Imagine the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home, setting the scene for a cozy and warm Christmas celebration. In Austrian tradition, Christmas baking holds a special place, bringing families together to create delicious treats to enjoy during the holiday season. One such beloved recipe is the Weihnachtsstangerl, also known as Christmas Sticks. These crunchy and sweet almond cookies are a festive addition to any holiday spread, perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting to friends. Let’s dive into the recipe and capture the essence of Austrian Christmas baking with these delightful Christmas Sticks.
Weihnachtsstangerl Christmas Sticks
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup ground almonds
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– 1 cup raspberry jam
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and ground almonds. Set aside.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
5. Gradually add the flour and almond mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
6. Divide the dough into two equal portions for easier handling.
7. Roll out one portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Using a sharp knife or a fluted pastry wheel, cut the dough into small rectangles, approximately 3 inches long and 1 inch wide.
9. Place the cut-out rectangles on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
10. With a smaller, round piping tip or the back of a wooden spoon handle, gently make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
12. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
13. Once slightly cooled, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
14. Once the cookies are completely cooled, heat the raspberry jam in a small saucepan until smooth and slightly runny.
15. Using a small spoon, carefully fill the center indentation of each cookie with a dollop of warm raspberry jam.
16. Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the cookies for a festive finish.
17. Let the raspberry jam set before serving these delightful Christmas Sticks on a beautiful platter.
These Weihnachtsstangerl Christmas Sticks are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering, offering a perfect balance of sweet almond flavor and fruity raspberry goodness. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of tea by the fireplace or shared with friends at a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to add a touch of Austrian Christmas charm to your celebrations. Embrace the spirit of the season by baking up a batch of these lovely treats and make your Christmas merry and bright!
