Star Bright Cookies
Star Bright Cookies are delightful, festive treats featuring chocolate star candies, buttery vanilla flavor, and a crisp texture, perfect for holiday gatherings or sweet celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together shortening, powdered sugar, egg, soda, cream of tartar, flour, salt, and vanilla in the order given.
- Form the dough into balls.
- Flatten each ball with a glass dipped in sugar.
- Bake at 350°F on a greased cookie sheet for 10 to 12 minutes.
- After about 6 minutes of baking, press a chocolate star onto the top of each cookie.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using butter instead of shortening. You can also substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can replace it with an equal amount of baking powder. To add more flavor, try incorporating a teaspoon of almond extract or citrus zest. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, as ovens can vary.
Serving Suggestions
These Star Bright Cookies are perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet treat after meals. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. For a fun dessert table, serve alongside Peanut Butter Chippies and Evelyn's Old-Fashioned Coconut Cake. Consider adding a colorful platter of Vegetable Slaw for a balanced spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them by placing layers of parchment paper between the cookies and sealing them in a freezer bag. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes, maintaining their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Star Bright Cookies contains roughly 1129 calories, with 9g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (59% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 648mg per serving (28% 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 margarine instead of shortening in this recipe?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for shortening. However, keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit softer. Make sure to use a stick margarine for best results.
What can I use instead of chocolate star candies?
If you can't find chocolate star candies, you can use chocolate chips or M&M's as an alternative. Both options will provide a similar sweetness and visual appeal, although the shape will differ.
How can I make these cookies more festive for the holidays?
To make the cookies more festive, consider adding colored sprinkles on top before baking, or using holiday-themed cookie cutters to shape the dough. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra decorative touch.
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).