Christmas Stars

Christmas Stars Recipe - A Delicious Dessert for the Festive Season

Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Christmas Stars are a classic holiday cookie that are not only delicious, but also fun to make with the whole family. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just enjoying at home with a cup of hot cocoa.

History

The recipe for Christmas Stars has been passed down through generations in many families, originating from European countries such as Germany and Sweden. These cookies are traditionally made during the Christmas season and are often decorated with colorful frosting and sprinkles.

Ingredients

Cookies

1 cup solid shortening (NOT butter)
0.67 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp vanilla
1 tbsp almond flavoring
2.75 cup flour

Frosting

1.5 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp cream or milk
1.5 tbsp vanilla extract (not Mexican unless you prefer tan frosting)
food coloring

How to prepare

Cream together the shortening and sugar.
Beat in the eggs, salt, and flavorings.
Stir in the flour until blended.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for an hour or two.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Roll out the mixture on a floured surface to a thickness of about 0.13 to 1⁄4 inches.
Cut the mixture with the cookie cutters of your choice (this was always a cause for argument in our family).
Bake the mixture on ungreased cookie sheets until tan around the edges, about 8–10 minutes.
Allow the cookies to cool.
Make the frosting by beating together the sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Divide and color each portion of the frosting.
Frost the cookies.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
Use different colors of frosting to create a rainbow of Christmas Stars.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the cookie dough before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.

- Use cookie cutters in various shapes and sizes to create a festive assortment of cookies.

- Be sure to watch the cookies closely while baking, as they can quickly go from perfectly golden to overdone.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christmas Stars with a glass of milk or a cup of hot tea for a cozy holiday treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together creates a light and fluffy cookie.

- Rolling out the dough to a consistent thickness ensures even baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Margarine can be used in place of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Almond extract can be used in place of almond flavoring for a stronger almond flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Christmas Stars on a festive platter and dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Christmas Stars with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine for a cozy holiday treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Christmas Stars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Stars contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Stars contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Stars contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Stars contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Stars are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Christmas Stars contain dairy and gluten.

Summary

Christmas Stars are a sweet treat that are best enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Christmas Stars are a delightful holiday cookie that are sure to bring joy to your family and friends. With their buttery flavor and colorful frosting, these cookies are a festive addition to any holiday celebration.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Christmas Stars. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. It was a cold winter's day, and I had been exploring the woods near our house, when I stumbled upon a clearing where a group of women were gathered around a fire, cooking and chatting.

I was immediately drawn to the delicious smells wafting from the fire, and I approached the women tentatively, curious about what they were making. They welcomed me with open arms, and soon I found myself sitting with them, watching as they mixed and rolled out dough, shaping it into delicate star-shaped cookies.

I was mesmerized by the process, and the women were kind enough to let me help them, showing me how to cut the dough into perfect star shapes and sprinkle them with sugar before baking. As the cookies baked in the fire, the women told me stories of Christmases past and traditions from their own families.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and savoring the warm sense of community that surrounded us. When the cookies were finally done, they were golden and crisp, with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg that filled the air with a delicious aroma.

I eagerly tried one of the cookies, and was immediately enchanted by the sweet and spicy flavors that burst on my tongue. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew in that moment that I had to learn how to make these Christmas Stars for myself.

The women were happy to share their recipe with me, and I eagerly wrote down every step, determined to recreate the magic of that day in my own kitchen. Over the years, I have made these Christmas Stars countless times, sharing them with friends and family during the holiday season.

Each time I make them, I am transported back to that clearing in the woods, surrounded by the warmth and laughter of those kind women. And as I pass on the recipe to others, I am reminded of the power of food to bring us together and create lasting memories.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents of cinnamon and nutmeg, I am filled with gratitude for that chance encounter so many years ago. It was a moment that changed my life, opening up a world of flavors and traditions that I have cherished ever since.

And so, as I roll out the dough and shape it into delicate star shapes, I am filled with a sense of joy and connection, knowing that these Christmas Stars will bring a little piece of that magical day into the homes of all who taste them. For me, this recipe is more than just a sweet treat – it is a reminder of the power of food to create bonds and memories that last a lifetime.