Lemon Star Cookies

This cookie is always a hit with people, I’m not sure why, but that is probably because I don’t particularly care for lemon flavor in things.  However this one is fun because you get to use zest AND sour cream!  The sour cream tends to make this dough a little harder to handle because it doesn’t get really hard.  Be patient, and just keep adding flour to the outside when rolling it out so it’s not too sticky!

How to make Lemon Star Cookies

What you need:

For the cookie

½ cup butter flavored shortening

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 ½ teaspoons lemon extract

½ cup sour cream

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel (Zest!)

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon of baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar

6 tablespoons butter

¾ teaspoon lemon extract

3 drops yellow food coloring, optional

3-4 tablespoons of milk

Yellow colored sugar, optional.  I use “Sugar in the Raw” packets, its got big granules and looks really pretty sprinkled on the cookie.  Most importantly though, it keeps the cookies from sticking to each other!

What to do:

Cream together shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in egg and extract.  Stir in (see picture, you don’t want to use mixer when it says stir) sour cream and peel.

Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

Divide the dough into three balls; cover and refrigerate (see picture).  This is important for handling when it is time to roll and cut.   Refrigerate for 3 hours or longer until easy to handle.

Remove one portion of dough from refrigerator at a time.  On lightly floured surface, roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness.  Cut with a floured 2inch or so star cookie cutter.

Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets, or on parchment lined baking sheets.

Bake at 375° for 6-8 minutes.  Do not overcook or they will be dry and crumbly.  Remove to wire racks to cool.

Frosting

For frosting, in a bowl, combine the confectioner’ sugar, butter, extract, food coloring and milk to achieve spreading consistency.

Frost cookies; sprinkle with sugar.

Enjoy and Share!