Filled Star Cookies
Filled Star Cookies are delightful treats featuring crisp star-shaped cookies filled with sweet jam or preserves. These cookies boast a buttery, vanilla-flavored base with a hint of orange, perfect for festive occasions or as charming homemade gifts. Their decorative star shape makes them a favorite among all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the shortening, sugar, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Beat in the egg yolks and orange juice until smooth.
- Combine the flour and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually mix in 2 cups of the flour mixture at a time until the dough is soft.
- Add more flour if needed to make the dough workable.
- Wrap the dough in waxed paper and refrigerate overnight.
- Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Use a star-shaped cutter to cut out stars from the dough.
- Use a small thimble or cutter to remove a 5/8-inch center from half of the stars to create the top cookies.
- Gather the scraps, reroll to 1/4-inch thickness, and cut out more stars.
- Place the unfilled stars onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely.
- Spread preserves or jam on the bottom cookies, then top with the cut-out star cookies.
- Sift confectioners sugar over the top cookies before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you're out of orange juice, any citrus juice like lemon or lime can work as a substitute. To avoid sticking, ensure your rolling surface is well-floured. If the dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for an additional 30 minutes before rolling out.
Serving Suggestions
These filled star cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delightful treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with a fruit platter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside other sweet treats, like Yummie Bars or Grandpa'S Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store the filled star cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you'd like to keep them longer, you can freeze the unfilled cookies and assemble them later. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes to maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Filled Star Cookies contains roughly 100 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of filling?
Absolutely! While preserves or jam are traditional, you can use Nutella, chocolate ganache, or even cream cheese frosting as a filling for a unique twist. Just ensure the filling is thick enough to hold the cookies together.
What if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of orange juice or water at a time until it comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. Refrigeration can also help the dough firm up before rolling.
How can I make these cookies more colorful?
To add color, consider using colored sprinkles on top of the icing or adding a few drops of food coloring to your preserves before spreading. You can also dust the cookies with colored confectioners sugar for a festive appearance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).