Twinkle, Christmas Stars
Festive and sweet, these twinkle-shaped sugar cookies with lemon zest are perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a buttery flavor with a hint of citrus and colorful decoration.
Ingredients
- 15 oz. Duncan Hines golden sugar cookie mix ⓘ
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Empty both mix pouches into a bowl.
- Add egg and grated lemon peel.
- Mix well. Divide dough in half.
- Roll out one half about 1/8-inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut out cookies with floured cookie cutters.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
- Brush lightly with beaten egg.
- Decorate with colored sugar, currants, or sprinkles, or bake plain to frost later.
- Repeat with remaining dough.
- Bake for 6 to 7 minutes.
- Cool for 1 minute, then remove from sheet with a spatula.
Tips & Substitutions
For a unique flavor twist, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the lemon peel. If you don't have colored sugar, you can use regular sugar mixed with a few drops of food coloring. Ensure your dough is not too sticky by using flour on your rolling surface and cutters. If the dough is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas stars are delightful on their own or can be paired with a warm beverage like hot cocoa or spiced cider. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Maud'S Caramel Corn for a fun holiday snack platter. You can also frost them with royal icing for an elegant finish or serve with a side of whipped cream for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and you can even warm them slightly in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Twinkle, Christmas Stars contains roughly 48 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 cookie mix instead of Duncan Hines?
Yes, you can substitute any similar sugar cookie mix, but be aware that different brands may alter the texture or flavor. Experimenting with homemade sugar cookie dough is also an option, just ensure it has a similar consistency to work well with the lemon peel addition.
What can I use instead of colored sugar for decorating?
If you don't have colored sugar, consider using sprinkles, edible glitter, or even finely chopped nuts for a festive touch. You can also frost the cookies after baking with a simple glaze or royal icing for a decorative finish.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading while baking?
To prevent spreading, make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature but not too warm. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help maintain shape. Additionally, ensure your baking sheet is not greased to allow the cookie to hold its shape better.
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).