Christmas Stars

Recipe View 5 mins In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. (Approximately 3-5 minutes)

Recipe View 2 mins Gradually beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. (Approximately 1-2 minutes)

Recipe View 1 mins In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Recipe View 3 mins Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. (Approximately 2-3 minutes)

Recipe View 3 hrs Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight. (3 hours minimum)

Recipe View 5 mins Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two cookie sheets or line them with parchment paper.

Recipe View 5 mins On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the chilled dough to 1/8 inch thickness.

Recipe View 5 mins Use a 3- to 4-inch star cookie cutter to cut out star shapes. Then, use a 1- to 2-inch star cookie cutter to cut out a star from the center of half of the larger star cookies.

Recipe View 2 mins Place the full star cookies on one prepared cookie sheet and the star "tops" (with the center cutouts) on the other. Sprinkle colored sugar on the star tops, if desired.

Recipe View 25 mins Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before handling. (Approximately 20-30 minutes)

Recipe View 3 mins Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam (or other preserves) in the center of each full star cookie.

Recipe View 2 mins Carefully place a star "top" cookie on top of the jam-filled base, creating a sandwich.

Recipe View 2 mins Store the assembled cookies between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container to preserve freshness.