Matariki Star Cookies recipe –

* Pihikete Whetū *

Making Matariki star cookies with intention to share with whānau and friends is just a bit special. These Matariki cookies are great to make in the classroom, playgroup, or home – measure, mix, roll, then shape with cookie cutters makes this an extra fun activity for small hands.

I like to think of my children sharing these cookies with their elders or friends, or even better: making them altogether!

This Matariki star cookies recipe has the addition of citrus zest, bringing in a taste of the season that is perfect for a Matariki Winter celebration!

⭐ This year, the Matariki holiday is on 12th July 2026.

Perfect to make during the term as students learn about Matariki, or during the school holidays as part of a Mataraiki feast! 

RECIPE –

Matariki Star Cookies

MAKES APPROX. 20

Ingredients

FOR COOKIES

• 170g butter, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tsp lemon or orange juice
• 1½ cups Flour
• ¾ cup Cornflour
• Zest of 1 lemon or orange

TO DECORATE

• 1/2 block dark chocolate
• Sprinkles (optional)

Method

COOKIES:

1. Cream the butter, sugar and vanilla, until light and fluffy.
2. Add lemon or orange for a zesty taste.
3. Sift cornflour and flour into the creamed mixture, combining to form a soft dough. Roll into a ball shape then place onto a baking tray lined with bakign paper.
4. Use a rolling pin, roll dough out until approx. ½ cm thick. Cover dough and chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes
5. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
6. Remove chilled dough and use a star shaped cookie cutter to cut the dough into shapes. Place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until golden. Cool for a minute then remove from tray, transferring the cookies onto a cooling rack.

DECORATING:

1. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate, stirring until it becomes smooth and runny.
2. Place the cooled cookies back onto the baking tray, ensuring they are placed close together.
3. Drizzle the melted chocolate diagonally across each cookie. Before the chocolate sets, add sprinkles to decorate, if desired.

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