Celebrate New Year’s Eve with these sparkling star shortbread cookies! Shaped like stars and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies add a glittery, festive touch to your celebration. They’re not only delicious but also double as beautiful holiday table decor. Perfect for pairing with champagne or other New Year’s treats, these cookies are a delightful way to ring in the new year.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until firm.
Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once completely cooled, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a sparkling effect.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Use High-Quality Butter: The flavor of the butter shines in shortbread, so opt for a high-quality brand.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the dough comes together.
Chill the Dough: Chilling ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Even Thickness: Roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking.
Decorate Creatively: Add edible glitter or gold dust for an extra festive touch.
These sparkling star shortbread cookies are the perfect addition to your New Year’s Eve celebration. With their buttery texture, festive appearance, and easy preparation, they’ll be a hit at any gathering. Whether served with champagne or as part of a dessert spread, these cookies are a delightful way to welcome the new year. Happy baking and cheers to a sweet New Year!