Golden Star Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing and Edible Glitter

The holiday season is the perfect time to add a little sparkle to everything, and these Golden Star Sugar Cookies are here to make your celebrations shine! With crisp edges, a buttery-soft interior, and a golden finish, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Decorated with royal icing and a dusting of edible glitter, each cookie becomes a little piece of art—and they’re surprisingly easy to make!

Why You’ll Love These Golden Star Cookies

1. Holiday Glam

These cookies bring serious sparkle to any dessert table. The gold glitter and optional sugar pearls give them a sophisticated, festive look that’s bound to impress guests of all ages.

2. Delicate Vanilla-Almond Flavor

With a hint of vanilla and optional almond extract, each bite melts in your mouth, creating a subtle, buttery taste that complements the sweet crunch of royal icing.

3. Fun and Easy to Decorate

These cookies are a dream for anyone who loves decorating. Plus, it’s a great activity to enjoy with kids or friends—get creative with glitter, pearls, or even silver dragees for extra flair!

Ingredients for Golden Star Sugar Cookies

Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, adds depth of flavor)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

the Royal Icing:

• 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2-3 tbsp meringue powder
• 4-5 tbsp water (adjust to reach a pipeable consistency)

Decoration:

• Edible gold glitter or gold sanding sugar
• White sugar pearls or silver dragees (optional, for extra sparkle)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls (for wet and dry ingredients)
• Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer for best results)
• Piping bags and small round tip (for precise icing work)
• Star-shaped cookie cutter
• Parchment paper (for baking and easy cleanup)
• Toothpick (for spreading icing details)

How to Make Golden Star Sugar Cookies

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.

Chill the Dough

1. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling prevents spreading and helps the cookies hold their shape.

Roll Out and Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out star shapes using your cookie cutter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake

1. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Royal Icing

1. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Add water gradually until you reach a thick, pipeable consistency.

Decorate the Cookies

1. Use a piping bag with a small round tip to outline and flood each star with white icing.
2. While the icing is still wet, sprinkle edible gold glitter or sanding sugar in the center of each star.
3. Add sugar pearls or silver dragees for a truly luxe look!

Tips for Perfect Golden Star Cookies

1. Keep the Dough Chilled: If you’re working in batches, keep the unused dough in the fridge to maintain the shape of your cookies.
2. Layer Icing Carefully: Allow each layer of icing to fully dry before adding additional decorations for a polished finish.
3. Add a Touch of Spice: If you want extra warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for holiday flavor!

Decorating Tips

• Gold Glitter Center: Sprinkle a little edible glitter or sanding sugar in the center of each star for that radiant, starlight effect.
• White Sugar Pearls: Place small white sugar pearls or silver dragees around the glittered area for extra elegance.
• Outline for Definition: For a polished look, outline each star with a thin line of white icing.
• Toothpick for Precision: Use a toothpick to spread the icing or adjust glitter placement.

Serving and Storing Golden Star Cookies

These star-studded cookies are beautiful on a festive plate or tiered stand, making them perfect for holiday parties or a sweet gift!

Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. To keep the icing looking fresh, layer parchment paper between cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes! You can prepare and refrigerate the dough up to 2 days in advance, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge before rolling out.

2. Can I use other shapes for these cookies?
Absolutely! Use any cookie cutter you like, though the star shape brings out the magic of the gold glitter and holiday spirit.

3. What if I don’t have meringue powder?
You can substitute meringue powder with egg whites, though it may alter the texture slightly. Use 2-3 egg whites in place of the meringue powder and adjust the water to get the right consistency.

Wrap-Up

These Golden Star Sugar Cookies add a delightful sparkle to your holiday season! From their crisp edges to their stunning glittery centers, they’re perfect for festive gatherings, gift-giving, or a special treat at home. Plus, with a bit of creative decorating, you’ll have a cookie that shines as brightly as the stars themselves.

Love these golden cookies? Try our Christmas Stocking Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread Cake, or our Christmas Cake, a Festive Masterpiece

Make these beautiful, golden star cookies for a holiday season that truly shines!

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