Save to Pinterest Adorable heart and star-shaped cookies tied with ribbons, perfect for gifting or festive occasions. These buttery treats are delicately flavored with vanilla and can be decorated as you wish.
I enjoy making these cookies for holidays because they bring a charming personal touch and are fun to decorate.
Ingredients
- Cookie Dough: 250 g all-purpose flour, 125 g unsalted butter softened, 100 g granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
- Decoration: 100 g powdered sugar, 2 3 tbsp lemon juice or water, Food coloring optional, Decorative ribbons for tying
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 2:
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Step 3:
- Gradually incorporate the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Step 4:
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in cling film, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 6:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 5 mm thickness.
- Step 7:
- Cut out heart and star shapes using cookie cutters, making a small hole near the top of each for threading ribbon later.
- Step 8:
- Place shapes on the prepared tray. Bake for 10 12 minutes until edges are just golden.
- Step 9:
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 10:
- For the icing, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice or water to create a smooth, spreadable glaze. Add food coloring if desired.
- Step 11:
- Decorate cookies as desired and allow icing to set.
- Step 12:
- Once completely dry, thread decorative ribbons through the holes and tie into bows.
Save to Pinterest My family always gathers around the kitchen when I bake these cookies, creating wonderful memories while decorating them together.
Notes
Pair with tea or sparkling wine for a festive treat. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, Electric mixer or whisk, Rolling pin, Heart and star cookie cutters, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), egg, milk (butter). May contain traces of nuts if processed in shared facilities. Always check ribbon and decoration ingredients for allergens.
Save to Pinterest These delightful cookies add a personal and festive touch to any gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the rich vanilla flavor?
Unsalted butter combined with vanilla extract delivers a rich, delicate vanilla aroma and flavor in the dough.
- → How does chilling the dough affect the final texture?
Chilling firms the dough making it easier to shape, and results in a tender, crumbly texture after baking.
- → What is the best way to decorate these cookies?
A simple powdered sugar glaze mixed with lemon juice adds sweetness and shine; food coloring can enhance appearance before adding ribbons.
- → Why are holes made near the shapes’ tops?
Small holes allow threading of decorative ribbons, turning cookies into charming gift tags or ornaments.
- → Can these cookies be stored after baking?
Yes, store in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.