American Star Sugar Cookies (Ready-to-Print Version)
Buttery star-shaped sugar cookies flavored with vanilla and almond, decorated with glossy icing and colorful sprinkles.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 -
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 -
1 teaspoon baking powder
03 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Cookie Dough
04 -
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 -
1 cup granulated sugar
06 -
1 large egg
07 -
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 -
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
→ Icing
09 -
2 cups powdered sugar
10 -
3 tablespoons whole milk
11 -
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 -
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
13 -
Red, white, and blue star-shaped sprinkles
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly blended. Set aside.
02 -
Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 -
Add the egg to the creamed mixture and beat until combined. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts thoroughly.
04 -
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms; avoid overmixing.
05 -
Shape dough into a flat disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to prevent excessive spreading.
06 -
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 -
Roll chilled dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into star shapes and arrange 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
08 -
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges turn lightly golden. Remove and cool completely on wire racks.
09 -
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and corn syrup in a bowl until smooth and glossy.
10 -
Spread icing over cooled cookies and immediately garnish with red, white, and blue star-shaped sprinkles. Allow icing to set before serving.
# Handy Tips:
01 -
Soften butter until cool but malleable to ensure tender texture and prevent excessive spreading.
02 -
Ensure dough is rolled evenly at 1/4-inch thickness for consistent baking and defined shapes.
03 -
Chill cut cookies for 10 minutes prior to baking to preserve star-point definition.
04 -
If icing thickens during decorating, gently add milk or corn syrup to maintain smooth consistency.
05 -
Allow icing to fully dry before stacking cookies between parchment paper to retain freshness.