Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (50g)
  • 1 tsp (5ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp (16g) cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • Red gel food coloring
  • Blue gel food coloring

Instructions:

  1. Beat the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is pale and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed just until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl; do not overmix.
  5. Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness.
  7. Use a 2.5-inch star cutter to press firmly into the dough, lifting the stars straight up to maintain the points.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  9. Place stars 2 inches apart and bake for 8-10 minutes, removing when edges are just barely set.
  10. Prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract; divide into bowls and stir in red and blue gel food coloring.