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Yields:
36 serving(s)
Prep Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs
Get creative when you decorate these perfect star-shaped sugar cookies! Note: Add 1 hour of chilling to the total time.
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Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2/3 cup
vegetable shortening
- 3/4 cup
granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp.
grated orange zest
- 1/2 tsp.
vanilla extract
- 1
large egg
- 4 tsp.
milk
- 2 cups
all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 1/2 tsp.
baking powder
- 1/4 tsp.
kosher salt
For the Glaze:
- 1
large egg yolk
- 1 tsp.
water
2 to 3 drops red food coloring
Royal icing, for decorating
Sanding sugar, for decorating
Directions
- Step 1For the cookies: Beat the shortening, granulated sugar, orange zest and vanilla in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until thoroughly combined, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the egg until light and fluffy, then beat in the milk.
- Step 2Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl. With the mixer on low speed, beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture until just combined. Divide the dough in half; flatten each half between 2 sheets of parchment or wax paper, wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or freeze for 20 minutes.
- Step 3For the glaze: Whisk the egg yolk, water and food coloring in a small bowl until well combined.
- Step 4Preheat the oven to 375 ̊. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out 1 piece of dough on a lightly floured surface until about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into stars or other shapes with 2- to 3-inch cookie cutters. Arrange the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared pans. Brush the tops with the egg yolk glaze.
- Step 5Bake the cookies until set but not browned, about 6 minutes. Let cool 3 minutes on the pan, then remove to racks to cool completely. Decorate with royal icing and sanding sugar. Let set about 1 hour.
To make the royal icing: In a large bowl, whisk 2 pounds sifted powdered sugar, 1/3 cup milk and 2 pasteurized egg whites with a mixer until stiff enough to pipe. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar or water. Transfer to a pastry bag (or use a resealable plastic bag and snip a corner) and decorate as desired. Makes 4 cups.
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