Hey there my friend 👋. You are about to make the most fun and delicious cookies ever. These stardust cookies are soft, chewy, and have a little crunch on the edges. The best part? They sparkle with a special sugar topping that makes them look like they came straight from the sky.
And guess what? You don’t need fancy ingredients. I will show you how to make these cookies with simple stuff from your kitchen. Let’s get baking.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl (for the sugar topping)
- Spoon or cookie scoop
Important Info
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $5 depending on what you already have
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 22 minutes
- Additional time: 10 minutes for cooling
- Calories per serving: About 150 per cookie
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Any season
- Courses: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American-inspired
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Stardust Cookies
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup colored sanding sugar (for the stardust effect)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Original Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | Salted butter (skip the added salt) |
| Granulated sugar | Light brown sugar (for a deeper flavor) |
| All-purpose flour | Whole wheat flour (for a nuttier taste) |
| Sanding sugar | Regular sugar mixed with edible glitter |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Use a hand mixer or whisk.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each one in the colored sanding sugar.
- Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your sparkly stardust cookies.
Helpful Tips
- If you want extra crunch, let the cookies bake for 13-14 minutes instead of 12.
- Make sure the butter is soft but not melted for the best texture.
- If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes before rolling.
- For a fun twist, use different colors of sanding sugar to make a rainbow effect.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
What to Serve with Stardust Cookies
These cookies are great on their own, but if you want to make them extra special, serve them with:
- A glass of milk – classic combo
- Hot chocolate – for a cozy treat
- Vanilla ice cream – because cookies and ice cream are best friends
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I love serving these cookies on a pretty plate or tray to show off the sparkly sugar. If you want to impress, place them in a clear cookie jar so the colors shine through.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These cookies are perfect for:
- Birthday parties – because they look magical
- Holiday gatherings – add red and green sugar for Christmas, or pastel sugar for Easter
- Movie nights – fun snack for watching with friends
- Bake sales – eye-catching and delicious
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- They stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Refrigeration
- You can keep them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 7 days.
- Let them come to room temperature before eating for the best taste.
Freezing
- Place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, roll in sugar and bake as usual.
What can I use if I don’t have sanding sugar?
You can mix regular sugar with a little edible glitter or even use powdered sugar for a softer look.
Can I use a different flavor instead of vanilla?
Yes, you can swap the vanilla for almond extract or lemon extract for a different taste.
Are these cookies good for kids?
Absolutely. They are fun to make, colorful, and easy for kids to help with. They will love rolling the dough in sugar.
How do I make these cookies softer?
If you want them extra soft, bake them for only 10 minutes and let them cool on the baking sheet.
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