Every year we host a New Year's Eve Party with a theme. Last year was "Starry, Starry Night". Everything (food, dress and decorations!) related to stars. This cookie was a hit with everyone. Try substituting pecans for the walnuts.
INGREDIENTS (for 1 servings):
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 1/4 cups ground walnuts
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/8 teaspoon maple flavored extract
PREPARATION:
Sift together 1 1/3 cups flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder. Set aside. Cream 1/4 cup butter or margarine. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, creaming well. Blend in 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1/8 teaspoon salt and unbeaten egg. Gradually add the flour and baking soda mixture, mixing thoroughly.
To Make Nut Filling: Combine 1 1/4 cups walnuts or pecans, ground or chopped very fine, 1/3 cup sugar and 1/16 teaspoon salt. Add 1 Tablespoon melted butter, 2 Tablespoons water and 1/16 teaspoon maple flavoring. Mix thoroughly.
Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with star-shaped cookie cutter. Place a teaspoonful of Nut Filling in the center of each star. Bring the 5 points upright; starting at the base, pinch sides together so points stand up, allowing filling to show. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) 7 to 10 minutes until light golden brown.