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Perfect Iced Sugar Cookie Stars

iced sugar cookie stars - featured image
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These star-shaped sugar cookies are crisp yet tender, iced with smooth royal icing that sets perfectly for a glossy finish. A forgiving and straightforward holiday baking recipe that yields picture-perfect cookies everyone loves.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 large egg whites or 4 tablespoons meringue powder mixed with 6 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Add egg and vanilla: beat in egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: gradually add flour mixture alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour; mix just until combined.
  5. Chill the dough: divide dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) about 20 minutes before baking.
  7. Roll and cut: roll one dough disk to about ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface; cut star shapes and transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until edges begin to turn golden; cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. Prepare royal icing: beat powdered sugar with egg whites and lemon juice until smooth and thick but pipeable, about 7 minutes; add gel food coloring if desired.
  10. Ice the cookies: outline each cookie with icing, flood the inside with thinner icing, spread evenly with a toothpick, and let dry completely overnight.

Notes

Chill dough for at least one hour to prevent spreading and keep star shapes sharp. Use room temperature ingredients for smooth dough. Watch baking time closely to avoid overbaking. Practice icing consistency for best results; add water or powdered sugar to adjust. Let icing dry overnight for a perfect glossy finish. Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without affecting icing consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: iced sugar cookies, holiday baking, royal icing, sugar cookie stars, Christmas cookies, festive treats, easy cookie recipe

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/perfect-iced-sugar-cookie-stars-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-holiday-baking/