Christmas Star Cookies encapsulate the essence of the holiday season, bringing joy, warmth, and a touch of elegance to your festive celebrations. Commonly found at Christmas markets, these festive treats are a traditional part of many holiday tables and a perfect choice for Santa’s plate on Christmas Eve. While they pay homage to traditional German Christmas cookies, like the beloved Zimtsterne Cookies, there is not a hint of gingerbread in sight here. Made with a hint of lemon zest, and covered in yummy white chocolate, these cookies are perfect for any time of year. For more Christmas Sugar Cookies, check out my Frosted Swig Sugar Cookies, Oatmeal Rolled Sugar Cookies, Frosted Coconut Sugar Cookie Bars, and Best Sugar Cut Out Cookies with my Easy Royal Icing Recipe for Sugar Cookies!
Why We Love This Recipe
This recipe is quite versatile and would be perfect for cookie decorating parties or as a fun activity to get kids involved. The combination of lemon, white chocolate, and pistachio creates a flavor blend that is truly unique and delicious. Made with simple ingredients you may already have at home, this is one of those easy recipes you’ll want to have on hand for last-minute baking!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for the full ingredients list with quantities and detailed instructions.
Star Cookies
Salted Butter – Gives the cookies a rich, wonderful flavor and soft texture. Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps make the edges crispy. Egg Yolks – Binds the ingredients together and add richness due to natural fats. Lemon Zest – Adds a fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor that balances the sweetness. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor with a subtle depth. Cornstarch – Creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. All-Purpose Flour – Adds gluten to make the dough pliable and the cookies chewy. Baking Powder – Leavens the dough, ensuring the cookies rise slightly and remain light. Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
Decoration
Chopped White Chocolate – Used for dipping, it adds a creamy texture and an elegant, snowy white appearance. Sliced Pistachios – Adds a pop of festive color and delicious nutty flavor. Wilton Metallic Sugar Pearls – I’ve used both silver and pink metallic sugar pearls but you can use whichever colors you prefer.
How to Make Christmas Star Cookies
Tips for Success
If the dough gets too soft while cutting out the cookies, just stick it back in the freezer for a bit to firm up. Make sure the eggs and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies so mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Roll out your dough to an even thickness to ensure uniform baking. A lightly floured rolling pin (affiliate link) and work surface can help achieve this. Ensure the cookies have completely cooled before dipping them into the chocolate so that the chocolate begins to set and remains on the cookie. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. This is particularly important for ingredients like chocolate, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
Substitutions and Variations
I used a star cutter to make the star shapes, but any cookie cutter shapes will work, so use whichever you like. If you prefer to use unsalted butter, simply add an extra pinch of salt to the dough. For a different nutty flavor, chopped almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, or pecans can replace the pistachios. White chocolate has an obviously festive look to it, but any kind of chocolate can be used instead. Try milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or use flavored chocolate like cookies n’ cream, peanut butter, or peppermint. You could add food coloring (affiliate link) to the white chocolate for a colorful cookie to match your themed event or special occasion. Feel free to experiment with different flavored extracts like almond, peppermint, maple, or coconut for a unique twist. Make the decorating fun by using a blend of different nuts, colorful or themed sprinkles, edible glitter, colored icing, or even just a light dusting of powdered sugar to personalize your cookies.
More Christmas Cookie Recipes
Church Window Cookies Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies Fresh Cranberry Shortbread Bars Easy Peanut Butter Blossoms Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Be sure to check your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. They will be just turning golden brown around the edges when they are done. Happy baking!
Hazelnut Lingonberry Linzer Cookies
Cinnamon Walnut Raisin Rugelach
Easy Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
