Make the holidays a little sweeter

FALLBROOK – What would the holidays be without platters full of homemade cookies? It's that time of year for pulling out favorite recipes and filling the house with delicious aromas and delectable treats.

This recipe for "Stareos" from "Classic Stars Desserts" (Chronicle Books) by Emily Luchetti adds a gourmet spin to a popular chocolate sandwich cookie.

Stareos

Makes 18 cookies

Chocolate Shortbread

11/2 cups all-purpose flour

Pinch of kosher salt

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

8 ounces (16 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1Ú2-inch pieces

1/2 cup granulated sugar

Flour for...