Family and friends will yell, “hooray!” when they see these star-spangled sweets. Make the treats all year by using different cookie cutters and food coloring.
—TASTE OF HOME TEST KITCHEN
PREP: 25 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 10 MIN./BATCH + COOLING • MAKES: ABOUT 5 1/2 DOZEN
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 teaspoons half-and-half cream
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup ground almonds
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
GLAZE
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Red and blue food coloring
1. In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the lemon juice, cream and lemon peel.
2. Combine the flour, almonds, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured star-shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
4. For glaze, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, corn syrup and lemon juice until smooth. Divide into three bowls. Tint one portion red and one portion blue; leave the third portion white. Spread over cookies; let stand overnight for glaze to harden.