Introduction

Gold Star Smiley Cookies are a delightful treat that combines buttery cookie dough with vibrant decorations. Perfect for kids’ parties, holidays, or as a fun baking activity, these cookies bring smiles to faces and stars to the table. Their cheerful design and delicious taste make them a favorite for all ages.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Decorations:

• Yellow royal icing or frosting
• Black food coloring gel (for the smiley faces)
• Edible gold dust or sprinkles (for the stars)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
4. Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a smooth dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. Roll and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe yellow icing over each star. Use black food coloring gel to draw smiley faces. Add edible gold dust or sprinkles to make them sparkle.
8. Serve: Allow the decorations to set before serving. Enjoy these cheerful cookies with friends and family!

Serving and Storage Tips

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you plan to make them ahead, you can freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Decorate after thawing for the best results.

Variations

• Different shapes: Use other cookie cutter shapes like hearts, circles, or animals for variety.
• Flavor twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract for a unique flavor profile.
• Chocolate version: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies before decorating.

Tips

• Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes if it becomes too soft to handle.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant and consistent colors.
• Let the icing dry completely before stacking the cookies to avoid smudging.

Small Story: Motivation Behind This Recipe

The inspiration for Gold Star Smiley Cookies came from a desire to create a dessert that spreads joy and positivity. These cookies are not just a treat—they’re a celebration of happy moments, perfect for rewarding achievements or simply brightening someone’s day. Baking them is as fun as eating them, making this recipe a delightful experience for bakers of all ages.

Conclusion

Gold Star Smiley Cookies are a cheerful and delicious addition to any occasion. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone who sees (and eats) them. Try this recipe and turn your baking time into a fun and creative adventure!

FAQs

• Can I use store-bought icing? Yes, store-bought icing works well if you’re short on time.
• How can I make the dough ahead of time? Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before rolling and baking.
• Can I freeze decorated cookies? It’s not recommended as the decorations may smudge or lose their texture upon thawing.