Cornmeal Stars with Orange Glaze are delightful little treats that combine the unique texture of cornmeal with a refreshing orange flavor. These star-shaped cookies are not just fun to look at, but they are also simple to make. With a light and fluffy texture, paired with a sweet orange glaze, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or just want a tasty snack, these cookies are sure to please.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Cornmeal Stars with Orange Glaze is a wonderful choice for many reasons. First, the recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require fancy ingredients. Second, the combination of cornmeal and orange gives a unique twist to traditional cookies. Lastly, the fun star shape makes them a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s an easy recipe to whip up, and they make great gifts or party favors, too!
How to Make Cornmeal Stars with Orange Glaze
Making Cornmeal Stars with Orange Glaze is a simple process. Here’s how you can do it.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add in the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface. Cut out star shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place the star-shaped dough on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.
- For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with orange juice and zest until the mixture is smooth.
- Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the stars. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Cornmeal Stars with Orange Glaze
Cornmeal Stars with Orange Glaze can be served in various ways. You can place them on a decorative plate and serve them as a delightful snack. They also make great gifts when packaged in a cute box or tin. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon treat!
How to Store Cornmeal Stars with Orange Glaze
To keep your Cornmeal Stars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh at room temperature for several days. If you want them to last longer, consider storing them in the refrigerator. Just make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in storage.
Tips to Make Cornmeal Stars with Orange Glaze
- Make sure your butter is softened. This helps create a fluffy texture in the cookies.
- If you want a more intense orange flavor, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze.
- Experiment with different shapes using cookie cutters. You can use holiday-themed shapes for special occasions!
Variation
If you’re looking for variations, you can try adding chocolate chips or nuts into the dough for added texture and flavor. You can also use lemon juice and zest instead of orange for a different citrusy twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use yellow cornmeal instead of white?
Yes, you can use yellow cornmeal. It will change the color slightly but won’t affect the flavor much.
2. How long can I store these cookies?
You can store Cornmeal Stars for about a week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure to place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last for about three months in the freezer.