depth.
For Decoration
  • Gel food coloring (red and electric blue) For vibrant cookie decoration.
  • Silver star sprinkles Adds a decorative finish.
  • Luster dust/disco dust (optional) For extra sparkle.

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, then gently fold in the flour and salt until a dough forms.
Chill the Dough
  1. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm it up.
Roll Out the Dough
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
  2. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
Bake the Cookies
  1. Transfer cut-out cookies to ungreased baking sheets, spaced slightly apart.
  2. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
Make the Icing
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, corn syrup, milk, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract. Whisk to a smooth consistency.
Decorate Your Cookies
  1. Divide icing into bowls and tint with gel food coloring. Decorate cookies creatively and sprinkle with star decorations.

Notes

Chill dough to maintain shape while baking. Use a light touch when rolling out dough to avoid density. Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, staying fresh for up to a week.