Cinnamon Stars

Introduction

Cinnamon stars are a delightful holiday treat that fills the air with a warm, spicy aroma. These delicious biscuits are not only visually appealing but also incredibly flavorful. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, they make an ideal addition to any festive gathering. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating these exquisite cinnamon stars from scratch.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– 250g all-purpose flour
– 100g powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 large egg
– 100g unsalted butter, softened
– A pinch of salt
– Optional: Icing sugar for dusting

Prep Time

The preparation for cinnamon stars takes about 20 minutes, allowing you enough time to mix and assemble all the ingredients needed for these delightful cookies.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cooking time for these cookies is approximately 10-12 minutes. In total, including prep and cooking time, you can expect to spend around 30-35 minutes. This recipe yields around 25 cinnamon stars, making it perfect for sharing. Enjoy these treats fresh out of the oven or stored in an airtight container for later indulgence.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by combining the flour, butter, sugar, and spices in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a mixer to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 2: Add Liquid Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Gradually add this mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it gently for a few minutes until smooth.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 0.5 cm thickness.

Step 6: Cut the Shapes

Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the dough. Gather the scraps, knead them together, and roll out again to cut more stars.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Place the cut-out dough stars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 8: Bake the Stars

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the stars for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Prepare the Icing

While the cookies are cooling, mix powdered sugar with a little water to create a thick icing. Adjust the consistency as needed.

Step 11: Decorate the Stars

Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle or spread the icing over the stars as desired.

Notes

Note 1: Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Note 2: Customize the Icing

Feel free to add food coloring to the icing for a festive touch or sprinkle colored sugar for extra decoration.

Note 3: Flavor Variations

Experiment with other spices, such as nutmeg or vanilla extract, to add different flavors to the dough.

Note 4: Serving Suggestions

These cookies can be enjoyed on their own or served alongside hot beverages like tea or coffee.

Cook techniques

Measuring Ingredients

Ensure all ingredients are measured accurately for the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your cinnamon stars.

Mixing Dough

Combine the dry and wet ingredients thoroughly, but avoid over-mixing to achieve a tender dough.

Rolling and Shaping

Roll the dough out evenly and use star-shaped cookie cutters for uniform shapes and presentation.

Baking

Preheat the oven to the required temperature and bake until the edges are lightly golden for optimal texture.

Cooling

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent sogginess before serving or decorating.

FAQ

Can I substitute the flour used in this recipe?

Yes, alternative flours can be used, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

How should I store the cinnamon stars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, these cookies can be frozen for up to three months; just ensure they are well-wrapped.

What can I use as a glaze for the cookies?

A simple icing made from powdered sugar and water or milk can be used for glazing.

Is there a way to make the cookies more festive?

You can add colored sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the glaze for a festive touch.

Conclusion

The cinnamon stars are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the warmth of cinnamon with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Their festive appearance makes them an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift for loved ones. With their rich flavor and appealing look, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite in any household.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Cinnamon Roll Cake

A delicious twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, this cake is perfect for breakfast or dessert. Its rich, gooey topping makes it an irresistible treat.

Spiced Apple Crisp

Combine cinnamon stars with a warm apple crisp for a comforting dessert. The crunchy topping and soft apples pair excellently with the cinnamon flavors.

Cinnamon Coffee Muffins

Start your day with these flavorful muffins that infuse your morning coffee with the sweet and spicy taste of cinnamon. They are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate infused with cinnamon for a cozy beverage to pair with your cinnamon stars. This combination is perfect for chilly evenings.

Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips

For a light snack, try baking pita chips coated in cinnamon sugar. These crispy treats can be enjoyed alongside the sweet cinnamon cookies for an added crunch.

Cinnamon Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a scoop of cinnamon vanilla ice cream with your cinnamon stars for a delightful dessert. The creamy texture and flavors complement each other beautifully.