Cornmeal Stars with Orange Glaze


A lovely cross between a sugar cookie and shortbread, the taste of these Cornmeal Stars with Orange Glaze reminds me of a sweet scone. The cornmeal gives an enjoyable, slightly chewy texture- a bit of a rustic touch. The sweetness and orange flavor are nicely subtle in the cookies themselves, then increase with the addition of the glaze. I preferred the cookies plain, and my husband enjoyed the glazed ones- so I prepared some of each.

While baking, these little stars fill your home with sweet smells of orange, butter, and vanilla. They will be a delicious addition to your holiday celebrations.





Cornmeal Stars with Orange Glaze  Printable Recipe

Makes 58, 3 1/2" cookies

Ingredients:


1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar
2 egg whites
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons orange zest, divided use
5 tablespoons orange juice, divided use
1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 and 3/4 cup all purpose flour
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups powdered sugar



Directions:

1. Beat butter and sugar at medium speed in a stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites at high speed until stiff peaks form. On low, beat egg whites into butter mixture, just until blended. Still on low, add egg yolk, 1 and 1/2 tablespoons orange zest, 2 tablespoons orange juice and vanilla to butter/egg white mixture, beating just until blended.
2. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Add to butter mixture in three parts, beating just until blended after each addition. 
3. Divide the dough in half, and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Flatten dough into discs and refrigerate for 8 hours or freeze for 1/2 hour. Dough is very soft and must be chilled before handling.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out one portion of dough on a floured surface with a floured rolling pin to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes with floured cookie cutters and place cut outs on parchment lined cookie sheets (or roll dough directly onto parchment paper, cut out cookies and remove trimmings. Place parchment paper onto cookie sheet and bake). Re-roll trimmings for additional cookies. Keep dough refrigerated between rollings.
5. Bake for about 10 to 11 minutes or until just starting to brown. Cool cookies on cookie sheet for 5 minutes, then remove cookies to wire racks until completely cooled.
6. For orange glaze/frosting, combine remaining 1/2 tablespoon zest, remaining 3 tablespoons orange juice, and powdered sugar in a medium bowl, whisking until smooth. (Add a little more sugar to make the frosting thicker, if you like, or add a few drops of orange juice if you'd like it to be thinner). Spread topping on stars. Place cookies on wire racks until topping is set, about half an hour or so, depending on how thick it is. 




Cooks notes: The original source showed the cookies with frosting. Following the recipe exactly, mine made more of a glaze, which we ended up really liking- it's a little lighter, and you can see the pretty flecks of zest.




Merry Christmas!



Cornmeal Stars may have been taken to some of these fun parties!

Recipe from Simply Sweet Best Christmas Cookies and More magazine, 2013


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81 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Lulu! I have always loved stars. :)

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  2. Oh, I do like what Miss Joy gave us on the first day of Bloggy Christmas! What a fun feature! I will be sure to check daily. These look so good and are really pretty.

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    1. I'm so glad you liked the cookies and the 12 Days feature! :) I had so much fun making (and sampling) these little stars! :)

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  3. Joy, your cornmeal stars with orange glaze looks gorgeous and I can already imagine smelling the fragrant buttery, orangey and vanilla-y flavours in your home. Awesome treat for Christmas!!

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    1. Grace, thank you for your sweet comment- they really do smell incredible. I think they may be my favorite Christmas cookie! :)

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  4. Joy, These sound absolutely amazing! I can't remember ever being so excited to make a cookie. These are going to be part of my holiday baking this year. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!

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    1. Kris, when I read the recipe, I knew right away that I had to make them- I got really excited about making them, too! :) I think that they are just different enough that it sets them apart in a really good way.

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  5. Awe..your stars are so simple and elegant!

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    1. Lynn, thank you so much! I think their simplicity is what appealed to me. :)

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  6. These look amazing and I can wait to make them! Cornmeal in bake goods is ageless…many times used when there was not enough flour or used in recipes to stretch the floor. It became such a part of recipes that today we just love to use it in them…sharing a little thoughts from my kitchen!

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    1. Kay, I'm so glad you added a little history- you know I love that! :) I like that the cornmeal gives a touch of rustic homeyness to these little stars. If you try them, I hope you enjoy them as much as we did! :)

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  7. I bet these smell amazing and taste even better!

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    Replies
    1. Pristine, they really do- we enjoyed them! Thank you for visiting! :)

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  8. Those are so pretty and I love all things orange! I have to make 12 dozen cookies of a Cookie Exchange Party and this might be perfect. Thanks Joy!

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    1. I love orange (all citrus, really), too! The orange is so tangy and fresh, it really brightens things up! You have your hands full with 12 dozen cookies! I hope you blog about them- I'd love to see some of them! :)

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  9. Hi Joy,
    Stopping by from STS this Sunday afternoon to find your precious stars! Christmas is just right here and your cookies would sure be a great addition. Have a good week and thanks for sharing.
    Miz Helen

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! Happy Sunday to you, Miz Helen! I am glad to see you, and it’s nice to have a visit. :)

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  10. Hi Joy! These sound absolutely delicious and look just beautiful! I definitely want to try these! Thanks so much for sharing your recipe and pinning! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and great weekend! Hugs! xoxo

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    1. Cindy, thank you for your sweet comment! I really enjoyed making them. I have always loved stars of all kinds, so these were extra fun for me! :)

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  11. hi Joy! i'm sharing the bloggy days with you and Krista! these stars are sooo pretty and sound so refreshingly different to put on a christmas cookie tray. thanks so much for sharing :>D

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    Replies
    1. Lisa, isn't the 12 Boggy Days of Christmas fun? I am very excited to be a part of it with you! Thank you so much for coming by- I am so looking forward to seeing what you share on your day! :)

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  12. I saw these on Lisa's Hooplapalooza site and just had to comment there, bragging about how I am already a fan and follower of yours. I love the way you tied them up with ribbon to make a really sweet (in every way!) little gift!
    Merry Christmas, Joy!

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    Replies
    1. You are awesome- thank you so very much for your kind words! I am such a fan of What Happens at Grandma's that they mean a lot. :) I had a blast making these cookies and dressing them up! Merry Christmas to you and yours! :)

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  13. What a great idea, using cornmeal for cookies. And, your photos of the cookies tied up with ribbons are beautiful!

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    Replies
    1. Carol, that's what first drew me to these cookies- the cornmeal (well, and the orange!). Thank you for your sweet compliment about the photography- I had fun dressing them up! ;)

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  14. As usual, you have the BEST recipes! These look delicious!
    ~ xxoo
    Michelle

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    Replies
    1. Your are such a sweet bloggy friend, Michelle- thank you so much. :)

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  15. These are so pretty, Joy! And I just love orange. Trying these for sure, and pinning so our followers can find your awesome recipe too!
    Jamie @ Coffee With Us 3

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    Replies
    1. Jamie, thank you- I am a big fan of orange, too. If you try them, I hope you love them! Thank you for coming by, and for visiting! :)

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  16. Joy, those are so lovely and I love orange zest so they are probably tasty as well! I'm going to pin them so I can try to make them during the holidays. :)

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    1. Marie, thank you- I love almost anything with orange or lemon zest! We really did enjoy these- if you try them I hope you like them! Thank you for the party and for pinning! :)

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  17. Thanks so much for linking up at The Wednesday Roundup! Looks amazing, just pinned!! Angela @ http://lemoinefamilykitchen.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for hosting, and for pinning, Angela! :)

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  18. These look absolutely delectable. I can't wait to try them.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lisa! I love stars! :) Thank you for coming by!

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  19. These cookies are gorgeous! I have never heard of cornmeal cookies before. Pinning this! I'm stopping by from The Weekly Creative link party. Have a wonderful day!
    Katie

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Katie- I had never made cornmeal cookies before, but I'm a fan now! :) Thanks for coming by, and for pinning!

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  20. Hi Joy, such pretty star cookies you made! Have a nice weekend. I saw it on that's fresh friday!
    Julie

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    Replies
    1. Julie, many thanks! Fresh Friday is fun, isn't it? I wish you a nice weekend, too! :)

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  21. Oh wow! I would've never thought to use orange, but it sounds so yummy! They look beautiful! Thanks for sharing the recipe and linking up to What'd You Do This Weekend! Hope you're having a great day :-) Pinning this!

    --Ashley @ PioneerMomma.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Ashley! I always enjoy What'd You Do This Weekend- you and Linda have a great party! :)

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  22. mmm . . . I know I would love these. Orange zest is the best.

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    1. Jenn, I love orange zest in so many things, and it really puts a lot of flavor into these little stars! Thank you for coming by! :)

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  23. Oh wow. These are beautiful and look delicious, Joy!! Pinning!

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    1. Jen, thank you so much for coming by and for pinning! See you for Saturday Night Fever tonight! :)

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  24. Stopping by from Best of the Weekend and I printed these as a must try!

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    1. Thanks for coming by from the party (it's one of my favorites!!). If you try the cookies, I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! :)

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  25. You always have the best food, recipes and pics. :)(:

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    1. Thank you, sweet Aleshea, and thanks for hosting That's Fresh Friday! :)

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  26. Super cute! Thanks for linking up to check me out saturday!
    iamonly1woman.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Bobbie, and thanks for hosting! :)

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  27. Oh wow, cute, smell nice and edible? on my list to make! Thanks for linking to Snickerdoodle Sunday!!

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    1. Lol! Y'all are so much fun! Thank you for hosting! :)

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  28. These look yummy! Can't wait to try and make some. Stopping by from Check Me Out Saturday Craft Link Party x

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    1. Laura, we really liked them! :) Thank you so much for stopping by from the party!

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  29. I love scones so I know I'll love these sweet little stars. Thank you for linking to the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party. I look forward to seeing you next week.

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    1. Thank you, Cynthia, and thanks so much for hosting In and Out of the Kitchen! :)

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  30. The best of two recipes! Sugar and shortbread are two of my favorite cookies. These are as pretty as I'm sure they are delicious! Thanks so much for sharing with SYC. I'm sure it's not intentional, but I'm not seeing a link back to the party.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Jann, I have a text link on the post to my Parties Page where your party and blog and link are listed. If you want a direct link on the post itself, I will definitely do that with any future shares!! Please just let me know.

      Thank you for coming by, and for hosting Share Your Cup! :)

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  31. I have never thought of cornmeal cookies, but now I can't wait to try them! the star shapes are so perfect too. My cut-out cookies usually look much blobbier. Beautiful job! I'm impressed that you were #1 at Saturday Night Fever again this week. We're so glad to have you :)

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    1. Andi, I hadn't ever seen any cornmeal cookies, either. Once I saw the recipe, I HAD to make them! :) Thank you for coming by, and for hosting Saturday Night Fever!

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  32. Good Morning Joy,
    Your Cornmeal Stars with Orange Glaze look wonderful and a very special Christmas treat. Hope you are staying warm and cozy in this cold weather and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

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    1. Thank you, Miz Helen, I appreciate you coming by. Thank you for hosting Full Plate Thursday! :)

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  33. Delicious cornmeal star cookies, love that glaze, thanks for sharing with hearth and Soul blog hop, I am highlighting it in today's post.

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    1. Swathi, thank you very much! I am so happy that you liked the Cornmeal Stars. Thank you for hosting Hearth and Soul!

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  34. These cookies are gorgeous, Joy! I bet they taste wonderful too. Thanks so much for sharing at our All Things Thursday Blog Hop! I hope you'll be back tonight with more delicious recipes!
    Blessings,
    Nici

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    1. Nici, thank you- we really enjoyed them. :) Thank you for coming by, and for hosting All Things Thursday!

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  35. G'day! Beautiful Joy!
    Cheers! Joanne
    Viewed as part of the Foodie Friends Friday Christmas Cookie Exchange
    @mickeydownunder

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    1. Thank you, Joanne, and thanks for hosting Foodie Friends Friday! :)

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  36. Hi Joy, just hopping back to let you know that I will be featuring you at SYC later today.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Oh, what a great surprise- thank you, Jann! I can't wait- see you soon! :)

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  37. Joy, these star cookies are delightful. They look yummy, and so pretty. I love the festive way you've photographed them. Like something out of a magazine. Move over Martha Stewart!

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    1. LOL- thank you, Nancy! Somehow, I don't think Martha is too worried, but I appreciate the sweet compliment! I had so much fun staging them! ;)

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  38. Oh, these sound SO fun, Joy, and I love how you describe them as a cross between sugar cookies and shortbread. Because those two are my favorites, especially around this time of year, and I think it's definitely necessary for me to make these now. :)

    Thanks, again, for sharing the recipe and participating in Christmas Cookie Week! I so appreciate your support AND lovely recipes!

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    1. Thank you, Erin! These may be my favorite cookies that I have made this year. The cornmeal and orange zest intrigued me, and wow- they really are good! I enjoyed Christmas Cookie Week- thank you for hosting it!

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  39. I love all citrus so the topping is perfect, and tied with that ribbon...LOVE.

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  40. Thank you for sharing at the Cookie swap party, pinned! xo

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  41. The orange glaze.....YUM!!!! These sound like such a delicious little treat!

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  42. Thank you so much for sharing at my Holiday Best party. They were featured for today here: http://www.tumbleweedcontessa.com/blog/holiday-best-features/. I love the picture and I need to make these up so I can taste them.

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