Star-Spangled Cookies

Red, white, and blue star-spangled cookies are perfect for the 4th of July! These delightful treats are not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty. Their festive colors make them an ideal choice for various occasions, from summer barbecues to holiday celebrations. With their buttery flavor and soft texture, these cookies will be a hit with family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: The vibrant colors of red, white, and blue make these cookies stunning on any dessert table.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it suitable for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Customizable Flavors: You can easily swap out extracts or add different colors to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s the 4th of July or a birthday party, these cookies fit right in.
• Fun for Kids: Decorating these cookies can be a fun activity for children, making it a great family project.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect star-spangled cookies, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help you achieve the best results and make the process more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cookie cutters
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Cookie cutters: These are necessary for shaping your dough into festive stars that capture the spirit of celebration.
• Electric mixer: A must-have for achieving a light and fluffy butter-sugar mixture effortlessly.
• Baking sheets: Ensure even baking by using quality sheets that distribute heat properly.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

For the Icing

• 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 3 Tablespoons light corn syrup
• 3-4 Tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond (or other preferred) extract (optional)

For Decoration

• gel food coloring (I used Americolor red red and electric blue)
• silver star sprinkles
• luster dust/disco dust (Optional)

How to Make Star-Spangled Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the vanilla extract, salt, and egg yolk. Mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour until just blended.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
2. Use cookie cutters to cut out star shapes.
3. Place the cut-out cookies onto prepared baking sheets.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely on a cooling rack.

Step 5: Prepare the Icing

1. In a large bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar, corn syrup, milk, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract.
2. Mix until smooth; adjust consistency with more milk if necessary.

Step 6: Decorate Your Cookies

1. Divide icing into separate bowls; tint each with gel food coloring according to your desired design.
2. Use piping bags or spatulas to decorate cooled cookies with icing.
3. Finish with silver star sprinkles or disco dust for added sparkle!

Enjoy your delicious star-spangled cookies at your next celebration!

How to Serve Star-Spangled Cookies

Star-Spangled Cookies are a delightful treat for any celebration, especially during festive occasions like the 4th of July. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange Star-Spangled Cookies on a vibrant platter. Add some fresh strawberries and blueberries for an extra festive touch.

With Ice Cream

• Serve your cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The creamy texture complements the sweet cookies perfectly.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with red, white, and blue ribbons. They make great take-home treats for guests at celebrations.

With a Cold Beverage

• Pair these cookies with lemonade or iced tea. The refreshing drinks balance the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

How to Perfect Star-Spangled Cookies

Achieving the perfect Star-Spangled Cookies requires attention to detail and a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions for successful baking.

• Use softened butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature; this helps create a creamy texture that leads to soft cookies.
• Chill the dough: After mixing, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and maintains shape during baking.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents overly dense cookies.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them when edges are lightly golden for a soft center.
• Decorate creatively: Use gel food coloring and sprinkles to personalize your cookies, making them as festive as you like.
• Store properly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for several days.

Best Side Dishes for Star-Spangled Cookies

While Star-Spangled Cookies shine on their own, pairing them with delicious side dishes can elevate your dessert table. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Mini Cheesecakes: These bite-sized treats provide a rich contrast to the lightness of sugar cookies.
3. Patriotic Parfaits: Layer yogurt with red berries and blue granola in clear cups for a colorful presentation.
4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These simple yet elegant treats offer a luxurious chocolate flavor that complements cookie sweetness.
5. Vanilla Cupcakes: Light and fluffy cupcakes topped with white frosting make an excellent pairing with decorated cookies.
6. Lemon Bars: The tangy flavor of lemon bars contrasts nicely with sweet cookies, creating a delightful experience.
7. Rice Krispie Treats: Easy to make and fun to eat, these chewy snacks are always a hit at gatherings.
8. Nut Butter Dip: A creamy dip made from almond or peanut butter pairs well with fruit and adds protein to your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Star-Spangled Cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to a dough that doesn’t spread well. Always use softened butter for the perfect texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much or too little flour can ruin your cookie dough. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping chilling time: Chilling the dough allows the cookies to hold their shape. Don’t skip this step for best results!
• Overbaking cookies: Cookies can continue baking after being removed from the oven. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they’re just set.
• Ignoring food coloring instructions: Adding too much gel food coloring can alter the texture of your icing. Start with a small amount and build up as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Star-Spangled Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap for extra protection against freezer burn.

Reheating Star-Spangled Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing cookies for a minute or two until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Star-Spangled Cookies:

What makes Star-Spangled Cookies special?

Star-Spangled Cookies are vibrant and festive, perfect for celebrations like the 4th of July, making them a favorite among party-goers.

Can I use other colors for Star-Spangled Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any gel food coloring you prefer to match your event’s theme.

How do I make my cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, be careful not to overbake them and consider adding an extra egg yolk for moisture.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Star-Spangled Cookies are not only visually appealing but also deliciously versatile. You can customize them with different colors and flavors, making them suitable for various occasions beyond the 4th of July. We encourage you to try this recipe and add your personal touch!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Star-Spangled Cookies

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• Author: Dian
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Star-Spangled Cookies are a delightful treat that brings vibrant colors and delicious flavors to your celebrations. Perfect for the 4th of July or any festive occasion, these cookies combine a buttery, soft texture with a visually stunning red, white, and blue icing. Simple enough for novice bakers yet customizable for seasoned pros, they make for a fun family project—especially when it comes to decorating! These cookies will be a hit at summer barbecues, birthday parties, and holiday gatherings alike.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 3–4 tablespoons milk
• Gel food coloring (red and blue)
• Silver star sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla, salt, and egg yolk; mix well. Gradually stir in flour until combined.
3. Roll out dough on a floured surface to ¼ inch thick. Cut into star shapes using cookie cutters and place on prepared sheets.
4. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a rack.
5. For icing, mix powdered sugar, corn syrup, milk, and vanilla until smooth; tint with gel food coloring as desired.
6. Decorate cooled cookies with icing and finish with sprinkles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg