Festive Baking! Star Cookie Christmas Tree!

Christmas is a time to spread the festive joy and we at EL The Cook believe in creating those joyful memories through our food!

Enter our Star Cookie Christmas Tree! A simple idea, but great for kids and adults alike! You will need star moulds and a stand and some icing, simple equipment and ingredients to create a beautiful cookie tree!

Also great for a last minute Christmas sweet treat, our cookie tree is a true delight!

Here's what you'll need to make this festive treat! 

INGREDIENTS: (Makes 60 odd cookies)

(Cook Time : 1 hour prep + 30 minutes bake time)

•  250g butter, softened
•  1/2 cup icing sugar
•  1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•  1 egg, at room temperature
•  2 1/2 cups plain flour
•  1/2 cup cornflour
•  200g white chocolate, melted
•  1/3 cup icing sugar
•  1 to 2 teaspoons water
•  edible icing , to decorate

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT:

• Large bowl
• 5.5cm, 7cm and 9cm star-shaped cookie cutters
• Baking paper
• Baking trays
• Electric hand mixer

METHOD:

• Using an electric hand mixer, beat butter, sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy. Add egg. Beat until well combined.
• Sift flour and cornflour over butter mixture. Mix well. Divide in half. Press each half into a disc. Wrap each disc in baking paper. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 160°C. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Roll each disc out between 2 sheets of baking paper to 3mm-thick.
• Cut out 18 x 9cm stars, 18 x 7cm stars and 18 x 5.5cm stars from dough. Place onto prepared trays. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until firm. Bake for 15 minutes or until light golden. Stand on trays for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
• Pipe different colors of edible icing on the edges of the stars to make your tree look colorful!

ASSEMBLY:

• Place a 9cm star onto a flat surface. Spoon a little melted chocolate onto centre of star. Top with a second 9cm star, turning top star slightly so it is at an angle to first star. Repeat with a third 9cm star. Repeat with 3 x 7cm stars then with 3 x 5.5cm stars.
• Make a stable Christmas Tree!

NOTES:

These trees can be made up to a week in advance. Store in a large airtight container in a cool place. Dust with icing sugar just before placing onto table. They make a great gift idea. After dinner wrap them in clear cellophane and give to your guests to take home.