Star Cookie Pops

 

2

cups granulated sugar

1

cup shortening

3/4

cup butter or margarine, softened

1

teaspoon grated lemon peel

1

egg

3 1/2

cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1

teaspoon baking powder

1/4

teaspoon salt

About 12 craft sticks (flat wooden sticks with round ends)

1/2

cup powdered sugar

1/4

teaspoon vanilla

1

to 1 1/2 teaspoons hot water

Betty Crocker® decorating icing (from 4.25-oz tube), if desired

Assorted candies and Betty Crocker® assorted candy sprinkles and sugars, if desired

• 1 Heat oven to 325°F. In large bowl, beat granulated sugar, shortening, butter, lemon peel and egg with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt.
• 2 On lightly floured surface, roll half of dough at a time 1/4 inch thick. Cut with 6- to 8-inch star-shaped cookie cutter (or make your own 6- to 8-inch cardboard star pattern, place on dough and cut around pattern with small sharp knife). On ungreased cookie sheet, place cutouts 2 inches apart. Carefully insert 1 inch of craft stick into side of each cookie.
• 3 Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until light brown. Cool slightly; carefully remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• 4 In small bowl, mix all glaze ingredients until smooth and thin enough to drizzle. Spread glaze over cookies. Decorate as desired with icing and candies.