Holiday Star Cookies

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Divide into three portions; cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or until easy to handle.
• Preheat oven to 350°. Roll out one portion between two pieces of parchment paper to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 5-in. star-shaped cookie cutter. Cut out centers with a floured 2-1/2-in. star-shaped cookie cutter. Place larger cutouts 2 in. apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough; reroll small cutouts if desired.
• Place the same color of hard candies in small resealable plastic bags; crush candies. Sprinkle in center of each. Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 2-3 minutes or until candies are set before carefully removing to wire racks.
• In a small bowl, beat meringue powder and water until soft peaks form. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar. Tint icing to match the selected candies. Decorate cookies with icing; sprinkle with edible glitter.