This lovely little cookie first appeared on my blog back in July when I needed a fun treat for Independence Day, but I thought it would be fun to refurbish the idea with Christmas in mind.
The process really is simple. I took step-by-step photos the first time around, and you can view them on the original blog post.
Cut out the cookies using the larger star-shaped cookie cutter, and then cut a smaller star in the center of each cookie using the small cookie cutter. Using the straw, poke a hole in the top of each cookie.
Place on a cookie sheet lined with a Silpat (aka the most remarkable invention ever.) Put them in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps them retain their shape during baking.
Meanwhile, unwrap red and green Jolly Ranchers and separate into small Ziploc bags according to color. Use a kitchen mallet to break the Jolly Ranchers into small pieces.
Remove the cookies from the freezer and place bits of Jolly Ranchers inside the star-shaped holes in the center of each cookie. It’s ok if there are spaces — the candy will melt and completely fill the hole.
Bake according to your cookie recipe (mine was 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees). Let cool completely and decorate as desired. I piped some royal icing in an outline on the cookies and sprinkled with sanding sugar. A few bits of sanding sugar fell onto the candy center and stuck there. I kind of liked the effect so I dumped even more onto it.
Let the icing dry and string the ribbon through the hole at the top.
Don’t they look pretty hanging there will all the other ornaments?
Happy Holidays!
Don’t miss these yummy holiday cookie recipes!
Christmas Oreos | Stained Glass Cookies | Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Fruitcake Cookies | Snickerdoodles | Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies
LOL. Too funny! I was baking cookies yesterday and DH was singing his own 12 Days of Cookies song. BTW I love these cookies and so do my boys. I make them every year for Christmas!
how does the sugar cookie taste with the jolly rancher?
I am amazingly ALSO a nerd's wife in Texas (only my nerd is not your nerd). I just wanted to say that your presentation is lovely with the light shining through the cookie!
Hi, these look beautiful. How long do they last hanging on the tree before the cookies go soft?
Thank you all! 😀
Lil Mama Stuart – I think they taste great with the Jolly Rancher. 🙂
Abby – I'm not quite sure. This is the first year we've done them. Mine have been up for about a week, but I don't think they'll last much longer. Everyone's eating them! 🙂
Wow, this is genius.. I must get a silpat.. Still using parchment.. shh! 😉
omg i love your 12 days of xmas.. i might try to do all your recipes this holiday as a challenge to make for xmas! keep em comin! they look delicious!