Red Star Cookies

INTRODUCTION

Red Star Cookies are a delightful mix of sweetness and fun. These cookies are perfect for festive occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply a treat for yourself. Their bright red color and star shape make them visually appealing, while their soft texture and delicious orange flavor make every bite enjoyable. They are a great way to express creativity through decorating. Whether you want to bake for a celebration or just want to share some cookies with friends, this recipe is a great choice.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love Red Star Cookies. First, the combination of butter and shortening creates a soft and chewy texture. The addition of orange juice concentrate gives these cookies a unique flavor that is refreshing and zesty. Plus, they are easy to make! The decorating process is fun, especially for kids. You can even customize them with colored sugar or different icing designs.

Another reason to enjoy this recipe is that it makes a large batch. This means you can share with family and friends or save some for later. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, birthdays, or casual get-togethers. Lastly, you can have fun making them together with loved ones, creating sweet memories while baking.

HOW TO MAKE Red Star Cookies

Making Red Star Cookies is simple and enjoyable. Here is a detailed method to follow.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To prepare these cookies, you’ll need the following equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Star-shaped cookie cutter (4-inch)
• Baking sheets
• Plastic wrap
• Wire racks
• Mixing spoon
• Small bowl (for icing)
• Electric mixer

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1-1/2 cups butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup thawed orange juice concentrate
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/3 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons meringue powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• Red paste food coloring
• 2 tablespoons red colored sugar

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening, and both sugars until light and fluffy. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition.
3. Add the orange juice concentrate and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir until combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the creamed mixture. Stir until the dough comes together.
5. Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a disk and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until the dough is firm enough to roll.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use a floured star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Place them about 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
9. Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are light brown.
10. Let the cookies cool on the pans for about 5 minutes. Then remove them to wire racks to cool completely.
11. For the icing, combine confectioners’ sugar, warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar in a small bowl. Beat on low speed until blended, then beat on high for 4 to 5 minutes until stiff peaks form.
12. Tint the icing red using food coloring. Keep the unused icing covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
13. When ready, spread the icing on the cooled cookies. Immediately sprinkle them with red colored sugar. Let the cookies stand until the icing is set.

HOW TO SERVE Red Star Cookies

Red Star Cookies can be served in many fun ways. They are great as is or decorated for special occasions. You can place them on a colorful platter and present them at gatherings or parties. They also make lovely gifts when packaged in a decorative box. Pair them with your favorite beverage, such as milk, tea, or coffee. Enjoy them freshly baked or at room temperature.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Red Star Cookies

To store Red Star Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about one week. If you wish to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper. When ready to eat, simply thaw them at room temperature.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

These cookies are versatile and can be served in various ways. You can enjoy them on their own, share them at a party, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. They are also good alongside coffee or a glass of cold milk. Get creative! Add different colored sugars on top for more visual appeal or try various shapes with different cookie cutters.

VARIATIONS

You can easily switch up this recipe to suit your taste. Try different flavor extracts, such as almond or lemon, to change the cookie flavor. Instead of red food coloring, you could use other colors to make different themed cookies for parties or holidays. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles for extra texture and flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor and texture might be slightly different.

Q: How long does the dough need to refrigerate?
A: The dough should refrigerate for about 2 hours or until it is firm enough to roll.

Q: Can I use different cookie shapes?
A: Absolutely! You can use any cookie cutter shape you like for different occasions.

Q: How can I make the icing thicker?
A: If the icing is too thin, you can add more confectioners’ sugar to thicken it up.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Red Star Cookies

To save time, you can make the dough ahead of time. Simply prepare the dough, shape it into disks, and wrap them in plastic. You can store the wrapped dough in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and follow the baking instructions above. This makes it easy to have fresh cookies ready for any occasion!

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