Cookie table settings

These shortbread stars are a great way to welcome guests to the table.

• 125g butter, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup (70g) caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cups (115g) plain flour
• 2 tablespoons rice flour
• Icing sugar mixture, to dust

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 160°C. Use an electric mixer to beat butter, sugar and vanilla in a bowl until pale and creamy. Sift combined flours over the butter mixture and use a wooden spoon to stir until just combined. Turn on to a lightly floured surface and gently knead until smooth.

2. Step 2

   Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Use a rolling pin to roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to a 3mm thick disc. Use a 7cm-diameter star-shaped pastry cutter to cut stars. Use a skewer to push a small hole in the top of each star. Place on the lined trays. Bake, swapping trays halfway through cooking, for 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside on trays to cool. Dust with icing sugar and thread ribbon through each hole.