Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these fabulous sugar star cookies! They’re not just cookies; they’re little edible pieces of joy that sparkle on any holiday table. I absolutely love how their buttery sweetness and delightful crunch can bring a smile to anyone’s face. Whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s, or a cozy get-together, these sugar star cookies are a must-have! Trust me, the festive shapes and the dusting of sugar on top make them look as good as they taste. Once you bake them, you’ll be hooked—they’re that good!

Ingredients for Sugar Star Cookies

These sugar star cookies come together with some simple yet essential ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – Make sure it’s spooned and leveled for the best results!
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – This will give your cookies that perfect rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Just a little boost to keep them fluffy!
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Let it sit out for a bit before you start to get that creamy texture.
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar – This is where the sweetness comes from, and it helps with that lovely crisp texture!
• 1 egg – A large egg works best here, adding moisture and richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Because who doesn’t love that warm, inviting flavor?
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – This adds a delightful twist, setting your cookies apart from the rest!
• 3 tablespoons sugar for decoration – Sprinkle this on top before baking for that extra sparkle!

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to baking up a storm of festive sugar star cookies!

How to Prepare Sugar Star Cookies

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—baking these delightful sugar star cookies! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds, and you’ll be rewarded with cookies that are both cute and delicious. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of holiday cheer in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for getting those cookies perfectly baked.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This ensures everything’s well combined and will help your cookies rise nicely.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. You’ll want to beat it for about 2-3 minutes—this step is key for light, airy cookies!
4. Add your wet ingredients: Next, crack in the egg and add the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy.
5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion—just mix until you see no flour streaks. Don’t overmix; just combine until it’s all together.
6. Shape the dough: Once your dough is ready, roll it into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on an ungreased baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between them because they’ll spread a little while baking.
7. Flatten and sprinkle: Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers, just enough so they’re not perfectly round anymore. Then, sprinkle a little of that extra sugar on top for that gorgeous sparkly finish!
8. Bake: Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers stay soft.
9. Cool on racks: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them set up nicely!

And just like that, you’ve got a beautiful batch of sugar star cookies ready to impress! Make sure to let them cool completely before you dive in—trust me, that fresh-baked smell is worth the wait!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, these sugar star cookies are a total game-changer for any occasion! Here’s why you’re going to adore making them:

• Quick to prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of cookies faster than you can say “holiday treat!”
• Festive appeal: Their fun star shape and sugary sparkle make them the perfect addition to any holiday celebration. They’re sure to brighten up your table!
• Versatile: You can easily customize these cookies by adding different extracts or decorations to suit your taste or the season.
• Kid-friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and these sugar star cookies are a fun way to get them involved! They’ll have a blast rolling and decorating the dough.
• Perfect for gifting: Pack them up in cute boxes or jars, and you’ve got a delightful homemade gift that anyone would love!
• Deliciously addictive: Once you take a bite, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one—trust me, they’re that good!

So, get ready to bake up some joy with these delightful sugar star cookies!

Tips for Success with Sugar Star Cookies

Alright, let’s talk about some pro tips to ensure your sugar star cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time! I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that really make a difference, so here we go:

• Chill the dough: If you find your dough is too sticky to work with, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps it firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and shape.
• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can be sneaky! Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, but start checking at the 8-minute mark. You want the edges just golden and the centers still soft for that perfect chewy texture.
• Experiment with decoration: Feel free to get creative! You can sprinkle colored sugar, or even festive sprinkles, before baking to add a fun touch. Or, once cooled, drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent treat!
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Leave plenty of space between the cookie balls on the baking sheet. They’ll spread out while baking, so give them room to breathe and expand!
• Use parchment paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. It also helps the cookies bake evenly.
• Let them cool properly: Resist the urge to dive in right away! Let your cookies cool on the wire racks completely before storing them to maintain that delightful texture.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a sugar star cookie pro in no time! Happy baking!

Variations of Sugar Star Cookies

Now, let’s get a little creative with these sugar star cookies! There are so many fun ways to switch things up and make them your own. Here are some tasty variations that I absolutely love:

• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens up the flavor!
• Spiced Sugar Stars: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to bring a warm, cozy vibe to your cookies—perfect for the fall and winter seasons!
• Chocolate Chip: Fold in some mini chocolate chips into the dough for an extra chocolatey bite. Who can resist chocolate, right?
• Nutty Flavor: Stir in some finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a delightful nutty flavor.
• Decorative Icing: Once your cookies are cooled, pipe on some royal icing in festive colors to really make them pop! You can even create fun designs or write little messages.
• Sprinkle Party: Experiment with different types of sprinkles—think festive colors for holidays or even themed sprinkles for birthdays. It’s a fun way to make every batch unique!
• Almond Joy: Go all in with the almond flavor by replacing the vanilla extract with more almond extract and adding shredded coconut for a tropical feel!

These variations are just the beginning! Feel free to mix and match and let your creativity shine. The beauty of sugar star cookies is that they’re totally customizable, so have fun with it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked up a beautiful batch of sugar star cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to properly store them:

• Airtight container: Place your cooled sugar star cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them from drying out and helps maintain that delightful texture. A glass jar or a plastic container with a lid works perfectly!
• Layering: If you have a lot of cookies, I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. No one wants a cookie catastrophe!
• Room temperature: These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. Just keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Longer storage: If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months in the freezer.
• Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They’ll taste just as fresh as the day you baked them!

Reheating isn’t usually necessary since these cookies are delightful at room temperature, but if you want that fresh-baked feel again, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t get too warm!

With these storage tips, you’ll be able to savor your sugar star cookies for days to come. Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information for Sugar Star Cookies

Alright, let’s talk about what’s inside these delightful sugar star cookies! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per cookie. Keep in mind that these are just estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use:

• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 50mg

So, while these cookies are certainly a treat, they also pack a sweet punch! Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet, and don’t forget to savor every sugary bite!

FAQ Section

Can I make sugar star cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just roll it into balls and bake when you’re ready to enjoy those delicious cookies!

How do I ensure my cookies are soft and chewy?
To keep your sugar star cookies soft, make sure not to overbake them. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool!

What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you’re not a fan of almond extract or don’t have it on hand, you can simply omit it or replace it with an equal amount of more vanilla extract. They’ll still be wonderfully sweet and fragrant!

Can I freeze sugar star cookies?
Yes, you can! Freeze your cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

What’s the best way to decorate sugar star cookies?
The options are endless! You can sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking, drizzle melted chocolate after they cool, or even pipe royal icing to create fun designs. Get creative and make them your own!

Sugar Star Cookies: 7 Joyful Tips for Holiday Baking

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Sugar star cookies are festive treats perfect for any occasion, especially during holidays.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 tablespoons sugar for decoration

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix well.
5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
6. Roll dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
7. Flatten each ball slightly and sprinkle with sugar.
8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
9. Cool on wire racks.

Notes

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• For a fun twist, add sprinkles before baking.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: sugar star cookies, holiday cookies, dessert recipes