Glitter Ball Cookies

December 29, 2010 at 5:15 pm | Posted in cookies & bars, sweet things | 10 Comments

I like sparkly things. Sequins, glitter, rhinestones, metallics…totally mesmerizing. Well, ’tis the season for sparkly things, and for New Year’s Eve, why not make cookies with some bling? These little Glitter Balls are just shortbread rounds dressed up in shimmery sugar. Festive little head-turners…and tasty, too.

Happy New Year!!

Glitter Ball Cookies- makes 12 double cookies
adapted from marthastewart.com

Steph’s Note: While the suggested filling here is flavored with ginger, you can flavor it with anything you wish. I actually made mine almond instead (using extract), but vanilla, lemon and rum are other tasty-sounding options.

for the cookies
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
sanding sugar, in assorted colors

for the filling
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger
1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon honey

-Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment.

-Beat butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, scraping down side of bowl as necessary. Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low; add flour, and mix just until combined. Shape into 3/4-inch balls (chill dough if too sticky).

-Place sanding sugar in shallow bowls. Roll each ball in sanding sugar, and place on baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. If you find that the sugar won’t stick, lightly wet one hand, and roll the cookie first in your hand just to dampen, and then roll in sugar.

-Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until edges are lightly golden, 15 to 18 minutes. let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

-While the cookies cool, make the filling by beating all ingredients by hand or with an electric mixer on medium high speed until smooth.

– Spread two cookies with just enough filling to allow them to stick together.

10 Comments »

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These look tasty and easy to make! Thanks for the recipe!

Comment by yummychunklet— December 29, 2010 #

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I love these!! I too love sparkly stuff (I used to wear glitter out clubbing back in the day ;)).

Comment by Emma— December 29, 2010 #

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Absolutely stunning! Martha never disappoints, does she?

Comment by Arlene— December 29, 2010 #

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These cookies are so festive and perfect for a New Year’s party!

Comment by Lisa@ButteryBooks— December 29, 2010 #

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nice and yummy

Comment by snooky doodle— December 30, 2010 #

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Wow, these are gorgeous! They remind me of fancy Xmas ornaments. How fun!

Comment by Kori— December 30, 2010 #

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These look so pretty! What a great edible gift idea. Edible jewelery anyone? Not sure if I’ve seen glitter like that here but if I find some, I’m coming back to this recipe.

Comment by Y— January 1, 2011 #

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WoW! these cookies looks great.. to pretty to eat (:

Comment by Natalie— January 7, 2011 #

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Those look awesome!!! Definitely need to save this recipe for next time I have a party and need a fun dessert!

Comment by Melanie Flinn— January 10, 2011 #

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Eeek! I am just catching up on my GR (I am sooo behind) but I had to comment on these! They are gorgeous! I rarely use any of Martha’s recipes, but this is one I am going to have to try – you did an amazing job, and I can’t wait to try them! I think I may have to tint them and add red/pink sparkles for Valentines Day…thanks for the inspiration!

Comment by doughmesstic— January 13, 2011 #

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