Mürbeteigsterne Shortbread Stars

Intro:
Indulge in the charming taste of the holiday season with these delightful Mürbeteigsterne Shortbread Stars. Originating from Austria, these buttery and crumbly cookies are perfect for festive gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a thoughtful homemade gift for your loved ones. With a hint of sweetness and a sprinkle of holiday cheer, these beautiful shortbread stars will surely become a favorite in your Christmas baking repertoire.

Recipe: Mürbeteigsterne Shortbread Stars

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Add the cold and cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Drizzle the pure vanilla extract over the crumbly mixture and gently knead the dough together until it forms a smooth ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the shortbread stars from the dough.
6. Carefully transfer the shortbread stars to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced apart.
7. Bake the Mürbeteigsterne Shortbread Stars in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove the shortbread stars from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the shortbread stars have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
10. Store the Mürbeteigsterne Shortbread Stars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or package them in a festive tin for gift-giving.

These Mürbeteigsterne Shortbread Stars are a delightful addition to your holiday baking traditions. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery goodness make them a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or to share with friends and family during the festive season. Remember, the key to success with these shortbread stars is to use cold butter and handle the dough gently for a tender and crumbly result. Let the aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your home and bring joy to all who have a taste of these delightful Austrian Christmas treats!